A Durango dog license is cheap, quick and easy to forget. Most people get one the day their puppy gets a rabies shot and then never think about it again. The part that trips people up is who sells it. The City of Durango's own page sends you to the La Plata County Humane Society, which licenses dogs for both city and county residents.
How much does a dog license cost in Durango?
The price depends on two things: whether your dog is spayed or neutered, and whether you live inside city limits. The Humane Society's licensing page lists these fees:
| Who you are | Spayed or neutered dog | Unaltered dog |
|---|---|---|
| City of Durango resident | $15 per year | $60 per year ($30 license plus $30 permit) |
| La Plata County resident | $15 per year | $30 per year |
Three more details from the same page:
- Age 62 or older: you qualify for a free license with a valid photo ID
- The rule: the Humane Society states that La Plata County law requires dog licensing
- The payoff: licensing supports the shelter's work, helps reunite lost pets and lowers impound fees
What do I need to bring to license my dog?
Gather three things first:
- Proof of your pet's current rabies certificate
- Proof of spay or neuter
- A valid photo ID
The rabies certificate is the one people forget. The shelter's animal protection page adds that La Plata County residents who get a rabies vaccine for their dog are legally required to buy a license as well.
Where do I buy a dog license in Durango?
You have two options, both through the Humane Society:
- Online, for curbside pickup: fill out the pet license application on the Humane Society's site. A team member calls when it is ready for pickup.
- In person: at La Plata County Humane Society, 1111 S. Camino del Rio, Durango, CO 81303, during business hours
A few notes on the process:
- Questions: call (970) 259-2847, extension 101
- Shelter hours: noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, per the Humane Society's website
- Tags: meant to last one or three years, depending on what you buy
- Renewals: you receive an updated certificate and tag with the current year
Did the City of Durango take over animal control?
Yes, in 2026. The city announced that it would enforce animal control ordinances inside city limits starting Jan. 1, after the Humane Society handled that work for years under a contract. The city's Register Your Pet page still sends residents to the Humane Society's website for licensing. Sheltering and adoption stay with the Humane Society.
To report a problem, call Central Dispatch at (970) 385-2900. Outside city limits, the La Plata County Sheriff's Office enforces the county's Chapter 10 animal code, per the county's animal control page.
What happens if my dog gets impounded?
The Humane Society charges owners an impound fee when an Animal Protection officer brings a pet in. The posted rates:
- Licensed pet: $40
- Unlicensed pet: $60
- Boarding: $30 per day
The Humane Society also publishes a "La Plata County Paw Laws" handout covering local dog ordinances.
What about nuisance barking?
Outside city limits, the county code treats barking, howling, yelping or whining that lasts 20 continuous minutes as a nuisance on its own. Shorter noise counts if it disturbs the peace of a reasonable person. A neighbor's written complaint starts a warning, and the owner then has 10 days to fix it before a citation can follow. Inside the city, the Durango Police Department's animal control handles complaints, so call dispatch.
Planning a bigger move with a pet? Our guide to Durango pet owners covers vets, trainers and parks. If you want a pet of your own, see where the La Plata County Humane Society is and its adoption process.