Owning dogs and living in SummitCounty are often thought of assynonymous, but letting dogs runaround without a leash is against thelaw in many local towns.Unincorporated areas of SummitCounty allow dogs to be off leashes aslong as they’re under voice and visualcontrol and within 10 feet of theirowners.Silverthorne, Frisco, Breckenridgeand Dillon require dogs to be on leashesoutside of your house or fenced-inproperty (and in case you didn’t notice,we don’t have many fences aroundhere). Same with Arapahoe Basin,Willowcreek Open Space and all of therecreational pathways: You need a leash.The Forest Service requires dogs tobe on leashes at all times while in thenational woods. If your dog is caughtby the Forest Service or the Division ofWildlife, it can cost you $500.If you’re looking for a place for Fidoto run free, Breckenridge has an area inthe Blue River at the Blue River Plazawhere dogs can play off of leashes. Theyalso can be off of leashes on the “dogside” of Carter Park.

All dogs staying for more than 14consecutive days in Summit Countymust be registered. Proof of rabiesvaccination is required before a dogcan be registered, and animal controlrecommends, but doesn’t require,that dogs get a shot for bordetella,commonly known as kennel cough. Youcan register a spayed or neutered dogfor one year for $15, or $40 for threeyears. If your dog isn’t spayed, it’ll costyou $150 a year. Call animal control at(970) 668-3230 for more information.

If you want to join what seems likethe rest of Summit County and owna dog – or buck the trend and get acat or even a rabbit – check out theanimal shelter at the County Commonsnear Frisco. The number is (970) 668-3230.But, we must give you fair warning:Owning a pet can make it more difficultto find a place to rent, so think twicebefore bringing home a four-leggedfriend. If you’re a renter and really needcompany, think goldfish.