Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file a complaint?
How should I prepare my pets for emergencies and disasters?
Making a plan for your pets in case of an unexpected emergency or disaster is an important step to take as a responsible pet owner. Click here for tips from FEMA or watch the video clip below to learn more.
What are the procedures for an animal bite?
Colorado Revised Statue 25-4-603 requires all animal bites be reported within twelve (12) hours. If you have been bitten by an animal or your pet has bitten someone Call your local Animal Law Enforcement division immediately (see contact for appropriate phone numbers). If the bite occurs after normal hours of operation and the biting animal is still at large and a threat to public safety, call your local police department or sheriff’s office, or dial 911.
An animal law enforcement officer will contact the owner and victim to complete a bite report and to quarantine the animal. Domestic pets are quarantined for 10 days from the date of the bite or exposure, including the day of the bite or exposure. Quarantines generally require confinement at the owner's home to prevent the animal from wandering or from coming into contact with people or pets that do not live in the same household. Home quarantines are normally permitted unless the owner is unwilling or unable to securely confine the animal during the quarantine period or when there are Dangerous Animal charges filed or pending. If animals are not quarantined at home, they are confined at a veterinary hospital or the animal shelter. Officers determine quarantine sites based on the circumstances of each incident on a case-by-case basis. Home quarantines are not an owner's right, but a courtesy extended to responsible owners. Quarantines at locations other than the owner's home will be at the owner's expenses.
After the 10-Quarantine period has ended, an animal law enforcement officer will follow-up to ensure the animal does not exhibit any signs or symptoms that are consistent with the rabies virus and release the animal from quarantine. This is a matter of public safety and health and must be taken seriously.
What can I do about my pet’s behavioral problems?
Patience and consistency are the keys to successful training and behavior modification, but you must start with good information. We strongly recommend dog obedience lessons for all canines, beginning from puppy-hood. Many excellent trainers work in this area. Consult local dog obedience clubs or contact breed or dog clubs for recommendations. Consult local cat clubs or your veterinarian about behavior modification for cats.
Most pets turned in to shelters are relinquished because of behavior problems, many of which are minor in nature and easily corrected. If you are going to be a responsible pet owner, you must be prepared to take the time to train your pet and maintain that training. Training makes your pet easier to live with, happier, better adjusted and a welcome community member.
Who do I call for dead animal removal?
- Colorado Springs Road Department (719) 385-5934
- El Paso County Road Department (719) 520-6460
- Pueblo Animal Law Enforcement (719) 544-3005
- Centennial Public Works (303) 325-8000
- For dead animal removal on public streets in Douglas County, call Douglas County Sheriff Office (303) 660-7500
- For dead animal removal on Highways or Interstates in Douglas County, call Colorado Department of Transportation (303) 757-9514
What do I do with my deceased animal?
A deceased animal can be taken to your local veterinarian or to your local animal shelter for disposal. We recommend that you contact your veterinarian or the animal shelter before transporting the animals so that they may answer any questions you may have.
How long do you hold animals after impounding them?
Impounded animals must be held for five (5) days after the date it is impounded unless the animal is critically ill or injured. HSPPR Law Enforcement Services vigorously purses reuniting pets with their owners. Licensing your pet and having your pet microchipped assists us with these efforts.
What do I do if I have found or lost a pet?
When your beloved dog or cat strays, it can be a traumatic experience. It is important that you go to your local animal shelter and look through the kennels to see if your missing companion has been turned in or picked up. If you do not see your pet there, be certain to fill out a lost report. Most shelters also have a website on which you can search through impounded animals so make certain that you check regularly.
Remember that proper and accurate identification is critical in assisting with getting your pet back home. Be sure that your contact information on your pet's license and microchip are up to date as sometimes updating such information is easily forgotten during a move.
Where are the Off-Leash parks?
We are fortunate to live in a very pet-friendly region. There are many off-leash dog parks within our communities. Click here for a list of off-leash dog parks in Colorado.