How to Donate

Expanding Access to Spay and Neuter for Colorado Pets


Thanks to the continuing generosity of Colorado’s compassionate citizens, the Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund (CPOF) has raised and distributed more than $10.38 million to local organizations via two annual grant cycles.

Tax Checkoff
Grant Cycle		 Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet
License Plate Grant Cycle
How it is
Funded		 Tax Checkoff Grant Cycle Coloradans donate through the voluntary tax checkoff on their state income tax return. Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet License Plate Grant Cycle Coloradans donate by purchasing and renewing the Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet license plate through the DMV.
Who it
Helps		 Tax Checkoff Grant Cycle Owned pets across communities facing challenges in accessing veterinary care. Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet License Plate Grant Cycle Shelter and rescue pets who need veterinary care and/or required spay or neuter surgeries before finding their forever homes.
The
Work		 Tax Checkoff Grant Cycle Subsidized spay/neuter surgeries organized by humane societies, veterinary clinics, and animal care and control organizations. Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet License Plate Grant Cycle Spay/neuter, medical treatment, and microchipping of pet animals in the care of shelters, rescue groups, and animal control agencies.
The
Outcome		 Tax Checkoff Grant Cycle More than 94,000 owned pets have received spay/neuter surgeries, which means healthier pets, happier families, and fewer animals entering shelters. With fewer strays, communities thrive and shelters can focus more resources on adoption and care. It is a win for pets, people, and Colorado. Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet License Plate Grant Cycle Thousands of shelter pets across Colorado receive essential medical care, spay/neuter surgeries, and microchipping each year— helping them find loving homes faster. In 2025 alone, more than 23,780 pets were directly helped from this funding.

Three Ways You Can Get Involved

Purchase an Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet License Plate

Since 2011 Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet License Plate sales have generated more than $6.3 million to spay/neuter, provide medical treatment and microchip identification for shelter animals. Across Colorado, there are over 25,400 Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet License Plates on the road. Help us provide ongoing support by buying your Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet plate today!

Get Your Plate
Meet Oskar and hear his heartwarming success story brought to you by Foothills Animal Shelter! Thanks to their latest CPOF License Plate grant, “He was immediately placed in a foster home, where he received regular bottle feedings and snuggles until he was old enough to be neutered! After his neuter surgery, Oskar was quickly adopted.”
Donate Today!

Donate on your Colorado
Tax Form

More than $4 million has been donated since 2001 by Colorado taxpayers to subsidize the spay/neuter surgeries of 94,000 cats and dogs owned by residents in communities facing challenges in accessing animal care services. 

Tax Donation

Mission & Vision

Mission: The Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund (CPOF) provides grants to animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, and community entities to reduce the overpopulation of owned pets, improve the health of shelter pets to increase adoptability, and promote public education on pet overpopulation.

Values:
  • Animal Welfare: Prioritizing the health and well-being of pet animals.
  • Community Impact: Supporting efforts that reduce pet overpopulation and improve the adoptability of pets in shelters and rescues.
  • Collaboration: Partnering with local organizations, veterinarians, and communities.
  • Education: Promoting awareness of pet overpopulation issues.

Grants

In 2001, Animal Assistance Foundation agreed to provide an in-kind donation of grant administration support to the Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund (CPOF). Members of the board are appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and include representatives from the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado, Colorado Department of Agriculture, Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, Colorado's Western Slope, Animal Assistance Foundation, an animal rescue organization and a member at large.

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