Local rules
What professional dog walkers in Denver are expected to know — in plain language, with the actual citations.Verified by the Top Dog SF team · September 2026
DRMC 8-16(a) makes it unlawful for any owner or KEEPER of a dog to fail to prevent it running at large. 'Keeper' is you while you have the dog. Denver specifies no maximum leash length — the duty is framed as preventing the dog from being at large rather than as a measurement, so a retractable lead that lets a dog range is a problem even though no number is being broken.
DRMC 8-16(a) · official source
DRMC §8-31 requires rabies vaccination for dogs over six months, and a dog acquired after that age must be vaccinated within 30 days. Denver licensing follows the same shape: dogs over six months must be licensed within 30 days of reaching that age or of arriving in the city. Confirm both at intake and keep records accessible — after an incident, vaccination status is the first thing anyone asks for, and 'the owner has it somewhere' is not an answer at the moment it matters.
DRMC §8-31
The full pack — plus state and U.S.-wide baselines and an assessment localized to Denver — is included with the Certified Professional Dog Walker.
Get certified — with Denver rules included →This is educational guidance for dog-care professionals, not legal advice. Rules change — always confirm with the official source before relying on a rule.