ByHow to Apply for a Des Moines Pet License in Five Minutes
If you own a pet in Des Moines, Iowa, you're legally required to get a license for that pet. But getting that license involves getting several pieces of paperwork together, as well as sending them to the city clerk's office (or dropping them off in person). You risk missing some paperwork and having to reapply or having your papers be lost in the mail. With DoNotPay, however, you can completely automate the process of getting your .
What Are Different Ways to License a Pet in Des Moines?
There are a few different ways to license a pet in Des Moines. You can register your Des Moines pet in person, by mail, by phone, or online.
Register a Des Moines Pet in Person or By Mail
You can deliver all the necessary paperwork along with the application form and a check or money order to the city office:
City Clerk's Office
400 Robert D. Ray Drive
Des Moines, IA 50309
If you choose to deliver the documents in person, they need to be left in the secure drop box outside City Hall.
Register a Des Moines Pet by Phone
If you want to register your pet by phone, you can call the City Clerk's office at (515) 283-4209. The clerks will walk you through the application process, and they accept payment via credit card.
Register a Des Moines Pet 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. The city's website will tell you when applications are open and how to apply.
How Much Does it Cost to Register a Pet in Des Moines?
In Des Moines, the fees for getting a pet license are as follows:
| License Type | Annual Fee |
| Unaltered animals | $35 |
| Spayed/neutered animals | $15 |
The city allows senior citizens (65 years old or older) to register one pet per year for $5. Additional animals are charged the regular fee.
If you can provide evidence that your animal is a service animal (such as a certificate of completion from a service animal program, or a doctor's written approval), you can get the pet licensing fee waived.
If you've recently moved to Des Moines and your pet was previously registered in another city, you can bring the pet's current tag and rabies certificate to City Hall and get a Des Moines pet license at no charge.
Why Should You Get a Des Moines Pet License?
You should get a Des Moines pet license for a variety of reasons. First of all, the money goes toward returning missing pets to their homes, and that missing pet could be your own someday. Registering your pet makes it much easier for the city to return your missing dog or cat when they are found. Additionally, the owner of an unlicensed pet is subject to a $500 fine or up to 30 days in jail. You don't want that misdemeanor on your record!
Documents Needed to Register a Pet in Des Moines
In order to get a pet license in Des Moines, you need to provide the following:
- The completed license form
- Your pet's current rabies vaccination certificate
- Proof that your pet has been spayed or neutered
- If you have a high-risk animal, the High-Risk Compliance Application
- The appropriate application fee
How Long Do Pet Licenses Last in Des Moines?
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 beginning in December, and late fees take effect on March 31st.
How to Register Your Des Moines Pet the Easy Way with DoNotPay
If you want to save time registering your pet in Des Moines using DoNotPay but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 6 easy steps:
- Go to the Pet Licenses product on DoNotPay.
- Enter the county or city you are looking to register your pet in.
- Tell us more about your pet, including the breed, gender, whether they are spayed/neutered, approximate age, and more.
- Upload evidence documents that prove that your pet has been spayed/neutered (if applicable) and a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate.
- Enter your contact information, including email, address, and phone number.
- Complete your application by paying the license processing fee, so we can file the application on your behalf.
And that's it! DoNotPay will file the rest of your application on your behalf with your local city office. We'll update you with confirmation and a license number once the application is complete.
Why Use DoNotPay to Register Your Pet in Des Moines
DoNotPay is the fastest way to . Not only that, but it's also the easiest: by putting all the paperwork you need together in the app, you know your application is a sure thing. Getting your pet license application through DoNotPay saves you from having to go to the post office and write a check as well.
Des Moines isn't the only area where DoNotPay can help license your pet. Check out resources in other areas:
- King County
- LA County
- Omaha
- Pierce County
- Orange County
- Washington State
- Maricopa County
- Minneapolis
- City of Houston
- California
What Else Can DoNotPay Do for You?
Getting a pet license is only the beginning. With DoNotPay, you can get peace of mind, avoid the hassle, and save money:
- Get into luxury airport lounges
- Skip customer service lines
- Get chargebacks and refunds from your bank
- Get compensated for fraudulent robocalls
And much more! Find out everything that DoNotPay can do for you today.