Denver Animal Shelter & Control Guide
Denver Animal Shelter is operated by Denver Animal Protection and serves the City and County of Denver. This guide explains the shelter address, adoption hours, lost-and-found hours, animal control dispatch, adoption fees, lost-pet hold rules, owner surrender basics, and official resources before you visit or call.
Denver Animal Shelter Quick Details
What Denver Animal Shelter and Control Does
Denver Animal Shelter is the City and County of Denver’s full-service, open-admission animal shelter. Denver Animal Protection operates the shelter, reunites lost pets with owners, adopts pets into new homes, enforces Denver animal ordinances, and provides animal care and protection services for Denver County.
The shelter is useful for adoption, lost and found pets, pet redemption, owner surrender, animal protection dispatch, animal bites, barking dog complaints, strays, enforcement, pet licensing, vaccination clinics, shelter programs, donations, volunteering, fostering, and community animal resources.
Denver Animal Shelter Hours
Denver Animal Shelter has separate public schedules for adoptions and lost/found services. Adoption visits must start at least one hour before closing, and meetings may end earlier if the queue is full. Owner redemption and owner surrender paperwork must start 30 minutes before closing.
| Service | Days | Hours | Important Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoptions | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 11 AM to 6:30 PM | Adoption meetings must start at least 1 hour before closing. |
| Adoptions | Tuesday and Thursday | 12:30 PM to 6:30 PM | Adoption visits may stop earlier on busy days. |
| Adoptions | Saturday and Sunday | 9 AM to 4:30 PM | Start meetings at least 1 hour before closing. |
| Lost and Found | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 11 AM to 6:30 PM | Redemption and surrender paperwork must start 30 minutes before closing. |
| Lost and Found | Tuesday and Thursday | 12:30 PM to 6:30 PM | Allow time for proof, fees, paperwork, and staff review. |
| Lost and Found | Saturday and Sunday | 11 AM to 4:30 PM | Arrive earlier if reclaiming a pet. |
| Field Services | Daily | General response hours: 8 AM to 8 PM | After hours, on-call officers may respond to emergencies based on dispatch review. |
Denver Animal Shelter Adoption Process
Denver Animal Shelter asks visitors to come prepared to adopt the same day. You should search adoptable animals online first, but availability is not guaranteed because the database updates and adoptions can happen quickly.
Denver only allows patrons who are ready to adopt the same day to meet with an animal. You must be able to take the pet home and pay the adoption fee on the day you meet the animal. Pets are not placed on hold to be picked up later, except for limited courtesy-hold situations described below.
- Search online first: Review available pets before visiting, but choose backup options because availability can change quickly.
- Bring proper ID: You need a driver’s license or photo ID with your current address. If your address is outdated, bring proof of current address.
- Be at least 18: Denver requires adopters to be at least 18 years old to complete the adoption process.
- Be ready to adopt today: Only sign in to meet with an animal when you are ready to complete adoption that same day.
- Use the kiosk: Choose “Meet with an Animal,” take a printed ticket, and wait for your number.
- Meet with an adoption counselor: Staff discuss the pet’s needs, your home, medical notes, behavior notes, and fit.
- Complete paperwork: Return to the kiosk for “Complete Adoption Paperwork,” pay the fee, and complete the process.
Denver Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
Denver Animal Shelter lists adoption fees by age and animal type. All dog and cat adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, a microchip, and a one-year pet license. A senior discount is available for adopters age 65 and older.
| Adoption Type | Published Fee | Visitor Note |
|---|---|---|
| Puppies, 2 months to 1 year | $170 | Includes core dog adoption care listed by Denver. |
| Adult dogs, 1 to 5 years | $150 | Fee may differ during temporary adoption specials. |
| Senior dogs, 6+ years | $100 | Senior pets may be a good fit for calmer homes. |
| Kittens, 2 to 5 months | $110 | Bring a safe carrier if you are ready to adopt. |
| Adult cats, 6 months to 6 years | $95 | Ask about personality, medical notes, and transition needs. |
| Senior cats, 6+ years | $65 | A lower listed fee applies for senior cats. |
| Small animals | $15 | Habitat photo may be required for small mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish. |
| Livestock | $50 | Availability and requirements depend on the animal. |
| Senior adopter discount | 50% off | Applies to pet adoptions for adopters age 65 and older. |
Adoption Holds, Dog Meets and Small Animal Habitat Photos
Denver does not place animals on hold to be picked up later. However, if an approved adopter needs a few hours for additional household or family members to meet, including owned dogs, Denver may charge a non-refundable $20 courtesy hold. This hold fee is not applied toward the adoption cost.
Denver allows owned dogs to meet potential adoptable dogs, but it does not conduct cat-on-dog meets. For small mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish, Denver requires a photo of the habitat at the time of adoption. If you do not have the photo, an approved adopter may receive a 24-hour courtesy hold to return with the photo.
Dog Adoption Notes for Denver Visitors
Before adopting a dog, ask about age, size, leash behavior, activity level, medical history, spay/neuter status, behavior notes, and whether the dog needs a specific home setup. Denver’s adoption counselor conversation is designed to help match the pet with your family and lifestyle.
If you rent, confirm pet rules before visiting. Denver has many apartment and rental homes, so breed restrictions, size limits, pet deposits, pet rent, and number-of-pet limits can affect whether you can adopt the dog you want.
Cat, Small Animal and Livestock Adoption Notes
Cat adopters should bring a secure carrier or be ready to transport the cat safely. Ask whether the cat is shy, social, bonded, independent, good with children, fostered, or better suited to a quieter home.
For small mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, or livestock, check the animal’s housing, diet, temperature, enclosure, handling, and veterinary needs before adoption. Denver may require a habitat photo for small animals, reptiles, birds, and fish.
Lost Pets at Denver Animal Shelter
If your pet is missing, search Denver Animal Shelter’s lost-pet database and act quickly. Denver holds lost pets for five calendar days, whether or not they have identification, while owners are contacted when possible. After the five-day hold, animals may be evaluated for the next appropriate outcome.
If you see your animal online, come immediately to the shelter or call 311 / 720-913-1311. Denver also warns about lost-pet scams where callers claim an animal is injured and demand phone payment. Denver Animal Shelter says it does not take payment over the phone.
Denver Animal Control and Animal Protection Dispatch
Denver Animal Protection handles field services such as investigations, enforcement, strays, animal concerns, and animal protection calls. Officer dispatch is available 24/7 at 720-913-2080.
General response hours are listed as 8 AM to 8 PM daily. Outside those hours, on-call officers may be available for emergency situations. Dispatch determines whether to page an on-call Animal Protection Officer, send Denver Police, or hold the call until business hours.
Owner Surrender at Denver Animal Shelter
Denver Animal Shelter accepts animals from residents of the City and County of Denver when owners have exhausted other options. Denver states that no appointment is required and there is no relinquishment fee.
The shelter asks owners to bring proof of ownership, such as veterinary records, adoption paperwork, or microchip information. This can reduce the pet’s length of stay because staff have more accurate history and ownership details.
What to Bring Before Visiting Denver Animal Shelter
- Driver’s license or photo ID with current address.
- Proof of current address if your ID is outdated.
- Payment method for adoption or redemption fees.
- Pet name, animal ID, or screenshots from the online listing.
- Current household members or owned dog if staff may require a meet.
- Carrier for cats or small animals.
- Leash, collar, harness, or crate plan for dog adoption.
- Habitat photo for small mammals, reptiles, birds, or fish.
- Proof of ownership if reclaiming or surrendering a pet.
- Photos, veterinary records, license details, microchip records, or adoption paperwork for lost-pet cases.
Common Mistakes Visitors Should Avoid
- Arriving too late for adoption: Animal meetings must start at least one hour before closing and may stop earlier if the queue is full.
- Expecting a later pickup hold: Denver requires adopters to be ready to take the pet home and pay the adoption fee the day they meet the animal.
- Forgetting proof of address: Adoption requires photo ID with current address or supporting proof.
- Bringing cats for dog introductions: Denver only allows owned dogs to meet potential adoptable dogs; it does not do cat-on-dog meets.
- Waiting too long on a lost pet: Lost pets are held for five calendar days, so act quickly.
- Paying a lost-pet scammer by phone: Denver Animal Shelter does not take payment over the phone for emergency surgery claims.
- Starting surrender or redemption paperwork too late: Paperwork must start 30 minutes before closing.
Official Links for Denver Animal Shelter & Control
Use official City and County of Denver pages for current hours, fees, adoptable pets, lost-pet listings, animal protection dispatch, surrender rules, events, licensing, vaccination clinics, and service changes.
Source Verification and Accuracy Note
Independent guide: This page is an informational resource for readers and is not the official City and County of Denver, Denver Animal Protection, or Denver Animal Shelter website. It is designed to help visitors quickly understand adoption hours, lost/found rules, address, phone numbers, dispatch, adoption fees, surrender basics, and planning steps before using official resources.
Official sources checked before writing: Denver Animal Shelter main page, Contact/Hours page, Adoption Process & Fees page, Lost Pets Online page, Surrender Your Pet page, and related City and County of Denver animal shelter resources. Always confirm current hours, closures, fees, queue status, animal availability, and service rules directly with Denver Animal Shelter before visiting.
Visitor Snapshot: Who Should Use This Shelter?
Frequently Asked Questions
Denver Animal Shelter is located at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223.
For general inquiries, dial 311 or call 720-913-1311. For Animal Protection officer dispatch, call 720-913-2080.
Adoptions are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 AM to 6:30 PM; Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 PM to 6:30 PM; and Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
Adoption visitations must start at least one hour before closing. Meetings may stop earlier on busy days if the queue is full.
Published dog adoption fees are $170 for puppies, $150 for adult dogs, and $100 for senior dogs. Temporary adoption specials may change pricing.
Published cat adoption fees are $110 for kittens, $95 for adult cats, and $65 for senior cats.
All dog and cat adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, a microchip, and a one-year pet license.
Denver holds lost pets for five calendar days. After the five-day hold, animals may be evaluated for the appropriate next outcome.
Yes. Denver states that residents of the City and County of Denver can surrender pets without an appointment and without a relinquishment fee, but proof of ownership is requested.
Yes. Self-service night drop-off kennels are available after hours near the Lost and Found entrance.
Final Takeaway
Denver Animal Shelter is the City and County of Denver’s open-admission shelter at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave. The key details are the 311 / 720-913-1311 general inquiry route, 720-913-2080 Animal Protection dispatch number, separate adoption and lost/found hours, one-hour adoption meeting cutoff, 30-minute redemption and surrender paperwork cutoff, five-day lost-pet hold, and published adoption fee categories for dogs, cats, small animals, and livestock.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.