Des Moines uses tiered license fees and post-impoundment requirements under Chapter 6 to encourage spay/neuter, charging substantially more for unaltered dogs and cats and conditioning release of repeat at-large animals on sterilization.
Rather than a flat mandatory spay/neuter ordinance, Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 6 uses fee incentives: licenses for unaltered dogs and cats cost significantly more than altered animals, encouraging sterilization. Animals impounded multiple times for at-large violations or considered dangerous may be required to be sterilized as a condition of release or continued ownership. The Animal Rescue League of Iowa partners with the city on low-cost spay/neuter clinics for residents who qualify based on income. Owners who refuse mandated sterilization after a triggering event may face animal forfeiture or denial of license renewal.
Failure to comply with court-ordered or impoundment-triggered sterilization, or attempting to license unaltered animals without paying the higher fee, results in citations and license denial.
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines requires cats to be licensed, vaccinated against rabies, and prohibits cats running at large under Chapter 6, with the Animal Rescue League contra...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines requires dogs to be on a leash or under direct control at all times when off the owner's property under Chapter 18. Dogs running at large are a vi...
See how Des Moines's mandatory spay/neuter rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.