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Lakewood, CO Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section: LMC § 6.03.010(A)-(D)
Covers: Dogs and other animals, EXCEPT cats
Habitual offender: 3+ at-large incidents in 12 months
Minimum impoundment hold: 5 days
Mandatory impound trigger: 3rd at-large finding in 3 years

Summary

Lakewood makes it unlawful for a dog owner, or the owner of most other animals, to let the animal run at large in the city. Cats are specifically excepted. A dog picked up loose three times in 12 months is deemed a habitual offender and can be cited.

A.It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog or other animal, excepting cats, to permit the same to run at large within the city. As used herein, animal means any animal brought into domestic use so as to live and breed in a tame condition, including but not limited to dogs, other household pets, horses, livestock, and animals generally regarded as farm or ranch animals.B.It is unlawful for any owner of any dog or other animal, excepting cats, to permit any such animal to habitually run at large. For the purposes of this section, "habitually running at large" shall be defined as any animal, harbored at the owner's residence, impounded while at large or any animal which is the subject of a charge of running at large; this must occur a minimum of three times within a twelvemonth period. Any owner may be cited for this violation.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 14 | Zoning Ordinance: ?).

Full Breakdown

010(A) states: "It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog or other animal, excepting cats, to permit the same to run at large within the city," defining "animal" broadly to include household pets, horses, livestock, and farm or ranch animals. Subsection (B) adds a habitual-offender rule: an animal harbored at the owner's residence, impounded while at large, or the subject of an at-large charge three or more times within a 12-month period is "habitually running at large," and the owner may be cited. 030(A)). 030(B)). 035. 080).

Violations & Fines

A first at-large citation subjects the owner to court-ordered boarding and impoundment fees plus any medical expenses (§ 6.03.010(C)), and the court can order confinement upgrades inspected by Animal Control (§ 6.03.010(D)). A third at-large incident within three years triggers mandatory impoundment until the court is satisfied with the owner's confinement measures (§ 6.03.030(B)). Failing to notify Animal Control after trapping a loose animal causing property damage is itself a separate violation under § 6.03.080.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dogs have to be leashed in Lakewood, Colorado?

Dogs cannot be permitted to run at large anywhere in the city under Lakewood Municipal Code § 6.03.010(A), which functions as the city's leash requirement for dogs and most other animals.

Are cats exempt from Lakewood's at-large law?

Yes. Section 6.03.010(A) expressly excepts cats from the running-at-large prohibition that applies to dogs and other domestic animals.

What happens if my dog is picked up running loose in Lakewood?

It can be impounded by Animal Control for a minimum of five days, and the owner is responsible for boarding, impoundment, and any medical costs regardless of whether the dog is redeemed, under § 6.03.030(A).

What if my dog gets loose repeatedly?

Three at-large findings in a 12-month period make the dog a habitual offender subject to citation (§ 6.03.010(B)), and a third finding within three years triggers mandatory impoundment until the court approves the owner's confinement measures (§ 6.03.030(B)).

Sources & Official References

[1]Lakewood Municipal Code § 6.03.010

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