Animal Protection

The Animal Protection Department at La Plata County Humane Society plays a critical role in addressing cruelty to animals in the community. Through specific contracts for services, our officers enforce animal related ordinances for La Plata County and the City of Durango. Their responsibilities include protecting the public, domestic animals and livestock, as well as educating the public about responsible pet ownership.

Services

  • Licensing

    La Plata County law requires dog licensing, offering key benefits: it supports La Plata County Humane Society's work with homeless animals, helps reunite lost pets, reduces impound fees, and ensures compliance with local ordinances. License your dog today!

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  • Lost and Found

    Lost or found a pet in the Durango area? La Plata County Humane Society is here to help! We offer guidance and resources whether you're searching for your lost companion or have found a stray animal in need. Contact us for assistance.

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  • Rabies

    Keep your pet healthy and happy with our affordable vaccinations! La Plata County residents who receive a rabies vaccine for their dog are legally required to also purchase a dog license. Protect your pet and comply with local ordinances with one easy step!

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Our Officers

Our humane Animal Protection officers are peace officers, mediators, enforcers, Certified Equine Investigators, and animal cruelty investigators. They have the authority to report and seize animals; they are not “dog catchers” or animal control officers. The department serves La Plata County (Durango, Bayfield, Ignacio, and Hesperus). Officers respond to concerns about animal cruelty reported through the Central Dispatch Hotline (970) 385-2900 and cases referred by other law enforcement agencies.

Our officers spend several hours each day out in the field, responding to calls. Their main daily task is to respond to potential situations of animal cruelty, investigate, and mediate neighborhood complaints pertaining to animals. They also capture, impound, and quarantine vicious, wild animals capable of transmitting rabies, help the injured, promote responsible pet ownership, pet care, and humane education to the community.

Picking Up Your Pet

Owners whose pets are brought in by Animal Protection are required to pay an impound fee associated with their licensed or unlicensed pet at time of pick-up. Download our La Plata County Paw Laws handout to stay up-to-date with local city and county dog ordinances.

Signs of Animal Abuse

  • Poor body condition and noticeable trauma

  • Dogs left outside without food, water, or shelter

  • Sick or injured pet that has not been treated

TO REPORT SUSPECTED ANIMAL CRUELTY, CALL CENTRAL DISPATCH  AT (970) 385-2900

  • Unsanitary living conditions

  • Hoarding numerous animals

  • Animals left alone in a car during extreme weather

Impound & Boarding

  • Licensed Pet – $40

  • Unlicensed Pet- $60

  • Boarding – $20/day

Questions?

Contact Officer C. Arnold #984, Animal Protection Supervisor (970) 259-2847 x115 or by email at officer984@lpchumanesociety.org