Denver follows Colorado HB20-1084, prohibiting retail pet stores from selling commercially bred dogs and cats. Pet stores may only offer rescue and shelter animals for adoption. DRMC chapter 8 requires pet store licensing through Denver Animal Protection.
Colorado House Bill 20-1084 (effective 2021) prohibits pet stores statewide from selling dogs and cats sourced from commercial breeders or breeding mills. Stores may only display dogs and cats for adoption from registered animal rescues, animal shelters, or municipal animal services. Denver enforces alongside DRMC chapter 8 pet shop licensing through Denver Animal Protection (DAP). Pet stores must keep records of every animal's source, vaccination history, and adoption fee. Sales of small animals, reptiles, fish, and birds remain legal but are subject to DRMC humane-care standards. CDA Bureau of Animal Protection inspects under C.R.S. 35-80-101 statewide pet care licensing rules. Online sales of puppies are also restricted.
Selling commercially bred puppies or kittens at a Denver pet store violates HB20-1084 with civil penalties up to $1,000 per animal plus DAP license suspension. Failing to keep source records is a separate DRMC chapter 8 violation.
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See how Denver's pet store rules rules stack up against other locations.
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