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Des Moines, IA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Off-property leash length
6 feet maximum
On-property restraint
Fenced, tied, or within 6 ft of owner
Enforcement
Municipal infraction
Penalty
Up to $750; $1,000 repeat offense
High-risk dogs
Leash plus insurance required (§ 18-56)

Summary

Off your property, Des Moines requires dogs on a leash, cord or chain no longer than six feet and under a handler's control; a dog not restrained or licensed this way anywhere in the city is legally "at large."

(2)The dog is off the premises of the owner and is:a.On a leash, cord, or chain or other similar restraint not more than six feet in length and under the control of a person competent to restrain and control the dog...(d)No owner of any dog shall permit such dog to be at large at any time.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Des Moines Municipal Code § 18-55 requires any dog off its owner's property to be on a leash, cord or chain no more than six feet long and under the control of a capable handler, or secured inside a vehicle. On the owner's own premises, the dog must be behind an adequate fence, tied so it can't cross the property line, or within six feet of an obedient handler. A dog not licensed and restrained this way is deemed at large, and section 18-55(d) bars owners from ever letting that happen. High-risk dogs face a stricter leash-and-insurance standard under § 18-56.

Violations & Fines

Violating the at-large rule is a municipal infraction: a civil penalty up to $750 per violation, $1,000 for a repeat offense, under the Code's general penalty section § 1-15.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Des Moines require dogs to be leashed in public?
Yes. Off the owner's property, a dog must be on a leash, cord or chain no longer than six feet and under a capable handler's control, per Municipal Code § 18-55(a)(2).
Can my dog be off-leash in my own yard?
Yes, if it's behind an adequate fence, tied so it can't leave the property line, or within six feet of and obedient to you, per § 18-55(a)(1).
What happens if my dog is caught at large?
It can be impounded, and you face a municipal infraction civil penalty up to $750 (up to $1,000 for a repeat offense) under § 1-15.

Sources & Official References

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All Des Moines rules

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