DDPHE Blog: Protecting Pets and Communities by Ending Public Pet Sales

DDPHE Blog: Protecting Pets and Communities by Ending Public Pet Sales

Published on January 14, 2026

In 2025, Colorado took a major step toward improving animal welfare and public health. House Bill 25-1180 makes it illegal to sell, deliver, offer for adoption, barter, auction, give away, lease, or otherwise transfer any pet animal in public spaces across the state.

Why does this matter? Unregulated pet sales, often linked to puppy mills and large-scale commercial breeding operations, pose serious risks to animals and people. These sellers frequently operate without oversight, putting profit ahead of animal health and community safety.

Where Pet Transactions Are Now Prohibited

• Public Streets and Highways
  • Any roadside pet sale or adoption
• Parking Lots
  • Store and commercial parking areas are off-limits
• Parks and Recreation Areas
  • Public parks, trails, and outdoor markets cannot host pet sales
• Other Public Spaces
  • Includes median strips, parkways, and any publicly accessible area.

What's Still Allowed

The law includes important exemptions to support legitimate animal welfare activities:

• Licensed facilities under the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act.
• Events primarily for livestock sales.
• Transport of animals to or from licensed exhibitions or competitions sanctioned by nationally recognized organizations.

These exemptions ensure that reputable shelters, like Denver Animal Shelter, licensed breeders, and established pet stores can continue operating responsibly.

Why This Law Is Important

By banning pet transactions in public spaces, Colorado is taking a stand against these harmful practices and promoting accountability. Unregulated pet sales often mean:

• Animals from puppy mills or other high-volume breeders.
• Lack of health checks or vaccinations.
• Increased risk of spreading diseases like canine parvovirus, which is highly contagious and often fatal in unvaccinated puppies and kittens.

What Happens If You Violate the Law?

Violating HB 25-1180 is a Class 2 misdemeanor. If you see illegal pet sales in public spaces in Denver, report it to Denver Animal Protection.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

This law is about protecting animals, supporting responsible pet ownership, and keeping our communities safe. If you see something that doesn't seem right, including situations where pets or wildlife may be at risk, call Denver Animal Protection: 720-913-2080.

• Animal Shelter
• Press release
• Public Health & Environment