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1. How do I obtain a dog tag (license)?

You can purchase a dog license at Foothills Animal Shelter by calling 303-278-7577. The Animal Shelter is located at 580 McIntyre Street Golden, CO 80401. Dog licenses are also available at City Hall. Stop by Records between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. M-F. Your local veterinary office can also provide a license. Please contact your veterinarian for more information. NOTE: In addition to the processing fee, proof of your dog’s current rabies vaccination is required to obtain a dog license.

for a license...

2. Can my dog run unleashed in Wheat Ridge?

Dogs can not run loose in Wheat Ridge. All dogs in public areas within the City of Wheat Ridge must be leashed at all times. This includes public parks and open space areas. Dog owners face issuance of a warning notice and/or municipal summons if involved in the violation.

Unattended dogs may be impounded as a leash law violation. A dog is considered unlawful if it freely leaves a confined private property and proceeds unattended into the public right-of-way or surrounding properties. Cats are devoid of this enforcement, regardless of domestic or stray status.

3. How can I register a barking dog complaint?

Contact the police non-emergency telephone number at 303-237-2220 or the Community Services Team at 303-235-2926.

4. How can I best answer my questions on owning animals in Wheat Ridge?

I recommend each animal owner review the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws; Chapter 4 Animals section regarding city ordinances on animal control, enforcement and protection. Specific questions may be addressed by contacting the Community Services Team (animal control).

5. Who do I call for code enforcement issues?

For code enforcement complaints, you can contact the Wheat Ridge Police Department non-emergency number at 303-237-2220. Similarly, you may also contact the Community Services Team (code enforcement) with questions or concerns regarding codes.

Muncipal codes enforced by the Community Services Team include: Chapter 15 Nuisances; Chapter 16 Misc. offenses against public safety; Chapter 17 Parks and recreation; Chapter 24 Vegetation; and Chapter 26 Zoning specific to residential parking. In all cases, a Community Services Team officer will be dispatched to investigate the complaint in a timely manner.

6. What happens when code violations are found?

The Community Services Team will investigate all complaints to determine any unlawful activity relating to the previously listed city ordinances. If violations are identified, a Community Services Team officer will mail and/or post the property with a Notice of Violation for the property owner and/or occupant. Failure to meet instructed compliance procedures can result in the issuance of an Administrative Citation.

Additionally, failure to heed citation notification compliance can result in the assessment of abatement costs or a property tax lien attached to the unlawful property. The property will be monitored to expedite clean-up compliance given ‘due process’ notification to a current responsible owner.

7. What types of code violations are enforced within Wheat Ridge?

The Wheat Ridge Code of Laws can be reviewed to help understand the current ordinances enforced. Specific questions or concerns will be addressed in a timely manner by contacting the Community Services Team.

8. What are public parks hours of use?

Parks shall normally be open from 5:00 am until 10:00 pm and normally closed from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am, except for activities and events sponsored by the department or authorized by permission of the director. The parks are monitored and patrolled at all hours.

9. How do I plan park events?

The Parks Director should be contacted to determine permits relating to any use or accommodation of any park or recreation facility within the city. The director or Community Services Team officer may restrict or remove any user, individual or group for unlawful violation of any existing park rules or regulation. The parks are routinely monitored and patrolled, extensively during larger scheduled events.

10. What park rules are enforced by the Community Services Team?

The Community Services Team fully enforces Chapter 17 Parks and recreation ordinances throughout all public city parks, greenbelt and open space areas within Wheat Ridge. Chapter 4 Animal ordinances do apply within the same public use areas. All public parks, greenbelts and open space areas are routinely monitored and patrolled.