Jefferson County, CO Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Jefferson County adopted a substantially revised Animal Control Regulation by Resolution CC24-042 (adopted Jan. 30, 2024; effective March 10, 2024), found in the Policy Manual at Part 3, Chapter 5, Section 1. The Sheriff's Office is the Policy Custodian, and the Animal Control Unit operates within the Sheriff's Office. Section A.9 defines 'control' as physical control by a leash, cord, or chain no longer than 10 feet, with limited exceptions for dogs working livestock, retrieving wild game in season, or assisting law enforcement. Section A.15 defines 'dog at large' as a dog off the owner's premises, not under control, with the owner not in sight. Section A.29 defines 'off leash' as a dog off the owner's premises and not under control but with the owner present and in visual sight. Section D.1.a makes 'dog at large' a Petty Offense; D.1.f makes 'dog off leash' a Petty Offense; D.1.b and D.1.g escalate to Class II Misdemeanor when the at-large or off-leash dog bites a person causing bodily injury. Section C.1 requires a license for every dog over 4 months residing in or kept in unincorporated Jefferson County for 30 cumulative days within a 365-day period; rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian within the prior 365 days is required. Licensing fees are set by Board of County Commissioners resolution; the County-Wide Licensing Administrator (Foothills Animal Shelter) handles licensing. Section D.3 covers habitual barking dogs: a written warning is issued first, and after a 3-day cure period, a citation may issue if two complaining witnesses from separate households (or one if only one residence is in the immediate area) sign complaints and will testify. State authority is C.R.S. 30-15-101 to -105 and 30-15-401(1)(e). Off-leash exemptions exist only in BCC-approved designated park, HOA, Open Space, or U.S. Forest Service trail areas (Sections G-I).