The Grand Junction Police Department will officially assume animal control services within the city limits starting January 1, 2025. This transition follows a restructuring of Mesa County Animal Services operations. While Mesa County Animal Services will continue to provide shelter services, the Grand Junction Police Department will now address animal control issues within the City of Grand Junction.
Since learning of the restructure in mid-summer of 2024, the Grand Junction Police Department has been diligently preparing to establish an Animal Control Unit from the ground up. This effort has been supported by two current department team members with prior local animal services experience who have provided invaluable insights into creating the department’s new Animal Control Unit. The projected overall expense of this new service is $530,000, which includes equipment, uniforms, a new vehicle, and general operating expenses. Among the new investments, the City of Grand Junction purchased a new specialized animal control truck for approximately $90,000 and worked with a company that specializes in outfitting such vehicles. The department will assess future operation needs as the new unit works to serve the community in 2025.
“As we begin our role in providing animal control services for the City of Grand Junction beginning in 2025, the Grand Junction Police Department is committed to building a top-tier Animal Control Unit focused on education, excellent customer service, and the reunification of lost animals with their owners,” said Amber Peck, Civilian Manager overseeing the new Animal control Unit for the Grand Junction Police Department.
The Grand Junction Police Department’s new Animal Control Unit will emphasize reuniting lost pets with their owners while also addressing animal control issues and enforcement within the city limits. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office will manage these services in unincorporated Mesa County. Responsibilities of the Animal Control Unit will include, but are not limited to dangerous dogs, public nuisance complaints, and other animal-related concerns.
The Grand Junction Police Department Animal Control Unit will operate full time to serve the needs of city residents. City residents can call 970-549-5000 for non-emergency concerns. For emergencies, dial 911 immediately. Online reporting options are also available for general animal complaints and animal bites.