Breed and Weight Limits for Assistance Animals in Colorado
Lease addendums often say "no pit bulls" or "dogs under 25 pounds." Colorado's 2026 law focuses on what a particular animal has actually done, not how it looks. Here is how that plays out, and where the law is still quiet.
Pet Rules and Assistance Animals Are Not the Same Thing
A landlord's breed and weight limits are written for pets. A disability accommodation is a request to change a rule, so the question becomes whether an exception is reasonable for this animal.
A pet under the lease
- Breed lists and weight caps usually apply
- Pet deposit and pet rent allowed, within state caps
- Landlord may refuse pets entirely
An assistance animal
- Request an exception to the pet rules in writing
- Allowing it is presumed reasonable after an interactive process
- Judged on its documented conduct
What the 2026 Act Actually Says
HB 26-1045, effective August 12, 2026, amending C.R.S. 24-34-502 and 502.2Mere presence is not a direct threat
An assistance animal is not treated as dangerous, or presumed to cause substantial damage, just by being there.
Documented, specific conduct can be considered
A housing provider may weigh what this animal has done, backed by records.
Total bans are presumed discriminatory
A blanket refusal of all assistance animals is presumed unlawful.
Silent on breed and weight by name
The act does not list breed or weight limits. Some online articles say it does; the signed text does not.
Local Breed Rule Lookup
City breed ordinances are separate from landlord rules. Pick a city to see its reported status.
Several repeals are known only from news and secondary sources. Confirm with the city's animal services before you rely on any result.
Denver's Breed-Restricted Permit
Denver voters approved Measure 2J in 2020, ending the city's long pit bull ban. Owners of dogs covered by the old ban now apply for a permit instead.
A city permit does not bind a private landlord's pet policy. For assistance animals, the state housing law is what applies to the landlord.
The Insurance Breed Statute
Landlords sometimes point to insurance. Since 2024, C.R.S. 10-4-110.8(16) limits how homeowner's and dwelling fire insurers can treat dog breeds.
An insurance objection can still be raised in a dispute. Ask the landlord to put it in writing.
What a Landlord Can Weigh, and What Is Shaky
Grounded in conduct
A written bite or attack report involving this animal
Documented property damage from this animal
A dangerous dog declaration
Repeated, recorded failures to control the animal
Weak on its own
The breed name on a list
A number on the scale
Stories about other dogs of the same type
A general worry with no record behind it
Put Together a Pet Résumé
Because conduct is what counts, records about your animal's behavior can make the conversation easier.
If Your Dog Is Simply a Pet: Colorado's Caps
When no accommodation is involved, C.R.S. 38-12-106 limits what landlords charge for pets.
Maximum extra pet deposit
The pet deposit must be refundable
Monthly pet rent cap, whichever is greater
Start With the Right Documentation
The Free Screening checks whether an evaluation with a licensed provider fits you. Plans are shown below.
Breed and Size Questions, Answered
More Colorado Reading
General information, current as of September 2026, and not legal advice. City breed rules change, and some repeals listed here come from secondary sources. National Service Pets is not affiliated with any city, insurer or state agency.
Judge the Dog, Not the Label
Get documentation that explains your need, and let your animal's record speak for itself.
