Relinquishing your pet
We understand that sometimes it becomes necessary to give up a pet. We welcome animals that must be relinquished.
Watch this short video to find out how we can help if you if you’ve lost your pet, if you’ve found a pet or if you need to relinquish your pet to us.
The Dumb Friends League accepts dogs, cats and other small pets for relinquishment on a walk-in basis. We're not equipped to shelter livestock, reptiles, wild animals or other exotic pets. For information on where to take these animals, please call us at (303) 751-5772.
Please enter the shelter through the doors marked Pet Intake. Be sure that dogs are on leashes and cats or other small animals are in carriers. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee personal belongings, such as toys or blankets, will stay with your pet. We ask for a donation to help cover the cost of your pet’s care while he or she stays with us. Allow some extra time for us to gather information from you about your pet.
Please bring recent vaccination records. If you are not the owner, bring a signed letter from that person giving you permission to relinquish the pet.
We do offer appointments for pet relinquishment during normal business hours. To make an appointment, call us at (303) 751-5772. Click here to see the hours that our Pet Intake department is open.
We evaluate each animal on its health and behavior for our adoption program. Although we cannot guarantee placement for any animal, we are proud to adopt more than 15,000 pets into new homes every year.
If you need to have your pet put to sleep
We understand the grief involved when the time comes to say goodbye. We offer compassionate care to support you through this difficult process.
We can euthanize your pet at your request. The cost of this service is $50. We accept appointments between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Or you may bring your pet to us without appointment at any time during business hours. We will accommodate you as quickly as we can, but without an appointment, there may be a wait.
We will take your pet to a special room and perform without delay the most humane euthanasia, which is by injection. It is a painless procedure that will be carried out with compassion and respect. Although we are not set up to permit you to be present at the euthanasia, you may view your pet afterwards, if you wish.
The number to call to make an appointment is (303) 751-5772, Ext. 7289. Click here to see the open hours of our Pet Intake department.
If your pet dies at home
You are welcome to bring in the body of a pet that has died at home. Please come to the Pet Intake department. We will ask for a $20 donation.
Cremation services
You may choose to have your pet cremated with others for $50. We also offer individual cremation, which means your pet is cremated separately from any others. Mementos and blankets may be included. The cost for this service ranges from $100 to $230, depending on weight. Following an individual cremation, you may choose either to have your pet's ashes returned to you or have them placed in the columbarium in our pet memorial garden.