Can You Own Pet Goats or Sheep in Colorado?

You can own goats or sheep without a permit if you reside in an agricultural zone within Colorado. If you live in a residential district, you may be required to obtain a permit to keep goats or sheep. Some Colorado cities may not even allow urban livestock keeping. That makes it important to check with your local animal control office before keeping any goat or sheep on your residential property. Below, I've listed ten Colorado municipalities that allow urban livestock keeping.

Denver, CO

A restricted livestock license is required for the keeping of up to 2 goats or sheep in Denver, Colorado. The permit, which is required to be renewed annually, is issued by the executive director. Under the permit, the keeping of intact male goats older than six weeks isn't allowed. The City Code requires that each goat be provided with 130 square feet of permeable land area plus adequate shelter space. When not in their shelters, goats must be provided with adequate fencing to prevent them from escaping.

Colorado Springs, CO

In Colorado Springs, pygmy goats and sheep are considered hoofed pets. Per the city's municipal code, you may keep up to 4 hoofed pets on a property. However, certain standards are required for the keeping of 3 or more hoofed pets on a property. The housing structure wherein pygmy goats or sheep are kept must be located at least 20 feet from any abutting property line. In addition, each goat or sheep must have access to at least 130 square feet of permeable area.

Fort Collins, CO

Subject to certain regulations, the keeping of goats is allowed on all lots within the City of Fort Collins. According to the City's website, a maximum of 2 pygmy goats is allowed per household. Goats are required to be females or castrated males. Further, they are required to be vaccinated against rabies or other diseases. Other farm animals, including sheep, are allowed only in the RUL, UE, RF, and RC zoning districts.

Lakewood, CO

Keeping dwarf goats, according to the Lakewood Planning Department, can be a rewarding task. Per the Department's website, dwarf goats count towards the maximum number of pets allowed per household. In the R-1-43, R-1-18, R-1-12, and R-1-9 Zone Districts, a permit isn't required to keep dwarf goats. In the R-1-6 and R-2 Zone Districts, a permit is required to keep a maximum of 3 female dwarf goats or 2 females and 1 castrated male per property.

Thornton, CO

In Thornton, CO, a maximum of two miniature goats is allowed per residence with a permit. The City Code prohibits the keeping of only one mini goat. If one of your mini goats passes away, you're required to replace it in a reasonable amount of time. Mini goats are defined by the city code as any breed of goat that does not exceed 100 pounds at maturity. You are allowed to keep the offspring of your mini goat until they are three months of age, at which time the offspring must be removed from the property. If you intend to keep mini goats in combination with dogs or cats, you're restricted to a maximum of four animals per dwelling unit.

Arvada, CO

The keeping of livestock, including goats and sheep, is allowed only in the RA and RN-32.5 zoning districts within Arvada, CO. Though, there is an exception for miniature goats, which are allowed to be kept in all zoning districts. In zoning districts other than the RA and RN-32.5, no more than two miniature goats are permitted per household. For reasons related to the companionship needs of goats, the City Code prohibits keeping fewer than two miniature goats. In zoning districts other than the RA and RN-32.5, keeping an unneutered adult male miniature goat is unlawful.

Castle Rock, CO

In Castle Rock, CO, sheep and standard-sized goats are considered livestock. The Town Code does not permit livestock unless allowed by the zoning district. However, miniature goats are considered pets and are allowed in all zoning districts. All mini goats are required to be registered through the Castle Rock Police Department. No more and no less than 2 mini goats are permitted per single-family detached lot. Only female or castrated male mini goats are allowed. By ordinance, all mini goats are required to be microchipped before they reach the age of 12 weeks.

Lafayette, CO

The keeping of miniature goats is allowed as an accessory use in all zoning districts within Lafayette, Colorado. By ordinance, you are required to obtain a miniature goat license from the planning and building department. Each household is limited to no more and no less than 2 miniature goats. Male mini goats are required to be neutered before 6 months of age.