Pet License

Registration

If you have a dog or cat, you will need to purchase a pet license.  The cost is $5 if spayed or neutered. $10 otherwise. Proof of current rabies vaccine is required. Your vet can fax us the paperwork at (712) 885-1705. Pet licenses need to be renewed annually in January. Late fees apply after February 1st.

You may pick up an application at City Hall or print one from here. Return the completed form, verification of current rabies vaccine, and appropriate fee to City Hall during business hours or slip it in the slot on door with the required fee and your license will be mailed to you.

pet license
application

Pet Ordinance

4-1-3 IMMUNIZATION. All dogs six (6) months or older shall be vaccinated against rabies and/or cat vaccines. Before issuance of the license the owner shall furnish a veterinarian’s certificate showing that the dog for which the license is sought has been vaccinated, and that the vaccination does not expire within six (6) months from the effective date of the dog license. It shall be a violation of this Ordinance for any dog to not be vaccinated against rabies. A tag showing evidence of proper vaccination shall be worn by every dog when not confined. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 351.33)

4-1-4 AT LARGE PROHIBITED. No owner or person having custody of an animal shall permit such animal to run at large. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 351.41)

 4-1-5 ANIMAL NUISANCES. It shall be unlawful for any person to permit an animal under such person’s control or within such person’s custody to commit a nuisance. An animal shall be considered a nuisance if it:

  1. Damages, soils, defiles or defecates on private property other than the owner’s or on public walks and recreation areas unless such waste is immediately removed and properly disposed of by the owner.
  2. Causes unsanitary, dangerous or offensive conditions.
  3. Causes a disturbance by excessive barking or other noise making or chases vehicles, or molests, attacks or interferes with persons or other domestic animals.
    (Code of Iowa, Sec. 657.1)

4-1-7 DANGEROUS ANIMALS.

1. Dangerous Animals Prohibited. No person shall keep, shelter, or harbor for any purpose within the City limits, a dangerous animal.

2. Definitions. A dangerous animal is:
a. Any animal which is not naturally tame or gentle, and which is of a wild nature or disposition, and which is capable of killing, inflicting serious injury upon, or causing disease among human beings or domestic animals, and having known tendencies as a species to do so.
b. The following are animals which shall be deemed to be dangerous animals per se:

  1. Lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cougars, lynx, and bobcats;
  2. Wolves, coyotes, and foxes;
  3. Badgers, wolverines, weasels, skunks and mink;
  4. Raccoons;
  5. Bears;
  6. Monkeys, chimpanzees, and apes;
  7. Alligators and crocodiles;
  8. Scorpions; gila monsters;
  9. Snakes that are venomous or constrictors;
  10. Pit bulls meaning any dog that is an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one or more of the above breeds (more so than any other breed), or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics which substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club for any of the above breeds.
  11. Any cross breed of such animals which have similar characteristics of the animals specified above.

 c. Any animals declared to be dangerous by the City Council.

 3. Dangerous Animals Exceptions. The keeping of dangerous animals shall not be prohibited in the following circumstances:
a. The keeping of dangerous animals in a public zoo, bona fide educational or medical institution, humane society, or museum where they are kept as live specimens for the public to view, or for the purpose of instruction, research or study, and has obtained the written approval of the City Council.

4-1-9 Number of Animals. It is unlawful, except for a licensed kennel or pet shop, veterinary hospital or animal grooming shop, for an owner to harbor or house on said owner’s premises more than a combined total of three (3) dogs and cats over the age of six (6) months. An owner cannot own and license over three dogs and cats combined. Owners having more than three dogs/cats when ordinance went into effect (July 9, 2012), will be considered grandfathered in, but cannot replace existing dogs/cats.