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Animal Ordinances in Loveland, CO (2026)

7 verified animal ordinances for Loveland, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Chickens & Livestock

Loveland uses a performance-based standard rather than a hard hen cap. LMC § 6.28.010 (Pet Animal Limitations) allows chickens, ducks, geese and other domesticated fowl on residential property so long as they can be 'properly maintained in a healthy condition' without becoming a health, safety or nuisance issue to neighbors. No city permit is required; coop placement is set by the property's zoning.

Loveland Backyard Chickens (Performance-Based)

Few Restrictions

Dog Leash Laws

LMC § 6.20.010 prohibits any owner from allowing an animal to be 'at large' anywhere in Loveland — meaning unleashed and not within a fence or enclosure. All cats, dogs, pot-bellied pigs, and dwarf goats four months and older must be licensed annually through NOCO Humane Society under LMC §§ 6.08.010-060.

Loveland Dog Leash Law & Licensing

Some Restrictions

Breed Restrictions

Loveland has no breed-specific dog legislation — pit bulls and all other breeds are legal. Dangerous-dog conduct is regulated under Colorado Revised Statute § 18-9-204.5, which preempts municipalities from regulating dangerous dogs by breed. Loveland enforces conduct-based dangerous-dog rules through LMC Title 6 and NOCO Humane investigations.

Loveland Breed Restrictions (None)

Few Restrictions

Beekeeping

Loveland Municipal Code Title 6 has no beekeeping-specific provisions. The Northern Colorado Beekeepers Association's municipal-codes index lists Loveland as 'Nothing specific to beekeeping.' Residential beekeeping is treated as an accessory use governed by general nuisance law and the Colorado Bee Act (CRS Title 35, Article 25) administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

Loveland Beekeeping

Few Restrictions

Exotic Pets

Loveland licenses pot-bellied pigs and dwarf goats (with enclosure inspection) under LMC §§ 6.08.010-060. LMC § 6.28.010 (Pet Animal Limitations) prohibits keeping any animal in a manner that creates a health, safety, or nuisance hazard. Native Colorado wildlife (deer, bears, raccoons, mountain lions, etc.) cannot be kept as pets under Colorado Parks & Wildlife rules (CRS Title 33).

Loveland Exotic Pets

Some Restrictions

Wildlife Feeding

Colorado state law prohibits intentionally feeding big-game wildlife — deer, elk, pronghorn, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and bears — anywhere in the state, including Loveland, with a $100 fine. CRS § 33-6-131 separately criminalizes knowingly luring a bear. Loveland sits in Front Range bear country; bird feeders, unsecured trash, and pet food are the top human-bear conflict sources.

Loveland Wildlife Feeding (Bear & Big Game)

Some Restrictions

Livestock

Within Loveland city residential zones, traditional livestock (cattle, horses, sheep, swine) are not permitted as accessory uses. LMC § 6.28.010 limits pet animals to what can be properly maintained without nuisance; only chickens/domesticated fowl, pot-bellied pigs (licensed), and dwarf goats (licensed with inspected enclosure) are explicitly accommodated on residential lots. Larger livestock require agricultural zoning.

Loveland Livestock (Residential vs. Agricultural)

Some Restrictions

Looking for Larimer County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Loveland city rules.

Animal Ordinances in Larimer County