Colorado FAQs

Colorado weather can change dramatically throughout a weekend, a day, or even an hour. Here we dress in “layers” which is just a fancy way of saying we have lots of clothes on! Usually starting out with a t-shirt, then a long sleeved shirt, followed by a sweatshirt or sweater and then a jacket will get you through nearly all Colorado weather. As the day warms up, you can peel off layers or put them back on as conditions change. Even in the summer, be prepared with rain gear (waterproof jacket and/or pants) and a sweater or light coat for the evening. Our summer climate ranges from hot and dry to afternoon rain and sometimes hail. But luckily even the extreme heat (for us that would be high 90s) is fairly tolerable in the low humidity.

The biggest key to conquering high altitude is to drink lots of water. Alcohol will have a more pronounced effect at higher altitudes and can increase chances of altitude sickness. Most experts also recommend cutting down on caffeine, salt, and consuming more complex carbohydrates (pasta, whole grains). Use moderation and common sense – don’t climb a 14,000 foot peak the day before the tournament if you aren’t used to strenuous mountain hiking.

For information on Colorado roads while traveling, dial 511 from any cell phone while in Colorado. 511 also works in most surrounding states. In Colorado, you can also access road information at www.cotrip.org or by calling 877-315-7623 (toll free instate). For a list of national road conditions, see www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/

Most of the winter in Colorado is very mild, but winter storms can make travel difficult. If the roads are icy or snow packed, keep your speed well below the posted speed limit even if you have 4 wheel drive. Colorado is well equipped for storms and plows will usually clear the road quite quickly. Use common sense by giving yourself extra time to travel when the weather is bad. Keep your fuel tank filled so you’ll have plenty of gas to warm up your car. Consider packing a few extra items in case of emergency:

Colorado has tons of fun things to do and scenic places to go. For general tourism information, see www.colorado.com Here are some of our favorites:

Yes, Colorado does have some cities that currently ban breeds, primarily pit bull breeds. Flyball tournaments are not currently held in any of those cities. The most widely known city with a ban is the City and County of Denver. However, most people outside of Colorado do not realize that the city limits of Denver are quite small. The metro area is actually comprised of many different suburbs of Denver. Many of the Colorado breed bans provide exceptions for banned breeds to compete in dog exhibitions, contests, or shows sponsored by dog club associations. Nevertheless, Colorado clubs have held flyball tournaments in cities that do not have breed bans. For more information on Colorado breed bans or to join the fight against breed bans in Colorado, join the yahoo group “ThePitBullBAND” at www.yahoogroups.com

In 2004, the Colorado State legislature passed a statue increasing the penalties and liability for dog attacks and prohibiting any legislation based on breed. This law effectively repealed all pit bull breed bans in Colorado. However, the City and County of Denver contested the law claiming they were a “home rule” city and the state legislature could not dictate local ordinances such as dog breed bans. They were successful at the district court level and their pit bull breed ban was reinstated. There are appeals in process contesting this ruling, but at this time, breed ban legislation is legal in Colorado for cities that have home rule charters. Unfortunately during the time this issue was being resolved, there were several highly publicized pit bull attacks and several other Colorado cities moved forward with pit bull legislation of their own. These are the current cities with breed bans:

City	Relevant provisions	Full Text of ban
Denver	Applies to “American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one (1) or more of the above breeds” Exceptions for “public exhibition, contest or show sponsored by a dog club association or similar organization” and travel through the city For history on the ordinance, see the Denver City Attorney site: www.denvergov.org/City_Attorney/54517143template3jump.asp	Full text of ban in Microsoft word format
Aurora	Applies to “American Bulldog (Old Country Bulldog), Dogo Argentino, Canary Dog (Canary Island Dog, Presa Canario, Perro De Presa Canario), Presa Mallorquin (Pero De Presa Mallorquin, Ca De Bou), Tosa Inu (Tosa Fighting Dog, Japanese Fighting Dog, Japanese Mastiff), Cane Corso (Cane Di Macellaio, Sicilian Branchiero), Fila Brasileiro or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one (1) or more of the above breeds” Exceptions for “public exhibition, contest or show sponsored by a dog club association or similar organization” and travel through the city City informational brochure: http://www.auroragov.org/stellent/groups/public/documents/article-publication/019891.pdf	Full text of ban in Microsoft word format
Castle Rock	Applies to “pit bulls” without definition, but provides hearing on classification as pit bull Exceptions for “public exhibition, contest or show sponsored by a dog club association or similar organization” Town web page: www.townofcastlerock.org	Full text of ban in Microsoft word format
Commerce City	Applies to pit bulls, defined as “American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one or more of the above breeds” and to wolf hybrids Exceptions for “public exhibition, contest or show sponsored by a dog club association or similar organization” and travel through the city City web page: www.ci.commerce-city.co.us	Full text of ban in Microsoft word format
Fort Lupton	Applies to pit bulls, defined as "American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or any dog displaying the majority of the physical traits of any one (1) or more of the above breeds, or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics which substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club for any of the above breeds. Any Colorado licensed veterinarian may attest to whether or not any dog meets this definition" Exceptions for dogs already in the city before the ban if licensed through the city's pit bull licensing program and for travel through the city as long as dog is secured in crate. No exception for dog shows. City web page: www.fortlupton.org	Full text of ban in Microsoft word format
Lone Tree	Prohibits pit bulls, defined as: "American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog (Old Country Bulldog),Dogo Argentino, Canary Dog (Canary Island Dog, Presa Canario, Perro de Presa Canario), Presa Mallorquin (Pero de Presa Mallorquin, Ca de Bou), Tosa Inu (Tosa Fighting Dog, Japanese Fighting Dog, Japanese Mastiff), Cane Corso (Cane di Macellaio, Sicilian Branchero), Fila Brasilairo, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one (1) or more of the above breeds, or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics which substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club for any of the above breeds." Exceptions for dogs already in the city prior to the ban if licensed & meeting other special requirements. Non-residents may bring a dog in for up to 24 hours as long as the dog is muzzled when not secured. But, see details in ordinance. No exception for dog shows. City web page: www.cityoflonetree.com	Full text of ban in Microsoft word format
Louisville	Prohibits pit bulls. No definition given for pit bull. Exceptions for dogs already in the city through a licensing program with restrictions. Exception for transport through the city and for "showing the pit bull in a place of public exhibition, contest or show sponsored by a dog club association or similar organization" where the organization has received approval. City web page: www.ci.louisville.co.us	Full text of ban in Microsoft word format

Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
            Address: 300 West Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1620
            Phone: 970-221-4535 (24 hour emergency)
            Small animal appointments 970-297-4477

National Hotel Chains that usually accept dogs:
            Best Western – 800-780-7234
            Comfort Inn – 877-424-6423
            Holiday Inn – 888-890-0242
            La Quinta – 1-866-725-1661
            Motel 6 – 800-4-MOTEL6 (800-466-8356)

Road Conditions:
            Nationally – 511 in most states
            Colorado – 877-315-7623 (toll free instate)
            Nevada (not on 511 system) 1-877-687-6237 (1-877-NVROADS)