Des Moines's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Des Moines, Iowa, there are 11 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Chickens & Livestock

Des Moines permits backyard hens with a city permit under Chapter 6 of the Municipal Code, but roosters and most livestock are prohibited inside city limits, with strict setback and coop standards enforced by Animal Control.

Key details: Code chapter: DSM Code Ch. 6. Permit: Required for hens. Roosters: Prohibited. Livestock: Ag zoning only. Enforcement: DSM Animal Control.

Keeping roosters, exceeding hen counts, raising livestock without ag zoning, failing to maintain coops, or operating without a permit are civil violations enforced by Animal Control with escalating fines.

Cat Rules

Des Moines requires cats to be licensed, vaccinated against rabies, and prohibits cats running at large under Chapter 6, with the Animal Rescue League contracted for shelter operations and trap-neuter-return support.

Key details: License: Required annually. Rabies vaccine: Required. Shelter: ARL of Iowa. At-large: Prohibited.

Allowing cats at large, failing to license, lapsed rabies vaccination, or refusing to redeem an impounded cat triggers fines, holding fees, and potential surrender of the animal.

Mandatory Spay/Neuter

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.

Key details: Method: Tiered license fees. Trigger: Repeat impoundments. Low-cost clinic: ARL of Iowa. Code: DSM Ch. 6.

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.

Microchipping

Des Moines does not require microchipping for pets but strongly recommends it, and the Animal Rescue League scans every impounded animal to reunite owners faster, often waiving some impound fees for microchipped pets.

Key details: Required: No. Recommended: Yes. Scanned at intake: Always. Provider: ARL of Iowa clinics.

There is no penalty for not microchipping, but owners of unchipped lost pets often pay higher impound fees and risk longer separation or unintended adoption out.

Des Moines is more permissive than most cities when it comes to microchipping. That said, there are still limits.

Pet Limits

Des Moines Chapter 6 limits the combined number of dogs and cats kept at a residence without a kennel permit, with separate limits for properties zoned for higher-density animal keeping such as commercial kennels.

Key details: Code: DSM Ch. 6. Permit type: Kennel license. Foster exemption: Possible. Enforcement: Animal Services.

Exceeding pet limits without a kennel permit, operating an unlicensed kennel, or producing nuisance conditions results in citations, mandatory pet reduction, and license denials.

Animal Hoarding

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.

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

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

This is one of the stricter rules in Des Moines's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Wildlife Feeding

Des Moines prohibits feeding deer and waterfowl (including Canada geese) on public property under Chapter 18, Article VII. The ban was adopted in 2021 to reduce disease risk, property damage, and nuisance wildlife concentration.

Key details: Governing code: Ch. 18, Art. VII, Sec. 18-215. Prohibited animals: Deer and waterfowl (geese). Where ban applies: Public property citywide. Max fine: Up to $850. Classification: Simple misdemeanor.

Simple misdemeanor; fines up to $850 per violation. Animal Control or police may issue citations.

Beekeeping

Des Moines permits beekeeping on residential property with conditions. Hives must be registered with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Local zoning requirements include setback and hive number limits.

Key details: Registration: Required with IDALS. Inspections: State disease inspections. Setbacks: From property lines. Water Source: Recommended on-site.

Unregistered hives may be subject to IDALS enforcement. Nuisance complaints may lead to zoning review of hive placement.

Dog Leash Laws

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 violation and may be impounded by Animal Control.

Key details: Leash: Required off owner's property. License: Required over 4 months. Rabies: Current vaccination required. At Large: Subject to impound. Dog Parks: Off-leash areas available.

Animal at large: simple misdemeanor with fines. Impound fees apply for pickup. Unlicensed dogs face additional fines.

This is one of the stricter rules in Des Moines's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Breed Restrictions

Des Moines does not enforce breed-specific legislation (BSL). Iowa does not have a statewide ban on specific breeds. All dogs are regulated based on individual behavior, not breed, under Chapter 18.

Key details: BSL: No breed-specific bans. Standard: Behavior-based regulation. Dangerous Dogs: Additional requirements. Insurance: Private policies may restrict.

Dangerous or vicious dog violations carry significant fines and potential euthanasia orders for dogs that cause serious injury.

The rules around breed restrictions in Des Moines lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Exotic Pets

Des Moines and Iowa law restrict ownership of dangerous wild animals. Iowa Code Chapter 717F prohibits keeping large cats, bears, wolves, primates, and other dangerous wild animals without a USDA license or specific exemption.

Key details: State Law: Iowa Code Ch. 717F. Prohibited: Big cats, bears, wolves, primates. Ferrets: Generally permitted. USDA License: Exemption for exhibitors.

Possession of prohibited dangerous wild animal: serious misdemeanor under Iowa Code. City violations also apply. Animal may be confiscated.

Compared to other cities, Des Moines takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Des Moines is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 11 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Des Moines, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Des Moines can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.