Spaying or Neutering Your Pet
Spaying and neutering of dogs and cats is the most effective way to control the overpopulation of these animals. The simple surgeries prevent millions of animals from being put to sleep each year. Increasingly, private veterinary practitioners as well as shelter veterinarians are implementing early spaying and neutering of dogs and cats to further control the problem of animal overpopulation.
Early spaying and neutering is typically performed between six and fourteen weeks of age, though the age at which these procedures are performed varies according to individual practices and veterinarians. Contrary to previous thought, studies indicate early spaying and neutering has no adverse effect on the animal's health and development. Modified surgical and anesthetic techniques are used to address the animal's smaller size and physical state of development. The surgery takes less time, the recovery is quicker, and the animals appear to experience less post-operative pain.
There are
various resources to help low income pet owners afford spay/neuter surgeries.
Denver County Municipal Code Section 8-71 states that it shall be unlawful to own, possess or keep in the city any dog or cat over the age of six (6) months that has not been spayed or neutered except as provided in section 8-72.
You may apply for an intact permit which may allow you to keep your pet intact, providing that your pet has not had numerous violations (see provisions in Denver County Municipal Code Section 8-72). You must call the Division of Animal Control at (720) 337-1800, or come in to the office located at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave, Denver, CO 80223, ask for the intact permit application. Once the application is completed and submitted to the Division of Animal Control it will be processed, which takes about 1 week. If it is approved you will be notified in person or by phone.
Cost: $150 (This permit must be renewed every year.)
* If you have received a summons from our Animal Control officers please come in as soon as possible, you cannot receive the permit the same day you apply.
What if I am not approved for the permit? f you are not approved for the permit, you will need to either spay or neuter your pet or you can call the Division of Animal Control at (303) 698-0076 and find out why you were denied the permit. Then you can fix the problem and reapply. If you are still denied you will need to have your pet spayed or neutered.