Denver, CO asked in Animal / Dog Law for Colorado

Q: A dog randomly showed up at my house 3 days ago. We have been trying to locate the owner through social media and signs

How long do we have to keep notifications out until we can legally just decide to keep the dog?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Answered
  • Fort Collins, CO
  • Licensed in Colorado

A: Despite the common occurrence of lost and found pets, Colorado (like most states) has very little guidance. Most regulations relate to licensed breeders and shelters (which you do not appear to be). Rarely cities or counties have their own rules. The best advice is to contact your local pound (Humane Society) for guidance.

As a general rule (following very limited case law), if you make reasonable efforts to advertise the discovery of the lost dog (defined as property), but the original owner does not appear for up to 6 months, you should own the dog free and clear (note: this is the likely result, but NOT the guaranteed result). Another option is to place the dog with the Humane Society for a few days and then legally adopt the dog (this is legally the safest approach, but is very unkind to the animal...). Lastly, the overwhelming majority of people simply keep found animals and may or may not try to find the original owner (this approach is legally the most unsound approach, but the weakness will only be an issue if the original owner attempts to reclaim the property/pet). I will leave it to you and your family to decide which approach you think is best.

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