Owner of Denver Pet Care Center Cited for Animal Cruelty After Dog Dies in Car
Published: September 19, 2026, 3:25 PM
Overview:
Ted Gualtier, owner of Happy Tail Happy Dog, a Denver pet care facility, has been cited for animal cruelty following the death of a dog due to heat exposure after being left in a car in late August. The citation is a criminal summons that will be addressed in Denver County Court, as confirmed by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment.
Details:
Happy Tail Happy Dog, described as a “premier, all-inclusive Denver pet care center,” emphasizes safety on their website. They claim to carefully supervise all dogs, manage play groups by size and temperament, and maintain a secure facility with 24/7 staff supervision.
Questions remain unanswered regarding whether the business will continue normal operations, possible changes following the incident, and specifics about how the dog was left unattended in the car. No comment was received from either the facility or Gualtier’s lawyer, Andrew J. Contiguglia, prior to publication.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals warns against leaving dogs in cars, stating that on an 85°F day, the inside temperature can reach 120°F in just 30 minutes. They emphasize it is never safe to leave an animal alone in a parked vehicle, regardless of circumstances.
