Fountain, CO Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

110 requires anyone in Fountain who wants to keep "any animal which is not commonly domesticated, which is not common to North America or which, irrespective of geographic origin, is of a wild or predatory nature" to first obtain a permit from the humane society of the Pikes Peak Region. Small pets are carved out: birds, small rodents and small nonpoisonous reptiles under six feet used for education, experiments or as pets do not need a permit, nor do zoos, circuses or accredited research and teaching institutions.

Applicants apply to the humane society director on a prescribed form and pay a fee set by city council resolution; the director can inspect the premises before deciding whether the animal will be treated humanely and will not endanger the neighborhood or cause a nuisance. A permit runs for one year, must be renewed annually, and cannot be transferred to a new owner. 130 lets the director deny or revoke a permit for a false or misleading application, an animal obtained illegally, an unqualified owner or inadequate facilities, a public health or safety concern, or documented neglect or abuse; anyone denied or revoked must wait six months before reapplying, though a written appeal to city council within ten days lets the animal stay with the owner pending that appeal.