Story County, IA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Kennel threshold
- More than 5 dogs or cats over 6 months old
- Breeding kennels
- Require a State or federal license
- Temporary license
- Issued by county ACO pending State license
- Inspection access
- ACO has reasonable access to private kennels
- Violation penalty
- Simple misdemeanor under Section 45.04
Summary
In unincorporated Story County, there is no flat cap of two dogs or three cats per household. The line is drawn at five: once a household keeps or harbors more than five dogs or cats over six months old, county code reclassifies the household as a private kennel, and breeding beyond that number triggers a State or federal license requirement.
“Private kennel” means any person, excluding any State-licensed kennel, pet shop, veterinary clinic, or any federally licensed kennel which keeps or harbors more than five dogs or cats over six months of age. In the case of someone who wishes to breed dogs or cats, and has over five of any species over six months of age, a State or federal license is required. ... All private breeding kennels shall be required to obtain a temporary license issued by the ACO until a State or federal license is obtained.
Full Breakdown
02 as any person, excluding a State-licensed kennel, pet shop, veterinary clinic, or federally licensed kennel, who keeps or harbors more than five dogs or cats over six months of age. The same definition adds that anyone who wishes to breed dogs or cats and has more than five of any species over six months old must obtain a State or federal license. 06. The Animal Control Officer must be given reasonable access to inspect a private kennel regardless of whether it already holds a State or federal license.
Pet ownership below the five-animal threshold, or by a State-licensed kennel, pet shop, or veterinary clinic, falls outside this kennel classification and its inspection and licensing duties.
Violations & Fines
Violating the county animal control chapter, including operating an unlicensed private kennel above the five-animal threshold or refusing the ACO reasonable inspection access, is a simple misdemeanor under Section 45.04, punishable under Iowa Code Section 903.1(a), with each act or day of continued violation a separate offense. A court may also prohibit the offender from owning any animal during the sentence, order the animal surrendered to the County shelter, or order a mental health evaluation. Impounded animals carry impound and board fees the owner must pay to reclaim them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs or cats can I legally keep at my home in unincorporated Story County?
Do I need a license if I just have six dogs as pets, not for breeding?
What does a private kennel license require?
What happens if I keep too many animals without a kennel license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Story County
Compare Story County to another location·View the Iowa animal ordinances overview
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