Ames Animal Shelter Seeks Community Input on Pet Licensing

Published on February 09, 2026

AMES, Iowa – The Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control Division is seeking community input on a proposed pet licensing program through an online survey available until Feb. 27. The survey is available at www.CityOfAmes.org/PetLicense.

“Input from Ames residents is important to help shape a Pet Licensing Program,” said Ron Edwards, Animal Shelter Supervisor. “We are excited to present this program to our residents to strengthen the services that support animal health and safety.”

The Pet Licensing Program would include an annual registration for dogs and cats that includes owner information, proof of rabies vaccination, and a unique identification number that can be traced by Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control. The proposal sets licenses at $12 per year for altered (spayed or neutered) pets and $24 per year for unaltered (not spayed or neutered) pets.

All feedback provided in the pet licensing survey will be compiled in a report to the Ames City Council anticipated in April. To contact the Mayor and City Council directly, email them as a group at MayorCouncil@cityofames.org.

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