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Adams County, CO Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

State cruelty law
CRS 18-9-202 (adopted by county)
Neglect defined
No food, water, shelter, care
Impound
Allowed for endangered victims
County penalty
Up to $300 / 10 days jail
Enforced by
Animal Management / Bureau of Animal Protection

Summary

Neglecting, abandoning or mistreating animals is unlawful in Adams County under its Animal Control Code and Colorado's cruelty statute. Officers may impound neglected animals, and hoarding conditions are addressed through these cruelty and neglect provisions.

City-specific rules exist: Thornton, and Westminster have their own pet limits rules that differ from Adams County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

"Neglect" means failure to provide food, water, protection from the elements, or other care generally considered to be normal, usual, and accepted for an animal's health and well-being consistent with the species, breed, and type of animal.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The Adams County Animal Control Code adopts Colorado's cruelty law (CRS § 18-9-202): it is unlawful to knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence deprive an animal of necessary sustenance, neglect, abandon, torture or otherwise mistreat it. "Neglect" means failing to provide food, water, shelter from the elements or normal care for the animal's health. An Animal Management Officer with probable cause may take possession of and impound an animal that is a cruelty victim and is endangered if left with its owner; a suffering, severely injured or diseased animal may be euthanized. Hoarding situations, where too many animals lead to neglect, are enforced under these cruelty and neglect provisions.

Violations & Fines

Cruelty/neglect is a petty offense under the county code ($300 fine and/or 10 days jail) and can be charged criminally under CRS § 18-9-202. Animals may be impounded and owners billed for care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report animal hoarding or neglect in Adams County?
Contact Adams County Animal Management. Officers can investigate, and where cruelty or neglect endangers the animals, they may impound them under the Animal Control Code and state cruelty law.
Can officers seize neglected animals?
Yes. With probable cause that an animal is a cruelty victim and endangered if left with its owner, an Animal Management Officer may impound it; severely suffering animals may be euthanized.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Adams County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksHeavy RestrictionsFire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningHeavy Restrictions

All Adams County rules

Compare Adams County to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview

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Pet Limits in Cities Across Adams County

Thornton, COWestminster, CO