Animal Ordinances in Des Moines, IA (2026)
11 verified animal ordinances for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Backyard Chickens and Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsDog 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.
Des Moines Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed 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.
Des Moines Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
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.
Des Moines Beekeeping Regulations
Some RestrictionsExotic 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.
Des Moines Exotic Pet Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsIowa Code § 717F.3 (Dangerous wild animals — prohibitions)
717F.3 Dangerous wild animals — prohibitions. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a person shall not do any of the following: 1. Own or possess a dangerous wild animal. 2. Cause or allow a dangerous wild animal owned by a person or in the person's possession to breed. 3. Transport a dangerous wild animal into this state. [Dangerous wild animal includes members of the family canidae (w...
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.
Feeding Wildlife Prohibited on Public Property
Some RestrictionsAnimal 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.
Animal Hoarding and Pet Limits
Heavy RestrictionsIowa Code § 717B.3 (Animal neglect — penalties)
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...
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.
Household Pet Number Limits
Some RestrictionsCat 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.
Cat Licensing and At-Large Rules
Some RestrictionsMandatory 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.
Spay/Neuter Incentives and Requirements
Some RestrictionsMicrochipping
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.