Aurora Animal Services History Aurora Animal Services has been serving the residents of Aurora since the 1950s. Aurora Animal Services was originally created to help control the rabies epidemic in Colorado by enforcing the state laws that required pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies. The city of Aurora soon realized that it needed a facility to hold stray dogs and cats. In 1968, the city leased space at 2155 S. Havana St. to be used as the city pound. The location was meant to be temporary until a proper shelter could be built. The pound remained operational for 13 years. Before the mid-80s, the eastern part of Aurora was vast ranches, farms and open space. Animal Control Officers had to be experienced with handling dogs and cats, in addition to horses and other farm animals. On occasion, they would respond to calls about wildlife and mountain lions. With the city of Aurora's growing population, the Aurora Animal Shelter was built in 1983 to house lost pets and facilitate adoptions. The Shelter is located at 15750 E. 32nd Ave. Over the years, Aurora Animal Services has been a strong advocate against animal abuse and educating the public on the importance of spaying and neutering their pets. Since then, the Aurora Animal Shelter has grown to a full-service, open-admission animal shelter committed to protecting the animals of Aurora by providing shelter and care to the animals in the community. The division name was formally changed from Aurora Animal Care to Aurora Animal Services in 2015. Old Photo Gallery
Retired Mascots of Aurora Animal Shelter Angus (Gus), Mascot 2002-2018 & Merlin, Mascot 2002-2016 Jerry, Mascot of the 90s