Objective To analyze public policies regarding zoonoses in Colombia, in terms of responsiveness, decision-making, processes and results, approaching their impact in the period between 1975 and 2014. Methods An analysis and assessment of public policies were carried out using a mixed design. Some zoonoses were selected based on their importance for public health, epidemiology, policy and availability of consecutive information. Secondary documentary sources and primary sources were used through an annotated survey. An interpretive, historical and structural framework was built from an economic, epidemiological and political point of view. For policy analysis, the sequential approach was used and, in a complementary manner, the institutional development approach. A trend analysis of selected zoonoses was carried out. Results The interpretive framework addressed the macro context and the key processes in two periods: 1975-1990 and 1990-2014. The analysis of public policies in zoonoses was conducted according to their decision level and the vertical and horizontal relationships between them. A trend analysis of zoonoses in the long term, as well as an assessment of the impact of the policies, was obtained. Conclusions Policy diversification and instrumental depth suggest that they have approached the understanding and management capacity of the complex problems of zoonoses. However, the trend analysis suggests that the impact of public policies on zoonoses is still limited.