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Des Moines, IA Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

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

Key Facts

Trigger
Dog impounded by animal shelter
Requirement
Microchip implanted before release
Fee
Owner pays scheduled installation fee
High-risk dogs
Chipped before quarantine release too
Voluntary option
Available anytime under § 18-15

Summary

Des Moines requires every impounded dog to receive a microchip before release, with the owner paying an installation fee set by city council resolution.

All dogs impounded shall have an electronic identification device, otherwise known as a microchip, placed under the dog's skin prior to release from impound and the owner shall pay the fee in the amount set in the schedule of fees adopted by the city council by resolution for the installation of the electronic identification device. If a contractor implants an electronic identification device in a dog pursuant to this section, the contractor shall retain the fee. (C42, § 114-8; O.5225, 5385; C54, §§ 5-28, 5-29; O.6002, 6034; C62, §§ 5-28, 5-29; O.7499, 7769; C75, § 7-32; O.9097, 9376; C79, § 7-32; O.9828; C85, § 7-32; O.11,031, 11,446; C91, § 7-32; O.12,075, 14,155, 14,462, 15,348)

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

Under Des Moines Municipal Code § 18-64(e), any dog picked up and held at the animal shelter must have a microchip implanted under the skin before the animal is released back to its owner: licensed or not. The owner pays the installation fee set in the city's fee schedule. A related rule at § 18-59(f) requires the same electronic ID device for a dog declared high risk before it can leave impound or quarantine. Outside of an impound, owners can also request a voluntary microchip at the shelter under § 18-15 for the same posted fee.

Violations & Fines

Failure to pay the microchip and redemption fees means the dog stays at the shelter, and under Des Moines Municipal Code § 18-13, chapter violations are misdemeanors or municipal infractions with fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every pet in Des Moines need a microchip?
No. Des Moines only mandates microchipping for dogs that get impounded, § 18-64(e), plus dogs declared high risk under § 18-59(f). There's no blanket microchip law for pets kept at home.
Who pays for the microchip?
The dog's owner pays the installation fee set in the city's fee schedule, whether the dog was voluntarily surrendered or picked up as a stray, per § 18-64(e).

Sources & Official References

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All Des Moines rules

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