Douglas County, CO Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Hoarding-specific rule
- None; backstops used
- Dog cap
- 4 without approved kennel
- Sanitation
- No accumulated waste (§1.05(3))
- Care standard
- Food, water, shelter required
- Severe neglect
- C.R.S. 18-9-202 cruelty
Summary
Douglas County has no ordinance using the word "hoarding," but pet-number limits and sanitation rules act as a backstop. Keeping more than four dogs without a kennel, or letting waste accumulate in unsanitary conditions, is a Class 2 petty offense; serious neglect is state animal cruelty.
No person shall maintain or permit the maintenance of a doghouse, pen, yard, enclosure, shed, or compartment where dog urine or feces have been allowed to accumulate and where the doghouse, pen, yard, enclosure, shed, or compartment is not in a clean and sanitary condition and free of offensive odors, insects and rodents.
Full Breakdown
Rather than a hoarding statute, Douglas County relies on several rules in Resolution R-998-100. Section 1.05(4) bars keeping more than four dogs of four months or older without an approved kennel. Section 1.05(3) prohibits doghouses, pens, yards, or enclosures where urine or feces accumulate and conditions are not clean, sanitary, and free of offensive odors, insects, and rodents. Section 1.05(5) requires adequate food, water, and shelter for every pet animal. Zoning Section 2402 caps household pets at 4 (or 8 on A-1/LRR). Severe cases of neglect or overcrowding are prosecuted under Colorado's animal-cruelty law, C.R.S. §18-9-202, which can rise to a felony.
Violations & Fines
Unsanitary conditions, exceeding the dog/pet limits, or failing to provide care are Class 2 petty offenses (fine up to $300 each). Serious or repeated neglect is charged as animal cruelty under C.R.S. §18-9-202.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a limit that stops animal hoarding?
Who do I report a suspected hoarding case to?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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