Foothills Animal Shelter

The Table Mountain Animal Center was founded in 1966 as an impound facility for unincorporated Jefferson County.  Not only has the focus of the center changed from just a place to hold lost or dangerous dogs to a more humane approach with an animal adoption service, the facility has a new home and new name!

In 2009, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners provided $3 million in general county revenue to “jump start” the construction of a new 30,000 square feet home. The Board also issued Certificates of Participation to raise another $5.2 million, and provided the necessary space for the Foothills Animal Shelter at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. The remainder of the funds is being raised by the Foothills Animal Foundation.

The Board of County Commissioners committed the funding and the site because they felt strongly that this new facility was an utter necessity. For the safety of the County’s animals and the residents, it couldn’t be delayed.

The Foothills Animal Shelter is a wonderful and unique partnership of the county government, the five cities and the Foundation, a not-for-profit organization made up of dedicated volunteers. That partnership grows stronger every year. 

Dog Licensing
In 1994, the county began requiring residents of unincorporated Jeffco to license their dogs. Three years ago, the five partner cities joined us, adopting the same dog-licensing program in their cities that the county has in unincorporated Jeffco. The program has been a huge success for dog lovers, as it allows us to reunite pets with their owners as quickly as possible.

With the computerized database, dog-license information can be checked 24 hours a day, and sometimes dogs can be back with their owners almost immediately. Anyone who has spent a sleepless night wondering where their pet is will greatly appreciate that. Dog licenses also are a key part of the funding for this new facility. Revenue collected from dog licensing goes directly toward the funds needed to pay off the building of the new Foothills Animal Shelter.

See the Sheriff's Office web page on dog licensing for more information.

Last Modified: Oct 14, 2010 02:20 PM