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Fort Collins, CO Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Numeric cap
None for dogs/cats
Standard
Health hazard or neighbor nuisance
Enforcement
Case-by-case after complaint
Poultry rule
Separate numeric scale, § 4-117
Penalty
Civil infraction, up to $2,650

Summary

Fort Collins sets no fixed numeric cap on dogs or cats; instead, Municipal Code § 4-116 bars keeping more pet animals than can be "properly maintained in a healthy condition" without creating a health hazard or a nuisance to neighbors. Chickens and ducks get their own numeric caps under § 4-117.

In no event shall any person keep at his or her premises more pet animals than can be properly maintained in a healthy condition without presenting a health or safety hazard to the owners, keeper or others and without constituting a nuisance to the occupants of neighboring properties.

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 155 | Transitional Land Use Code (for project before May 17, 2024): Supplement 61 | Traffic Code: Supplement 27).

Full Breakdown

" Unlike many cities, Fort Collins does not write a specific numeric limit into this Section; instead, animal control investigates on a case-by-case basis, typically after a complaint, weighing sanitation, odor, noise and space conditions at the property against this health-and-nuisance standard. The Section sits in Division 6, "Restrictions," immediately before § 4-117, which does set an explicit numeric scale for poultry: up to 8 chickens or ducks on a lot under one-half acre, up to 12 on a lot of one-half to one acre, and 6 more birds per additional half-acre beyond that, plus a Humane Society permit, a predator-resistant coop and a 15-foot property-line setback for the enclosure.

Because § 4-116 uses only a health-and-nuisance test for dogs and cats generally, an owner keeping several animals safely and without complaint is not automatically in violation, but a property generating odor, waste or noise complaints can be cited even if the exact number of animals is small.

Violations & Fines

Section 4-116 is not on the § 4-196 misdemeanor exception list, so an over-quantity citation is a civil infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $2,650 under § 1-15(e) plus court costs, and the Municipal Judge may order the nuisance abated, which can include reducing the number of animals kept on the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a maximum number of dogs or cats allowed in Fort Collins?
Not a fixed number. Section 4-116 instead bars keeping "more pet animals than can be properly maintained in a healthy condition" without creating a health hazard or a neighborhood nuisance, so enforcement turns on actual conditions at the property rather than a hard headcount.
How does animal control decide if I have too many pets?
Officers apply the health-and-nuisance test in § 4-116, typically triggered by a complaint, looking at whether the animals are "properly maintained in a healthy condition" and whether conditions like odor, waste or noise are creating a hazard or disturbing neighboring properties.
Does the pet limit rule apply to backyard chickens?
No, chickens and ducks fall under a separate, numeric rule in § 4-117: up to 8 birds on lots under one-half acre, up to 12 on one-half to one acre, and 6 more per additional half-acre, plus a required Humane Society permit and coop setback.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Collins

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsMicrochippingLight RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsBird ProtectionSignificant RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterLight RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsWildlife Rescue PermitsSignificant RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome Restrictions

All Fort Collins rules

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