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Des Moines, IA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Code
DSM Ch. 6
State law
IA Code 717B
Enforcement
Animal Control + DSMPD
Penalty
Seizure + ban possible

Summary

Des Moines limits the total number of dogs and cats per household and authorizes Animal Control to seize animals from hoarding situations under Chapter 6, with prosecution available for cruelty under Iowa Code Chapter 717B.

717B.3 Animal neglect — penalties. 1. A person commits animal neglect when the person owns or has custody of an animal, confines that animal, and fails to provide the animal with any of the following conditions for the animal's welfare: a. Access to food in an amount and quality reasonably sufficient to satisfy the animal's basic nutrition level to the extent that the animal's health or life is endangered. b. Access to a supply of potable water in an amount reasonably sufficient to satisfy the animal's basic hydration level... c. Sanitary conditions free from excessive animal waste or the overcrowding of animals to the extent that the animal's health or life is endangered.

Source: Iowa Code 717BView official code

Full Breakdown

Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 6 caps the number of dogs and cats kept at one residence and prohibits maintaining animals in conditions that endanger their health or create public nuisances. Animal Control officers may inspect, impound, and seek court orders to remove animals from hoarding situations where overcrowding, untreated illness, or unsanitary conditions exist. Cases involving cruelty or neglect can be referred for criminal charges under Iowa Code Chapter 717B. Hoarders may face permanent bans on owning animals, mandatory mental-health evaluation, restitution for boarding costs, and surrender of all animals beyond legal limits.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding pet limits, neglecting animals, refusing welfare inspections, or maintaining unsanitary conditions can lead to seizure, citations, criminal cruelty charges, and ownership bans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pets can I have in Des Moines?
Chapter 6 imposes household limits on dogs and cats; combined totals beyond the cap require a kennel permit or special approval from Animal Services.
What happens in a hoarding case?
Animal Control may impound the animals, the owner can be charged under Iowa cruelty law, and courts may impose ownership bans and require restitution for care costs.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Des Moines

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All Des Moines rules

Compare Des Moines to another location·View the Iowa animal ordinances overview

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