Lafayette Police Department – Animal Control Division
451 N 111th St.
Lafayette, CO 80026

Animal Control is on duty Monday-Thursday 8-6 pm.

Animal Control can be reached at: 303.665.5506 ext. 4133
303.441.4444 (dispatch) annelisas@cityoflafayette.com 

Police Officers handle animal-related calls for service after animal control hours.

Other important contacts:

 Humane Society of Boulder Valley: http://www.boulderhumane.org/  303.442.4030 (opens at 11am)
  *animals found at large and impounded by the City are housed at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley

Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: http://www.greenwoodwildlife.org/  303.823.8455

Colorado Division of Wildlife:  http://www.wildlife.state.co.us/   303.291.7227

Urban Wildlife Rescue:  http://www.urbanwildliferescue.org/   303.340.4911

Boulder County Public Health Department:  www.bouldercounty.org/health/environ/vector/index.htm
303.441.1564

Boulder County Beekeepers Association:  http://www.bouldercountybeekeepers.org/  303-678-6238

All Municipal ordinances can be viewed on the city website: http://www.cityoflafayette.com/.  Animal ordinances are listed in Chapter 25.

Domestic Animals FAQs

Q: As a Lafayette resident, how many dogs and/or cats can I own?
A: Lafayette residents are allowed to have up to 3 dogs and 3 cats per residence.

Q: Does my dog have to be on leash when we go for a walk?
A: Yes; the City’s running at large prohibited ordinance (section 25-61, Running at Large Prohibited) mandates that animals (including cats) must be under physical control (leash or in a pet carrier) at all times when off of their owner’s property.  The only area where dogs are allowed to be off-leash is at the City Dog Park.  Electronic collars are not recognized as appropriate control measures.

Q: Can my cat roam the neighborhood?
A: No; cats, dogs and other pets are prohibited from running at large (section 25-61, Running at Large Prohibited).  Cats must be confined to the owner’s property at all times or be under leash control.

Q: My neighbor’s dog barks constantly.  What should I do?
A: The City does have a barking dog ordinance prohibiting animal owners from allowing their animals to make unreasonable noise or to disturb the peace and quiet of others by barking, whining, howling etc.
 **We encourage neighbors to talk with dog owners directly to try to resolve these types of issues.**
If the problem persists contact Animal Control for assistance.

Q: Do I have to license my dog?
A: Yes, all dogs over 6 months of age must be licensed with the City.   One year and  three year licenses are available at the Police Department, Mountain Ridge Animal Hospital & Jasper Animal Hospital.  A copy of the dog’s rabies vaccine certificate must be provided.  Licenses are valid for a calendar year (January – December).  A 3 year license may only be obtained for a dog that received a 3 year rabies vaccination within 30 days of applying for a license. 

Q: I was bitten by an animal.  Should I report the incident?
A: Yes, in the interest of public safety please contact the Police Department (303.441.4444) for assistance if you are aware of or were the victim of an animal bite.

Q: My pet is lost. What should I do?
A: Contact the Humane Society in Boulder (http://www.boulderhumane.org/  303.442.4030) and place a lost animal report with them, contact Animal Control to report your pet missing and also speak with your neighbors to see if your pet may still be nearby. Check the Humane Society website  also; they post pictures and descriptions of lost and found animals.. 

Q: I found a stray or feral cat/kitten what should I do?
A:  The City only has the resources to assist cats that are sick or injured to the extent that they need immediate medical care.  Otherwise, citizens can take found cats to the Humane Society themselves.

Q: Does the City of Lafayette have a “Pit Bull Ban?”
A: No, there are no breed-specific limitations in Lafayette, however the City does have a very strict vicious animal ordinance that applies to any animal that acts in an aggressive or threatening manner.

Wildlife FAQs

Q: I have an unknown critter living in, under or around my house.  Will the City remove the animal for me?
A: No, the City does not remove nuisance wildlife.  Citizens are encouraged to remove all pet food, bird seed and other attractants from the yard, secure trash cans to prevent animals from accessing it, and remove unnecessary vegetation from the property in an effort to discourage wildlife from taking up residence.  Otherwise, residents are encouraged to contact pest control or wildlife specialists for these types of problems. 

Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center:  http://www.greenwoodwildlife.org/  303.823.8455
Colorado Division of Wildlife:  http://www.wildlife.state.co.us/   303.291.7227

Q: There is a skunk in my window well.  What should I do?
A: The City does NOT assist with skunk problems. Use the information provided below or contact a pest control service for assistance.
Provide a ramp made of a rough surface.  You may need to staple, nail or duct tape a heavy piece of cloth so that the animal can get a good grip.  Place the ramp at an angle so the animal can crawl out.

Alternatives:
1. Use a net with at least a 5 ft pole.  Slowly scoop out the skunk and gently lay the net on the ground so that the skunk can crawl out.
2. Tie a piece of rope to a bucket or pail, then place a small amount of cheese, dried cat or dog food in the bucket.  Using the rope, lower the bucket into the window well and lay it on its side.  When the skunk goes into the bucket slowly stand the bucket up, lift if out and place it on the ground.  Immediately back up slowly until you are about 10-15 feet way.  Then, use the rope to gently pull the bucket towards you.
(Courtesy of Urban Wildlife Rescue)
 
**these tips can also be used for raccoons

Q: Can I trap nuisance wildlife on my property?
A: Contact the Division of Wildlife directly for permission and specific information on the types of animals that can be trapped and relocated. 
Colorado Division of Wildlife:  http://www.wildlife.state.co.us/   303.291.7227
 **The City will not assist with disposing of trapped wildlife.  If you catch it, you are responsible for releasing or removing the animal in a lawful manner.**

Q: I found a dead, wild animal on my property.  What do I do?
A: It is not uncommon to occasionally find dead wildlife on your property.  Wildlife dies for a variety of reasons and 1 dead animal should not cause too much concern.  If you find dead wildlife on your property double-bag the animal and place it in the trash.
 **If you find multiple dead animals, over a short period of time (24-48 hours) contact the Boulder County Public Health Department at 303.441.1564.  There is a possibility that the Health Department will want to test 1 or more of the animals.
 **If you find a dead bat contact Boulder County Health Department (303.441.1564) or the Police Department for assistance (303.441.4444)

Q: I found a bat in my house and/or around my property.  Should I be concerned?
A:  Bats live among us and provide a benefit to humans by eating large quantities of insects.  Occasionally bats will get into houses or be found on the ground.  If a bat is found in the house or near a household pet contact the Boulder County Health Department (303.441.1564) or the Police Department (303.441.4444).  Depending on the circumstances the bat may need to be tested for disease.

Additional resources for bats:
 http://wildlife.state.co.us/About/faq.htm
 http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/Mammals/BatsRabies2.htm
 http://www.coloradobats.org/batinfo.html

Q: I found a baby animal or bird.  What should I do?
A: refer to the following links for information on what to do if you find:

Baby Mammals:

http://www.greenwoodwildlife.org/documents/factsheets/FoundBabyMammal.pdf

BabyBirds: 

http://www.greenwoodwildlife.org/documents/factsheets/FoundBabyBird.pdf

Q: I saw a coyote or fox in my neighborhood.  Should I be concerned?
A: Both coyotes and foxes live in urban environments because they provide the animals with their essential needs; food, water, shelter and space.  These animals are attracted to neighborhoods due to the availability of garbage, pet food and even pets, which coyotes and foxes see as prey. The following list illustrates some of the attractants that draw coyotes and foxes close to people.  Remove these attractants to discourage coyotes and foxes from visiting your property:
- Outdoor pet food or water
- Birdseed or food sources that attract small mammals
- Accessible garbage or compost
- Fallen fruit or berries from trees or shrubs
- Shrubs, woodpiles, decks or any other structure that can provide cover or be used as a den.
http://wildlife.state.co.us/NR/rdonlyres/E288022C-CBE1-4886-84B7-A6C0E8F6AEED/0/CoyoteConflictBrochureFINAL.pdf

Seeing wildlife can be an enjoyable experience and should not necessarily be a cause for concern. Discourage coyotes and foxes from coming onto your property with the suggestions listed above.  Haze wildlife that is frequenting neighborhoods by yelling and/or throwing rocks or sticks towards the animal.  Keep dogs on leash, don’t allow pets to roam (especially at night) and never feed coyotes or foxes.

Report any aggressive or unusual behavior to the Division of Wildlife (303.291.7227).

Additional information on coyotes:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/Mammals/CoyoteCountry.

http://www.bouldercounty.org/health/environ/vector/coyote.htm

Additional information on foxes:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/Mammals/LivingWithRedFox.htm

Q: I saw an injured wild animal. What should I do?
A: In most cases if the animal is still mobile and able to survive in the condition it is in the City will not take action.  If the animal is gravely injured, a threat to public safety or easily captured the City may respond with appropriate action (transfer the animal to a certified wildlife rehabilitator or humanely euthanize the animal, for example).

Q: I found a snake on my property. What should I do?
A: Occasionally you will find a snake on your property. The 2 most common types of snakes encountered in Lafayette are the Garter Snake and the Bull Snake; both species are non-venomous. Snakes are beneficial to humans because they eat rodents and insects.  Occasionally Bull Snakes are mistaken for rattlesnakes because they mimic rattlesnakes by beating their tails on the ground.  Look carefully at the snake’s tail.  Does it have a rattle?  If not, it’s not a rattlesnake and is likely a Bull Snake.

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garter_Snake
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bull_Snake

If you find a snake, leave it alone, provide an escape route and it will likely go on its way. Snakes can be found throughout the City but are more likely to be seen in neighborhoods bordering open spaces, golf courses or parks.

Some tips to discourage snakes from making your property their home (courtesy of the Division of Wildlife):
• Do not landscape with expanses of large rocks, especially in open sunny areas.
• Mow weeds and vegetation, and remove rocks, boards and debris.
• Reduce the rodent population on your property to reduce a major food source for snakes.
• Seal entrances to crawl spaces and basements.

Q: I have a bee hive on my property that I need or want to be removed.  Will the City remove it for me?
A: No, the City does not provide this service.  Instead, contact: http://www.bouldercountybeekeepers.org/ 303.678.6238 for assistance.