Code Enforcement Officers are responsible for addressing animal-related issues in the City of Englewood.

Barking Dogs:  Dog owners are responsible for ensuring that their dogs' barking does not create a serious annoyance to the neighborhood. No one may allow their dog to continuously bark, howl, whine, or in any way disturb their neighbors' peaceful enjoyment of their properties. To obtain information on how to keep your dog from barking, please contact Code Enforcement.

Leash Law:  All dogs and cats must be on a leash held by a person who is able to control the animal when off the property of its owner. You are responsible for cleaning up after your dog and cat.

Vaccinations:  All dogs and cats over 6 months of age are required to be vaccinated against rabies.  In addition, all dogs and cats are required to have a collar with a current rabies tag.

Parks with off-leash areas:  Dogs are allowed to be off-leash in five designated parks (provided that they are under reasonable voice control). 

Urban Wildlife:  The Division of Wildlife has jurisdiction over wildlife issues. Animal Control Officers are knowledgeable in this area and can provide guidance in dealing with urban wildlife. As urban areas expand, wildlife is adapting to life in residential and commercial areas. Animals such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and skunks have become common sights in many communities. Wildlife problems can be avoided by storing trash in covered containers and blocking access to areas under porches and sheds that are popular as dens. Keep yards mowed, bushes trimmed, and feed pets inside (or remove pet food at night). These actions also cut down on the food supply and habitat for rodents and insects that are a primary food source for many wild animals. The feeding of wild animals other than Audubon-approved bird feeding is not recommended.

Recently, there have been reports of coyote sightings in the Denver metro area. The Colorado Division of Wildlife has produced a brochure that offers additional information on avoiding conflicts with wildlife:

• Guide to Avoiding Human-Coyote Conflicts (PDF file) 

Who to Contact: 

1. To report a stray dog, injured animal, or other animal-related problem at the time it is occurring, please call Dispatch at 303-761-7410.
2. For information on animal ordinances or to report a prior problem, please call Code Enforcement at 303-762-2335.
3. To locate a lost or impounded animal, please call the Humane Society of the South Platte Valley animal shelter at 303-703-2938. The shelter is located at 2129 W. Chenango Ave. in Littleton. Web site: www.hsspv.org (outside link)
4. To contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife (outside link), please call 303-291-7227.

*The City of Englewood recently made numerous changes to its animal control ordinances, which went into effect on July 21, 2008. More information is available on this downloadable file: Animal Control (PDF file)