Ames Animal Laws

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.

View the Complete City of Ames Municipal Animal Code(PDF, 162KB)

Common Animal Code Questions

Leash Law - Ames' Leash/At Large Code(PDF, 70KB)

All animals, regardless of species, must be restrained by the owners from running at large. This means all pets, including cats, must be on a leash when off their owner's property.

Animal Nuisance - Ames' Animal Nuisance Code(PDF, 69KB)

No cat, dog, or animal may make sounds of any kind for a prolonged period of time in such a manner as to reasonably disturb the peace and quiet of the vicinity.

Accumulation of solid waste which becomes a detriment to or menace to the health of the animal, or an annoyance to humans, is not permitted.

Animal in Vehicles - Ames' Animals in Vehicles Code(PDF, 69KB)

No person is allowed to leave an animal unattended in, or tethered to, a standing or parked motor vehicle, in a manner that endangers the safety of the animal. You can learn more by checking out our Animals in Vehicles informative flyer.

Transporting animals in the open bed of a pickup truck is not permitted, except when the animal is secured inside a cage or kennel OR by a leash or tether sufficiently short to keep the animal inside the pickup box at all times.

All animals must be transported in a box, container, or cage with proper ventilation and proper space requirements as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 9, Part 3, Animals and Animal Products.

Breed Specific Legislation/Dangerous Domestic Animals - Ames' Dangerous Domestic Animal Code(PDF, 100KB)

Ames does NOT have any legislation that prohibits owning an animal purely based on breed or appearance.

Ames has a Dangerous Domestic Animal Code, which involves registration and requirements of a domestic animal shown to have dangerous behaviors, as outlined in the code.

Trapping - Ames' Trapping Code(PDF, 69KB)

Anyone wishing to trap for an animal within the city limits of Ames must have a Trap Permit issued by Animal Control at no charge.

The only trap types allowed are 1.) Humane live box traps 2.) Instant kill snap trap