Animal Ordinances in Englewood, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Englewood or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Englewood has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Chickens & Livestock

Englewood may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning or minimum lot size.

Key details: Hens: Typically 4 to 8 allowed. Roosters: Usually prohibited. Livestock: Agricultural zones. HOA: Often prohibits all.

Unauthorized livestock: removal order. Nuisance: $100 to $500. Roosters in prohibited areas: immediate removal.

Dog Leash Laws

All dogs and cats in Englewood must be on a leash held by a person able to control the animal when off the owner's property. Off-leash areas exist at Duncan Park, Jason Park, and the Northwest Greenbelt (6-11 AM and 6-11 PM). Owners must immediately clean up pet waste.

Key details: Leash: Required off owner's property. Off-Leash Parks: Duncan, Jason, NW Greenbelt. Off-Leash Hours: 6-11 AM and 6-11 PM. Waste Cleanup: Immediate removal required.

Dog off-leash outside designated areas: fine per MC 7-1A-3. Failure to clean up waste: citation.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Englewood actively enforces its dog leash laws requirements.

Exotic Pets

Englewood limits residents to 4 dogs/cats total (max 3 of either). Exotic pet ownership is governed by Colorado state law (CPW regulations). Native wildlife cannot be kept as pets. Some exotics like ball pythons and bearded dragons are legal. Venomous snakes are prohibited statewide.

Key details: Pet Limit: 4 dogs/cats, max 3 each. Venomous Snakes: Prohibited statewide. Legal Exotics: Bearded dragons, ball pythons, ferrets. State Authority: Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

Exceeding pet limits: code violation. Keeping prohibited species: CPW enforcement and confiscation.

Breed Restrictions

Englewood does not have breed-specific legislation. No dog breeds are banned. Colorado SB 04-079 limits breed-specific restrictions for insurance purposes. The city focuses on individual behavior and owner responsibility.

Key details: Breed Bans: None. Pet Limit: 4 dogs/cats total, 3 max each. State Law: SB 04-079 limits BSL. Approach: Behavior-based.

Dangerous dog behavior: case-by-case enforcement. Pet limit: max 4 dogs/cats total, max 3 of either.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Englewood gives residents more flexibility on breed restrictions.

Beekeeping

Englewood allows domestic poultry under its animal code and beekeeping appears to be permitted under Chapter 7 regulations. Bees and hives must not create nuisance conditions (odor, uncleanliness, sound). Colorado's Bee and Bee Products Act provides the state framework.

Key details: Code: Title 7, Ch. 1 Animals & Fowl. Standard: Must not create nuisance. State Law: CO Bee and Bee Products Act. Poultry: Also permitted with rules.

Nuisance beekeeping: code enforcement under Title 7. Animals creating disturbance: citation.

The Bottom Line

Englewood's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Englewood is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Englewood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.