Des Moines requires cats to be licensed, vaccinated against rabies, and prohibits cats running at large under Chapter 6, with the Animal Rescue League contracted for shelter operations and trap-neuter-return support.
Under Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 6, cat owners must license their cats annually with the city and provide proof of current rabies vaccination. Cats are subject to the city's at-large prohibition, meaning owners may not allow cats to roam unrestrained off their property. Trapped strays are taken to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, which serves as the city's contracted shelter. Owners must redeem impounded cats with proof of license, vaccination, and impoundment fees. Repeated at-large incidents and failure to license can lead to escalating fines, and unaltered cats may face higher license fees to encourage spay/neuter compliance.
Allowing cats at large, failing to license, lapsed rabies vaccination, or refusing to redeem an impounded cat triggers fines, holding fees, and potential surrender of the animal.
Des Moines, IA
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See how Des Moines's cat rules rules stack up against other locations.
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