Humane Trap Rental

Northern Colorado Wildlife Center is dedicated to providing assistance and medical care to wild animals in need. When an animal is injured or ill, it can sometimes be difficult to capture with hands-on methods. Humane live traps provide a safe and manageable way to capture wild animals in challenging circumstances.

Important Information

  • Traps will only be rented out for injured or sick wild mammals. We do not rent traps for relocation purposes. Renters will be required to provide information about what they are trapping and why.

  • Traps must be checked at least once every 4 hours whenever they are set.

  • We do not rent traps out for the capture of domestic animals (dogs, cats, stray pets, etc.). For domestic trap rental, please reach out to Animal Friends Alliance.

  • Renters must follow all state, federal, and local regulations regarding live trapping. Northern Colorado Wildlife Center is not responsible for providing or ensuring compliance to relevant laws.

  • Renters will be responsible for reading and understanding the Humane Trap Rental Agreement.

  • Renters will be required to provide personal contact information and proof of property owner permission (if placing the trap on someone else’s property).

  • Renters will be required to have a transportation and care plan in place for when the animal is caught. Renters must be in contact with a wildlife rehabilitator licensed in the species being captured before renting the trap. Renters will be required to provide the rehabilitator’s contact information. For a list of wildlife rehabilitators and the species that they accept, please visit Animal Help Now.

  • Traps are only rented out within Colorado. Traps must be picked up at our wildlife hospital located in Fort Collins.

  • Northern Colorado Wildlife Center reserves the right to deny or terminate trap rental for any reason.

Pricing

  • There is a base charge for trap rental of $20. This charge is non-refundable, and helps support our wildlife rehabilitation efforts.

  • An additional deposit of $45-$150 based on the cost for us to replace each trap is required to rent. This deposit will be refunded upon return of the trap. Please select a trap for more specific pricing information.

  • Rental term is 1 week, but can be extended up to 3 weeks for an additional $10. Renters must notify Northern Colorado Wildlife Center with the intention to extend the rental term before the 1 week is up, or lose their deposit.

Available Traps

X-Small 1-Door Trap

Great for ground squirrels, tree squirrels, rats, and other small mammals.

Medium 2-Door Trap

Great for tree squirrels, rabbits, mink, and other small to medium mammals.

Large 1-Door Trap

Great for raccoons, marmots, and other medium mammals.

X-Large 1-Door Trap

Great for raccoons, foxes, and other medium to large mammals.

Please note that because it is illegal to rehabilitate striped skunks in Colorado, we do not rent out live traps for this species. To learn more, visit CPW.

FAQs

For information on how to bait, set, and monitor traps, please choose a trap above.

  • No, trap rental is only meant to provide safe, humane equipment at an affordable cost. Northern Colorado Wildlife Center is not responsible for setting or monitoring the trap. Renters must be able to set and monitor the trap, as well as transport the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator within 24 hours of capture. Renters are responsible for following the trapping instructions listed with each trap.

  • No, renters are responsible for all transportation and care planning. Once the animal is captured, it must be transported to the licensed wildlife rehabilitator listed in the rental application within 24 hours. For a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators and the species that they accept, please visit Animal Help Now. Renters must be in contact with the rehabilitator before renting a trap.

  • Live traps are not specific and may catch unintended animals. Renters are responsible for monitoring the trap and promptly notifying relevant parties if an animal is caught unintentionally.

    If an unintended wild animal is caught, the renter must notify Northern Colorado Wildlife Center. We will assess the animal, bait, and trap location and determine the next steps. Please note that unintentionally captured animals cannot be relocated and must be released from the trapping location.

    If a domestic animal is unintentionally captured (cat, dog, etc.), the renter must notify both Northern Colorado Wildlife Center and the local animal control agency to determine the next steps.

  • Havahart live traps are built to be safe for both animals and people when used correctly. However, accidents happen, and in rare situations, an animal may become injured when trapped. If a wild animal is injured in the catching process, regardless of whether or not it is the intended animal, the renter should call their local wildlife rehabilitator.

    When an animal is already sick or injured, it may be weak and struggling to survive. In the unfortunate situation that an animal is found deceased within the trap, the animal must be brought to a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer within 5 days.

  • There is never a guarantee that live traps will capture the intended animal. The $20 base charge is non-refundable and will not be returned, even if the animal is not successfully captured, as this donation helps us cover the cost of equipment rental and services. The trap deposit will be refunded upon return of the trap, regardless of whether or not the animal was captured.

  • Trap rentals are provided as a community service to assist public members with capturing wild animals in need. Traps must be returned to us for use by future renters. If you’d like to purchase a live trap, you can visit the Havahart website.

  • Many bait items are perishable, and we are unable to keep bait in stock for renters. However, we do provide a list of suggested bait items for common species.

  • Traps will be cleaned with animal-safe disinfectants upon drop off. There is no need to clean the trap when you pick it up or drop it off!