Aurora, Colorado's third-largest city, borders Denver to the east and offers diverse, pet-friendly neighborhoods with costs 20-30% above national average.
Essential steps for pet parents who just moved to the area
Key cost categories for pet parents in your area
Essential contacts for new residents
Aurora Animal Shelter
Municipal
City animal shelter handling adoptions, licensing, and low-cost wellness for Aurora residents
Grandview Dog Park
Recreation
Aurora off-leash dog park with agility equipment and separate large and small dog areas
Cherry Creek State Park Dog Park
Recreation
107-acre off-leash dog park adjacent to Aurora with swimming beach and trails
Highline Canal Trail
Recreation
15+ mile trail through Aurora welcoming leashed dogs along the historic canal
VCA Aurora Animal Hospital
Emergency
24/7 emergency and specialty hospital in Aurora providing critical care
Veterinary Specialty Center
Emergency
Nearby Englewood specialty hospital serving Aurora with advanced surgical care
Aurora Reservoir
Recreation
Aurora reservoir with leashed pet walking trails and seasonal swimming areas
Star K Ranch Nature Preserve
Recreation
Aurora nature preserve with leashed dog trails through prairie and wetland habitats
Food Bank of the Rockies
Animal Welfare
Regional food bank serving Aurora with pet food distribution for families in need
Sand Creek Greenway
Recreation
Aurora regional trail connecting to Denver's trail system welcoming leashed dogs
Plains Conservation Center
Recreation
Aurora prairie preserve offering leashed dog hiking through native shortgrass prairie
Denver Dumb Friends League Aurora Programs
Animal Welfare
Denver-area humane society providing mobile clinic services to Aurora residents
Approximately 58% of Aurora households own pets. The city's diverse population includes strong African American, Hispanic, and immigrant pet ownership communities. Aurora has seen 18% growth in pet ownership since 2020.
| Service | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Bath (grooming salon) | $50 | $78 |
| Full Groom (cut, bath, nails, ears) | $78 | $125 |
| Mobile / At-Home Grooming | $98 | $150 |
| Routine Vet Exam | $60 | $92 |
| Annual Wellness Visit (with vaccines) | $205 | $365 |
| Professional Dental Cleaning | $430 | $715 |
| Overnight Boarding (per night) | $46 | $74 |
*Prices based on local provider research as of 2026. Individual rates vary by breed, size, and coat type.
AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook
American Veterinary Medical Association (2024)
Aurora Animal Care Annual Report
City of Aurora (2025)
Colorado Veterinary Medical Association Survey
CVMA (2025)
National Pet Owners Survey
American Pet Products Association (2025)
Aurora Cost of Living Index
Aurora Economic Development Council (2025)
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