
To get a Des Moines dog license, you'll need to provide proof of vaccination. This typically includes a rabies vaccination.
You can obtain a dog license at the Polk County Treasurer's Office or online through the Polk County website.
The cost of a dog license in Des Moines is $5 for a spayed or neutered dog, and $10 for an unspayed or unneutered dog.
Licensing Requirements
To license your pet in Des Moines, you'll need to provide proof of rabies vaccination and spay or neuter (if applicable). You can upload these documents online or mail them in with the License Form.
You can choose to pay the required fee by cash, check, or credit card (Visa or Mastercard). Fees are accepted Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If your dog is considered high risk, you'll need to submit a separate High Risk Compliance application. This application requires additional information, which you'll need to provide with your license application.
You can pay your license fee and purchase an annual Dog Park Permit for an extra $20. This permit grants you unlimited access to the City's three Dog Parks for the year.
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Renewal and Payment
You can renew your pet license and get a dog park pass by January 1st to avoid any issues. To get your pet licensed, you'll need to bring in all of their vaccination records and pay a fee.
The fees for pet licenses are as follows:
- $35 for non spayed or neutered animals
- $15 for spayed or neutered animals
- $5 for animals belonging to citizens over 65
You can also get a dog park permit for $20, which is required if you plan on using the dog parks in Des Moines.
If you'd rather not visit the City Clerk's Office in person, you can register your pet by phone by calling (515) 283-4209. The clerks will walk you through the application process and accept payment via credit card.
Cost
The cost of renewing or obtaining a pet license in Des Moines is relatively straightforward. You'll need to pay a fee based on your pet's status.
The fees for pet licenses in Des Moines are as follows: $35 for non-spayed or neutered animals, $15 for spayed or neutered animals, and $5 for animals belonging to citizens over 65.
If you're planning to use the dog parks in Des Moines, you'll also need to purchase a dog park permit, which costs $20.
Here's a breakdown of the costs:
You can pay the fees by cash or check with our secure drop box outside City Hall, or with a Visa/Mastercard over the phone or online. Fees will be accepted and processed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or on the next business day.
License Duration
Pet licenses in Des Moines last for one calendar year. They take effect on January 1st and expire on December 31st.
You can order your pet license as early as December. Late fees take effect on March 31st if you haven't already gotten one.
How to Use DoNotPay Easily
Using DoNotPay to renew your pet's license is a straightforward process. You can complete it in just 6 easy steps.
First, go to the Pet Licenses product on DoNotPay. This is where the magic happens.

Next, enter the county or city where you're looking to register your pet. Make sure you get it right, as this will determine the specific requirements for your pet's license.
To complete the application, you'll need to provide some basic information about your pet, including breed, gender, and whether they're spayed or neutered. You'll also need to upload documents, such as proof of spaying/neutering and a rabies vaccination certificate.
You'll also need to enter your contact information, including email, address, and phone number. This is how DoNotPay will keep you updated on the status of your application.
Finally, complete your application by paying the license processing fee. This is the final step in the process, and once you've paid, DoNotPay will file the application on your behalf with your local city office.
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By Phone
You can register your pet by phone, and the City Clerk's office will walk you through the application process. Call them at (515) 283-4209.
They accept payment via credit card, making it a convenient option for those who prefer to pay over the phone.
Getting a License
To get a license for your pet in Des Moines, you'll need to provide some essential documents. You can upload copies of your pet's rabies vaccination certificate and proof of spay or neuter (if applicable) online.
If you prefer not to apply online, you can download and complete the License Form, then mail it or place it in the secure drop box outside of City Hall. You'll also need to submit current rabies vaccination and proof of spay/neuter (one time only) from your veterinarian.
The required fee can be paid by cash or check with the secure drop box, or with a Visa/Mastercard over the phone or online. Fees are accepted and processed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or on the next business day.
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Different Pet Licensing Methods
You can license your pet in Des Moines through various methods, including online, in person, by mail, by phone, or even by dropping off a completed form in a secure box outside City Hall.
If you prefer to apply online, you'll need to upload copies of your pet's rabies vaccination certificate and proof of spay or neuter (if applicable). You can also pay the required fee online or over the phone.
If you'd rather not apply online, you can download and complete the License Form, then mail it or drop it off in the secure box outside City Hall. In this case, you'll still need to submit current rabies and proof of spay/neuter from your veterinarian, along with the required fee.
If you're paying by cash or check, you can use the secure drop box outside City Hall. If you have a high-risk animal, you'll need to download the High Risk Compliance application and provide the required information with your application.
Here are the different licensing methods available in Des Moines:
Why Get a License?
Getting a license is a no-brainer, especially if you live in Des Moines. The money from pet licenses goes toward returning missing pets to their homes.
You should get a license to avoid a $500 fine or up to 30 days in jail.
Payment and Delivery
To obtain a Des Moines dog license, you'll need to pay the required fee, which is $5 for spayed or neutered dogs and $10 for intact dogs.
The payment can be made by mail or in person at the Polk County Treasurer's Office.
You can also pay online through the Polk County website, but you'll need to create an account first.
License tags will be mailed to you after payment is received, usually within 7-10 business days.
Delivery Options
If you're not a fan of mailing paperwork, you can deliver it in person to the city office.
You can take all the necessary paperwork and the application form to the city office.
The city office accepts checks or money orders as payment.
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Online
If you want to register your pet online, the city of Des Moines allows you to do it beginning on December 1st of the year before the license expires.
You can check the city's website for specific dates and instructions on how to apply.
The city's website will tell you when applications are open and how to apply, so be sure to check back regularly for updates.
By registering online, you can save time and hassle, and ensure that your pet's license is up to date.
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Renewal and Reminders
Don't forget to renew your pet license by January 1, as this is the deadline for both new and renewal licenses in Des Moines.
The City Clerk's Office is where you can purchase pet licenses and dog park permits. You can find them at 400 East Court Avenue, Suite 116.
To get your pet licensed, you'll need to bring in all of their vaccination records and pay a fee, which varies depending on your pet's status. For non spayed or neutered animals, the fee is $35, while spayed or neutered animals pay $15.
If you're 65 or older, you're eligible for a discounted rate of $5.
If you plan on using the dog parks in Des Moines, you'll need a dog park permit, which costs $20.
A dog park permit is required in addition to getting your dog licensed, and it's a great way to ensure your dog and others are up to date on vaccinations.
Here's a quick rundown of the fees for pet licenses and dog park permits:
- $35 for non spayed or neutered animals
- $15 for spayed or neutered animals
- $5 for animals belonging to citizens over 65
- $20 for dog park permits
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a dog license in Iowa?
In Iowa, a dog license costs $40 per year for unspayed or unneutered dogs, and $10 per year for spayed or neutered dogs. The licensing fee may vary based on the dog's age and spay/neuter status.
Where to register dog des moines?
To register your dog in Des Moines, visit the City Clerk's Office at City Hall or apply online through the Customer Self Service portal.
How many dogs can you have in the city of Des Moines?
In Des Moines, you can have up to three dogs per dwelling unit. Check local regulations for more information on pet limits and requirements.
Do you need a dog license in Iowa?
In Iowa, you're required to license your dog annually if it's 6 months or older, with a deadline of April 30th to avoid a $25 late fee. New residents and pet owners have 30 days to license their dog without incurring a late fee.
What are the dog laws in Iowa?
In Iowa, dog owners must ensure their dogs have a valid ID tag and rabies vaccination tag, and some cities and counties may have additional restrictions on dog ownership. Check local regulations for specific requirements and restrictions.
Sources
- https://www.dsm.city/departments/city_clerk/animal_licensing.php
- https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2022/08/26/des-moines-considers-overhaul-pet-animal-listening-program/7886642001/
- https://www.muckrock.com/foi/des-moines-13988/des-moines-ia-pet-licensing-39317/
- https://who13.com/news/des-moines-pet-owners-dont-forget-to-renew-your-pet-license/
- https://donotpay.com/learn/des-moines-pet-license/
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