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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Chapter 60 (Housing) requires reasonable property maintenance and could ...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Chapter 48 (Noise) standards could theoretically apply to overnight blow...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed primarily by HOA and cond...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines requires building permits for permanent outdoor kitchen installations with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs under Chapt...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no smoker-specific ordinance. Open burning is regulated under Chapter 70 (Fire Prevention) and Iowa Code 100B with cooking-fire exemptions. Io...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Fire Code under Chapter 26, Article XII adopts the International Fire Code (IFC). IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas tank...
See how Des Moines's cat rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.