Animal Protection

City of Durango	*La Plata County
According to the Durango City Government Municipal code 4-56, all dog owner's are required to have their pet licensed. You must provide proof of rabies vaccination and procure a license for your dog. Licenses can be obtained at the La Plata County Humane Society north of Wal-Mart in Durango.	According to the La Plata County Government code section 10-86, all dog owner's are required to have their pet licensed. You must provide proof of rabies vaccination and procure a license for your dog. Licenses can be obtained at the La Plata County Humane Society north of Wal-Mart in Durango.
Spayed/Neutered dogs $5.00/yr. Unaltered dogs $15.00/yr.	Spayed/Neutered dogs $5.00/yr. Unaltered dogs $15.00/yr.
Licensing your dog registers him/her in our database of La Plata County dog owner's and allows the shelter to return your animal to safely and quickly, should they become lost.

*Please Note:

If you live within the City Limits of Bayfield or the City limits of Ignacio you must get a license from that municipality. The City of Bayfield needs your proof of rabies vaccination and the cost is $3. Please call 884-9636 for more information.

For the City of Ignacio you will also need your proof of rabies vaccination and the cost is $10 for spayed/neutered animals and $15 for unaltered animals. The city of Ignacio will only license up to 2 animals. Please call 563-9494 for more information.

If you live outside all city limits, you must purchase a license at the La Plata County Humane Society. Please call 259-2847 for more information.

Impound Information

If you think your animal has been picked up please check Lost & Found. The Humane Society may incur Boarding Fees ($15.00 per day) in addition to the animal's ticket citation. City of Durango Impound & Boarding Fees
Violation 1st Offense	$30.00 Ticket Citation in the City of Durango	Plus HS Boarding Fee = $15.00 /day
Violation 2nd Offense	$60.00 Ticket Citation in the City of Durango	Plus HS Boarding Fee = $15.00 per day
Violation 3rd Offense	$120.00 Ticket Citation in the City of Durango	Plus HS Boarding Fee = $15.00 per day
Violation 4th Offense	Mandatory Court
La Plata County Impound & Boarding Fees
Violation 1st Offense	$20.00 Ticket Citation in La Plata County	Plus HS Boarding Fee = $15.00 per day
Violation 2nd Offense	$60.00 Ticket Citation in La Plata County	Plus HS Boarding Fee = $15.00 per day
Violation 3rd Offense	Mandatory Court-Summons	Plus HS Boarding Fee = $15.00 per day

***There is also included 37%, and $21 Court Costs.

Contacting Animal Protection

If you need to report violations or dog related problems, please contact central dispatch (970) 385-2900 and an officer will arrive to help.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the Dog Control Ordinance or its enforcement, you may contact an Animal Protection Officer at (970) 259-2847.

Would you like to learn more about Animal Protection laws?
Please visit the City and County links below, or check out

Animal Protection Frequently Asked Questions

County Codes

If you would like more information regarding La Plata County codes on animals please visit the information section of La Plata County's web site: http://www.co.laplata.co.us. Under the La Plata County Code, select Chapter 10 Animals on the left hand side.

City Codes

If you would like more information regarding the City of Durango codes on animals please visit www.durango.gov.com.