Animal Services
The ARL's hardworking and dedicated Animal Services division provide a comprehensive array of support 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.
This program is a partnership with the Des Moines Police Department and a member of their department serves as Chief Humane Officer. The ARL currently operates out of the city’s animal services facility and the program is supervised by a Director of Community Partnerships and Animal Services. That position employs all of the Animal Services Officers (ASOs), animal care staff, and medical staff, including a city veterinarian as defined in the city ordinance.
Through this partnership, the citizens of Des Moines and their animals benefit because through grants and donations, the ARL is able to offer programs and services that would not be offered by a strictly tax-funded animal services program.
Some of these include:
- Low-cost spay/neuter services for the pets of qualified, low-income owners to reduce the overpopulation of pets.
- Low-cost microchipping services to ensure pets are quickly reunited with their owners.
- Wellness Clinics for community-owned cats and dogs, including a microchip, a physical exam, and distemper and rabies vaccines for just $35.
- Adoptions of strays who have not been reclaimed, through the ARL’s vibrant adoption program.
- Pet Food Pantry to help alleviate some of the costs associated with purchasing pet food for pet families.
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
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.