The Ames Animal Control is a division of the Ames Police Department and is responsible for the enforcement of the Ames Municipal Code, Chapter 3 - Animals.

The complete City of Ames Municipal Animal Laws is available HERE.  

Answering FAQs about Ames' Animal Laws

All pets (including cats) must abide by Ames' Animals at Large code (Leash Law).

Nuisance laws are designed to curb unreasonable barking and to promote sanitary pet-keeping. Restraint and poop scoop laws apply to city park users as well.

Cats and dogs must be vaccinated for rabies if they are 3 1/2 months or older, and wear a rabies tag on their collars at all times. Bites must be reported to the Ames Animal Shelter immediately at 515-231-1080 for rabies quarantine assessments.

The City of Ames does NOT have any breed specific legislation limiting the ownership of specific breeds of dogs or other animals. Instead, the City of Ames has a Dangerous Domestic Animal Code the enforces restrictions on individual animals that have been shown to have dangerous behaviors. This procedure is outlined in Chapter 3, Division II "Dangerous Domestic Animals" of the City of Ames Municipal Code.

Laws regarding the humane treatment of animals within the city limits are also enforced.

Ames does not currently require the registration of cats or dogs for the purpose of licensing.