Fort Collins, CO Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Section 4-31 of the general Municipal Code (not the Land Use Code) puts the licensing duty on "the owner or keeper of any dog or cat kept within the City," who must secure a license "within fourteen (14) days of acquiring possession" from the City or the Larimer Humane Society and keep it current at all times. Two defenses appear in the same subsection: the owner had not yet lived in Fort Collins for 30 days, or the animal was four months of age or younger when cited.

Section 4-32 requires the applicant to show proof of rabies vaccination under § 4-51 and to apply for a renewal each year, while § 4-33 fixes the license term at one year from the month of purchase, with renewals running from the prior expiration date. Every licensed dog or cat must wear a collar or harness carrying its license tag under § 4-34, and a lost tag can be replaced through the City or Humane Society for a fee; unlicensed animals still must carry an owner-identification tag.

Fees are set by the City Manager on the Humane Society's recommendation under § 4-36, which also waives the fee for a guide or service dog for a blind, deaf or physically disabled person. The Humane Society keeps the official licensing records under § 4-35. §§ 35-80-101 through 117 from the individual licensing duty.