Pet Licensing

Denver pet license tag front view Get your new and improved pet license with smart technology! Now, your pet license tag has a scannable QR code that links to all your pet’s most important information (like medical records, owner contact information, microchip, dietary needs, and much more). Pet licenses are required by law in Denver. You can purchase online at PetData.com or in person at Denver Animal Shelter (1241 W. Bayaud Ave. Denver, CO 80223). 

Purchase a pet license


Have a pit bull? Pit bulls cannot be licensed through PetData. A pet license and a Breed-Restricted Permit are both required for pit bulls in Denver. A pit bull license can only be issued at Denver Animal Shelter (1241 W Bayaud Avenue). For more information on how to schedule a breed assessment and apply for a Breed-Restricted Permit, visit our Breed Specific Legislation page.  

Resources

Denver Licensing Ordinance

The Denver Revised Municipal Code requires all dogs and cats 6 months of age and older to be licensed with the City of Denver within 30 days of being in the city. View the Denver Revised Municipal Code for animal licensing.

Online licensing instructions

Ready to purchase your license? If you would like to license online, a convenience fee of $1.95 will apply for each transaction. Any required documents, such as your pet’s rabies vaccination certificate, may be scanned and uploaded or submitted later by fax, mail or email. The license will be issued after all required documents are received. Please note that free licenses cannot be obtained through the online payment system.

To request the one free senior citizen (65 ) license or to request a free service dog license, please visit PetData for other submission options. Senior citizen (65 ) paid licenses may be purchased through the online payment system. Begin the licensing process online now.

Required paperwork

  1. A copy of your pet’s current rabies vaccination certificate is required if the rabies vaccination on file has expired. Please check your certificate for correct address and pet information.
  2. If your pet is spayed or neutered, please send in a copy of the certificate. If your pet is not spayed or neutered, be advised that Denver ordinance requires your pet to be spayed or neutered after 6 months of age.
  3. Proof of age is required for senior citizens age 65 and over to license one pet free of charge.
  4. If requesting a free service animal license, include a note stating that the dog is a service animal and the task the animal is trained to perform.  If you are requesting a license at the Denver Animal Shelter, you will be asked if the dog is a service animal and what task the animal is trained to perform. Information on the nature of the owner's disability is not requested. Guidelines for service animals are as follows: A service animal is any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. An animal that provides emotional support, crime prevention and comfort or companionship is not considered a service animal.

Your paperwork will not be returned to you, so please retain a copy of your documents for your records.

Licensing fees

One-Year License $15
Three-Year License $40
Lifetime License $150 - valid for the lifetime of your pet - no expiration date (by mail or in person).
Lifetime licenses do not apply to other jurisdictions outside of Denver. 

Senior Citizens 
(65 and over)

One free three-year license per senior citizen (by mail or in person)
Service Dog License Free three-year license (by mail or in person)
Replacement Tags Replacement tags are available free of charge at Denver Animal Shelter.
You can also order replacement tags online for a $6 processing fee. 

 

Note: Pit bull type breeds are restricted in Denver and require a Breed Restricted Permit. Licensing will only be provided at the time of permit approval.  

Senior and service licenses require free renewals to confirm owner information and update rabies vaccination information. 

A service animal is any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability including physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. An animal that provides emotional support, crime prevention and comfort or companionship is not considered a service animal. 

The lifetime license is good for the lifetime of the pet while it is in the care of the original owner and cannot be transferred to another owner or pet. 

License by mail

To license by mail:

  1. Enclose copies of all required paperwork. The license application below may be downloaded and included, but it is not required.
  2. Determine the correct license fee for each of your pets.
  3. Make your check or money order payable to “Manager of Finance” Please do not send cash.
  4. Mail your paperwork and payment to:
    Denver Animal Licensing
    C/O: PetData
    P.O. Box 141929
    Irving, TX  75014-1929


Resources
Downloadable PetData Application (PDF) 

NOTE: Please see the required paperwork and license fees section above prior to mailing your application.

 

License in person

Licensing Locations

You may license your pet in person at the Denver Animal Shelter located at 1241 Bayaud Ave. in Denver, CO. Please bring your pet’s rabies vaccination certificate and spay/neuter certificate (if applicable) with you.

NOTE: Please see the required paperwork and license fees section above prior to arriving at the Animal Shelter.

Updating personal information

Keeping your personal information up to date ensures that you can be reached in case your pet is ever found away from home. You can quickly send us your new address, update your contact information, or submit a correction to the spelling of your name by using one of the forms below. Please click on the applicable box and fill in all the information requested.

Updating Your Name
Please use the PetData Update Name form if you wish to update the spelling of your name on your pet's license record. 

Denver pet licenses are non-transferable. Please note that the lifetime license is good for the lifetime of the pet while it is in the care of the original owners and cannot be transferred to another owner or pet.

Updating a Street/Mailing Address
To update your address, please use the PetData Update Address form.

Updating Phone Numbers & Email Addresses
Use the PetData Update Phone form to update your phone numbers or email addresses.

Moved Out of the City/County?
If you have moved outside the City and County of Denver, you are not required to license your pet with us. Please complete the PetData Moved form and we will update our records.

Not a Resident of Denver?
If you do not live in the City and County of Denver, we apologize for sending you a notice in error. You are not required to license your pet with us. Please complete the PetData Nonresident form so that we may update our records.

Updating pet information

Whether we need to correct your pet's breed or add your pet's color, it is very important to us to have an accurate description of your pet on file in the event that your pet is ever lost. Please click on one of the sections below to send us updates or corrections to your pet's information.

Updating Pet Information
PetData Update Pet Information Form

Rabies Vaccination Information
Your pet's rabies vaccination information will be updated when you purchase a new license. Please mail a copy of your updated rabies vaccination certificate with your license payment.
PetData Update Vaccination Form

No Longer Own a Pet
If you are no longer the owner or keeper of the pet listed on the notice you received, you are not required to license the pet. Please use the form below to let us know, and we will update our records.
PetData No Longer Own a Pet Form

Pet is Deceased
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please use the form below to let us know that your pet has passed away, and we will update our records.
PetData Deceased Pet Form

Never a Resident of Denver
If you do not live in the City and County of Denver, we apologize for sending you a notice in error. You are not required to license your pet with us. Please complete the form below so that we may update our records.
PetData Nonresident Form

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PetData?

Headquartered in Dallas,Texas, PetData provides animal licensing services for municipalities and animal welfare agencies throughout the United States. At PetData, we are dedicated to providing outstanding, cost-effective service for our clients. Since 1994, we have processed over 33 million animal licenses and rabies vaccinations for more than 80 cities, counties, and animal agencies in 23 states.

 

Why should I license?

Licensing is required by law in Denver and also helps DAP reunite pets with their families if they become lost. 


Why was licensing privatized?

The City of Denver chose to privatize animal licensing beginning in 2013 to promote animal licensing, to increase the cost-effectiveness of the program, and to provide additional services to its citizens.

I received a notice. What does this mean?

Why did I receive this notice?
Please choose the option that best describes the notice you received:

Full-Page Renewal Notice

  • You have received a Renewal Notice for your pet's Denver Animal License. Our records indicate that your pet's previous license will be expiring soon and that payment should now be made to renew your license. If your pet's rabies vaccination is also expiring, you must have your pet re-vaccinated and submit a copy of the new rabies certificate with your renewal notice and payment. The renewal notice will indicate the expiration date of the rabies vaccination on file.
  • If your pet is deceased, you no longer own the pet, or you have moved outside the City and County of Denver, please contact us so that we may update our records.
  • To pay for your license quickly and conveniently, you may make payment online via major credit card. Any required documents may be scanned and uploaded or submitted later by fax, mail or email. The license will be issued after all required documents are received. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please Contact Us and a Customer Service Representative will assist you.

Blue Billing Postcard

  • You have received a billing notice for your pet's Denver Animal License. Our records indicate that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies but has not yet been licensed with the City and County of Denver.
  • If your pet is deceased, you no longer own the pet, or you have moved outside the City and County of Denver, please contact us so that we may update our records.
  • To pay for your license quickly and conveniently, you may make payment online via major credit card. Any required documents may be scanned and uploaded or submitted later by fax, mail or email. The license will be issued after all required documents are received. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please Contact Us and a Customer Service Representative will assist you.

Full-Page Renewal Reminder/Yellow Past-Due Postcard

  • You have received a Past Due licensing notice for your pet's Denver Animal License. Our records indicate that we mailed the first notice to you approximately 60 days ago, and have not received a response. A late fee has been applied to the amount due for your license. If you have not yet licensed your pet, please do so within 10 days.
  • If your pet is deceased, you no longer own the pet, or you have moved outside the City and County of Denver, please contact us so that we may update our records.
  • To pay for your license quickly and conveniently, you may make payment online via major credit card. Any required documents may be scanned and uploaded or submitted later by fax, mail or email. The license will be issued after all required documents are received. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please Contact Us and a Customer Service Representative will assist you.


Incomplete License Letter

  • If we were able to begin processing your license application, the notice is a single sheet of paper requesting the missing item(s). Please return the notice along with the missing item(s).
  • If we were not able to begin processing your license application, your entire application and payment have been returned. Please follow the instructions on the letter.
  • Please note that if the payment amount was incorrect, a new check must be written. The bank will not accept any altered checks, even if the alterations have been initialed. If your check was written for an incorrect amount or has been altered, please retain the incorrect check for your records, and send a new check. All other documentation should be returned to the licensing office.
  • If you have further questions regarding your license application, please contact us at 1-855-328-1401.

Why am I being billed when I have a current license?

There may be several reasons why you received a bill when you have a current license. We're happy to help with your account information - please fill out this form to begin the process.


When will I get my license tag?

The smart PetHub tag is permanently assigned to your pet, and you will not receive a new tag during the renewal process unless requested. If you have lost your tag or it has become unreadable, please pay the replacement tag fee when you mail your renewal, and a new tag will be mailed with your license registration. Otherwise, a receipt only will be mailed.

We will mail your tag and/or license receipt within 10 business days from the day we receive your completed license application and payment. Please allow an additional 3-5 business days to receive your tag or receipt in the mail. If we have not received correct payment or proper documentation you will be notified via mail and the processing of your license will be delayed.

 

How do I get a replacement tag?

Replacement tags are available free of charge at Denver Animal Shelter. You can also order replacement tags online for a $6 processing fee.

Can I transfer a license?

Denver animal licenses are non-transferable. Please note that the lifetime license is good for the lifetime of the pet while it is in the care of the original owner, and cannot be transferred to another owner or pet.

Can I get a refund for a license tag?

A refund may be available for the following reasons:

  1. If a duplicate payment was made for the same pet and the same license term. Be sure to include the pet’s current license tag number if it is available, and as much information as possible regarding your payments.
  2. If the pet owner lived outside the city limits of Denver at the time of licensing and does not use Denver Dog Parks.

Refunds are not available for unused time or if the animal is altered during the licensing period and you paid at the higher rate.

To request a refund, contact PetData Customer Service.

Lost or found a pet?

For questions about lost and found animals in Denver, visit the Lost Pets page


Does PetData sell information?

PetData considers the privacy of our clients to be of paramount importance. PetData has never sold information or data to any third-party. PetData does not use any personally identifiable data collected for any purpose other than those as determined by client contracts.

We do not respond to requests for information from non-client individuals or corporations, nor do we release information without the express written consent of our client agencies. Groups or individuals requesting licensing data should contact the individual client's animal services agency director as we release data only to our contracted client.