Colorado Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act

This issue brief provides an overview of state laws related to pet animal facilities. These facilities are licensed and regulated under the Colorado Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA).

Under PACFA, any place used to keep pet animals for adoption, breeding, boarding and grooming, or selling must be inspected and licensed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA). Pet animals include dogs and cats, various rodents, ferrets, birds, aquatic species, and other animals legally sold or kept as a household pet. Livestock and animals that are used for working purposes on a farm or ranch are not considered pet animals.