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City Cast Denver

Denver’s gone to the dogs! At least that’s what many City Cast Denver listeners think who have called in to our hotline to complain about the rising issue of abandoned dog poop on our city’s sidewalks, lawns, and parks. But what’s the data say? We dug into 311 call data from 2007 to 2025 to find out.

Despite a recent dip, Denver consistently logs hundreds of dog poop complaints every year with March being an essentially busy time for poopetrators. Although there are geographic hotspots (looking at you, Five Points and Capitol Hill) the problem is pervasive enough all across Denver that it points to a persistent citywide — and society wide — issue.

, but the numbers vary significantly year-by-year. Early on, complaints rose from 377 in 2007 to 497 in 2009. The peak year was 2018 with 554 reports, perhaps buoyed by the introduction of the PocketGov app for easier reporting.

2020 saw over 520 complaints, possibly reflecting increased dog ownership or outdoor activity during the pandemic. Data for 2021-2022 showed a decline which could indicate improved conditions or reduced reporting. By 2023, complaints inched back up to 334 and 2024 logged 369 cases.

March is the top month for dog poop reports, with an average of 45 complaints each year. This is most likely because the melting snow and thawing ice uncovered months-buried dog poop. Complaints remain relatively high through summer (June to August). Warmer months means more people (and dogs) outdoors which increases opportunities for both pet waste and public visibility of violations. Additionally, the heat of summertime contributes to a stronger offensive odor.

By contrast, late fall and winter see few reports — likely because cold weather and snow keep poop out of sight… until the spring thaw reveals all those hidden treasures.

So, where is all the poop in Denver anyway? The worst offenders are downtown-adjacent neighborhoods and nearby areas such as Five Points and Capitol Hill. Another prominent cluster is far northeast Denver (Montbello and Green Valley Ranch). Significant complaint activity is also seen in parts of northwest Denver (Sunnyside, Berkeley) and south Denver (the Hampden and Westwood neighborhoods).

Pet waste complaints arise citywide, from the urban core to outlying districts indicating a citywide problem.

Dog poop may not seem like a policy issue, but it’s a quality-of-life one — and a shared public space problem. With hundreds of 311 complaints filed every year, concentrated in high foot traffic neighborhoods and peaking every spring like clockwork, the data makes it clear: 

Want a deeper dive into the doo doo data? Tune in now 👇

Tell us your poop thoughts!

Is dog poop being left all over the city a legitimate problem? Data from 311 says yes

Denver's Dog Poop Problems By the Numbers

Denver's Dog Poop Problem By the Numbers

What Denverites have been wondering. We break down why things in Denver are the way they are and how they work.

Denver, Explained

 following a bite from his pet Gila monster, wildlife experts are reminding the public about the dangers of keeping illegal, exotic, and/or wild animals as pets.

The man who died owned two of the large exotic lizards, and while it’s legal to keep Gila monsters as house pets in many states, Colorado is not one of them. Only zoological-type facilities are permitted to have them, 

In Colorado, the laws around what animals are legal or illegal to own 

, and violating them can put you and the animals 

. Generally speaking, wild animals (like bears, elk, mountain lions, and coyotes) are illegal to own, while domesticated animals (think cattle, horses, dogs, and cats) are legal and unregulated — however there are a few exceptions that fall under a special “unregulated wildlife” category that includes tropical birds, fish, and other small critters.

A few examples you might find surprising:

❓ What Other Exotic Animals Are Legal?

In Colorado, the laws around what animals are legal or illegal to own are nuanced. Generally speaking, wild animals are illegal to own, while domesticated animals  are legal and unregulated — however there are a few exceptions that fall under a special “unregulated wildlife” category...


The Exotic Animals You Can (and Can't) Own in Colorado

Get to know the natural side of Denver: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Denver Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

It’s no secret — Denver is a city for people who love their pets. But taking care of your fur babies can be expensive. From vet visits and medications to special pet food and other basic needs, caring for your animal can be tough on the household budget. Luckily, there are resources across the city that can help.

The City of Denver Animal Shelter not only offers animals for adoption, 

 low-cost weekly vaccination clinics, SNAP-eligible pet food assistance, affordable spay and neuter services, end-of-life care, and more.

Just like a food bank for people, this pantry for pets offers animal food, snacks, and treats for free to participants. The

 largest pet pantry program of its kind in the country

, this nonprofit also partners with over 100 traditional food banks to serve the whole family. You can help out fellow animal lovers by donating money and pet food to the Colorado Pet Pantry.

Have feral cats in your neighborhood? This organization provides things like free spay / neuter services and vaccinations to street kitties. Check to see if

 they are currently serving your zip code

Need help with your pet beyond food and vet visits? Check out the 

 for more information on adoptions, relinquishments, behavioral health support, pet-friendly housing, training, and more.

pets

Denver's Dog Poop Problem By the Numbers

The Exotic Animals You Can (and Can't) Own in Colorado

Low-Cost or Free Services and Resources for Denver Pets

Latest articles

Denver's Dog Poop Problem By the Numbers

The Exotic Animals You Can (and Can't) Own in Colorado

Low-Cost or Free Services and Resources for Denver Pets