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Monday, Mar. 9, 2026

Can you be fined for walking your dog off leash in Denver?

Cassis Tingley, The Colorado Sun
yes

Anyone who lets their dog “run at large” outside their property or certain off-leash areas in Denver can face steep fines. 

The city’s leash law requires that dogs be leashed in public unless they are in a designated off-leash area, including dog parks.

Under Denver municipal code, leash-law violations can technically result in a fine of up to $999 and even jail time. In practice, people generally receive lower fines, which depend on the department that issues them. 

Denver park rangers issue a $100 fine for a first offense, $250 for a second offense and $500 for  a third or subsequent offense within the same year. Denver Animal Protection issues $80 tickets for a first offense, $150 for the second and $300 thereafter. 

Broomfield, Thornton and Aurora have similar leash laws. Boulder offers annual licensing that allows dogs to be off leash in designated areas under “voice and sight control.”

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