Animal Services
The ARL's hardworking and dedicated Animal Services division provides support to the community that goes well beyond the traditional notion of animal control.
In Des Moines, the ARL is contracted to operate the city’s animal services program alongside the Des Moines Police Department’s chief humane officer. Together, the ARL and the City of Des Moines are able to keep public safety a top priority and maximize resources.
The ARL currently operates out of the city’s animal services building to offer a variety of programs and services to Des Moines residents, including pet adoption, pet wellness clinics, trained Animal ServicesOfficers (ASOs), trap-neuter-return (TNR) and much more.
The people of Des Moines and their animals benefit from this partnership because the ARL, through grants and donations, is able to offer programs and services that would not be available through a strictly tax-funded animal services program.
The ARL’s Animal Services division is overseen by a Director of Community Partnerships and Animal Services. During their time with the ARL, ASOs receive professional training, often beyond what is required, including training through the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA), showing their commitment to protecting the welfare of animals and maintaining professional standards in the field. Currently, all ARL ASOs hold Level 1 NACA certifications, and some hold Level 2.
ARL Animal Services
Address: 1441 Harriet St., Des Moines, IA 50317
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
24-Hour Dispatch: (515) 283-4811
Call: (515) 284-6905
Text: (515) 686-8274
ASOs assist with the following within the city limits of Des Moines:
- Animal welfare checks
- Lost, stray or injured animals
- Pet reunifications in the field
- Resources and education for pet owners
- Animal bites
- License/rabies vaccination violation
Animal Services FAQ
Get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions in regards to Animal Services.
Des Moines Lost Pet Help
Des Moines Animal Services can help with any lost pet found in the Des Moines City limits.
Reuniting Lost Pets
Des Moines Animal Services will hold lost pets and work to reunite them with their owners.
Trap Neuter Return
The ARL’s trap-neuter-return program improves community cats’ lives by spaying/neutering, vaccinating and returning them to the areas where they’ve been living and thriving.
Wellness Clinics
The ARL offers low-cost Wellness Clinics throughout the year that offer rabies and distemper vaccines along with microchips and a basic wellness exam.
Pet Food Assistance
The ARL offers this supplemental service to help alleviate some of the costs associated with purchasing pet food for pet families.
Reporting
View the intakes and outcomes of the ARL’s Animal Care and Control for the city of Des Moines.
Resource Education
Do you have pet questions? Take a look at our Resource Library to find information about pet behavior, resources for pet owners, and more!
Des Moines BSL
Learn more about breed specific legislation and the ordinance pertaining to dogs in Des Moines.
City of Des Moines
In Des Moines, the ARL is contracted to operate the city’s animal services program. This program is a partnership with the Des Moines Police Department and a member of their department serves as Chief Humane Officer.