The ARL has people from all over the state come to Des Moines to adopt dogs of all breeds. Along the way, we have collected a list of cities and any ordinances that they may have for "pit bulls".
Below are list of the cities we have contacted, who we spoke with, and the last date of contact.
Please note: If your city is not listed, please check with city hall before adopting a dog or moving there. If you see any errors, contact arl@arl-iowa.org.
For a full list of city and county ordinances, click here.
You Can Live Here With Your Dogs:
These cities do not discriminate against dogs and their owners based on breed alone.
Ackley: City Hall: (641) 847-3332 Contacted 1/18/2011
Ackworth: Contacted 1/20/2011
Adel: City Hall: (515) 993-4525 Contacted 1/18/2011
Akron: City Hall: (712) 568-2041 Contacted 1/20/2011
Albion: City Hall: (641) 488-2244 Contacted 1/20/2011-may be considering restrictions
Alburnett: City Hall: (319) 842-2692 Contacted 1/18/2011-may be considering restrictions
Alden: City Hall: (515) 859-3344 Contacted 10/9/12
Alleman: Polk County Animal Control
Algona: City Hall: (515) 295-2411 Contacted 11/15/12
Alta Vista: City Hall: (641) 364-2175 Contacted 1/20/2011
Ames: Animal Control: (515) 239-5530 Contacted 5/4/2010
Ankeny: Ankeny PD: (515) 965-6440 Contacted 5/4/2010
Aplington: City Hall: (319) 347-2425 Contacted 11/15/12
Atlantic: Police Dept: (712) 243-3512 Contacted 1/19/2011
Aurora: City Hall: (319) 634-3363 Contacted 1/20/2011
Baxter: City Hall: (641) 227-3120 Contacted 1/20/2011
Bellmond: City Hall: (641) 444-3386 Contacted 10/9/12
Bettendorf: City Hall: (563) 344-4000 Contacted 1/20/2011
Boone: City Hall: (515) 432-6112 Contacted 4/3/2010
Bondurant: City Hall: (515) 967-2418 Contacted 6/18/2010
Burlington: Animal Control Contacted 6/14/11
Cambridge
Carlisle: Police Department: (515) 989-4121 Contacted 10/18/12
Carroll: City Hall: (712) 792-1000 Contacted 11/15/12
Carter Lake: City Hall: (712) 347-6320 Contacted 11/15/12
Charles City: Police Department: (641) 228-3366 Contacted 11/20/12
Clarinda: City Hall: (712) 542-2136 Contacted 11/29/12
Clarke County: Sherriff Dept: (641) 342-2377 Contacted 8/10/2010
Clear Lake: City Hall: (641) 357-5267 Contacted 10/18/12
Clinton: City Hall: (563) 243-1455 Contacted 10/9/12
Cedar Falls: City Hall: (319) 273-8600 Contacted 1/19/2011
Cedar Rapids: Animal Control: (319) 286-5993 Contacted 1/19/2011
Collins: City Hall: (641) 385-2205 Contacted 1/18/2011
Colo: City Hall: (641) 377-2238 Contacted 1/20/2011
Colfax: City Hall: (515) 674-4096 Contacted 2/15/2011
Coralville: City Hall: (319) 248-1800 Contacted 10/9/12
Clive: City Hall: (515) 223-6220 Contacted 5/4/2010
Cumming: City Hall: (515) 981-9214 Contacted 1/21/2011
Dallas Center: City Hall: (515) 992-3725 Contacted 1/19/2011
Dallas County: Sherriff Dept: (515) 993-4771 Contacted 9/3/2010
Davenport: City Hall: (563) 326-7711 Contacted 1/20/2011
Decorah: City Hall: (563) 382-3651 Contacted 10/9/12
Dickinson County: (712) 336-2793
Donnellson: City Hall: (319) 835-5714 Contacted 11/29/12
Dubuque: City Clerk: (563) 589-4100 Contacted 8/6/12
Eagle Grove: City Hall: (515) 448-4343 Contacted 11/29/12
Eldridge: City Hall: (563) 285-4841 Contacted 10/9/12
Elkhart: City Hall: (515) 367-4735 Contacted 6/18/2010
Everly: City Hall: (712) 834-2691 Contacted 11/29/12
Fairfield: City Hall: (641) 472-6193 Contacted 11/29/12
Farmington: City Hall: (319) 878-3711 Contacted 11/29/12
Fayette: City Hall: (563) 425-4316 Contacted 11/29/12
Fort Dodge: City Hall: (515) 576-4551 Contacted 1/19/2011
Fort Madison: City Hall: (319) 372-7700 Contacted 10/912
Garden City: Contacted 4/20/13
Glidden: City Clerk: (712) 659-3010 Contacted 8/6/12
Grimes: City Code Contacted 3/11/13
Grinnell: City Hall: (641) 236-2600 Contacted 10/9/12
Guthrie Center: City Hall: (641) 332-2190 Contacted 1/19/2011
Hartford: City Hall: (515) 989-0267 Contacted 1/18/2011- No restrictions at the moment but "discourage the breed"
Hiawatha: City Hall: (319) 393-1515 Contacted 10/9/12
Humboldt: City Hall: (515) 332-3435 Contacted 10/9/12
Independence: City Hall: (319) 334-2780 Contacted 10/9/12
Indianola: Kiya Koda: (515) 961-7080 Contacted 7/7/2010
Iowa City: City Hall: (319) 356-5000 Contacted 10/9/12
Iowa Falls: City Hall: (641) 648-2527 Contacted 10/9/12
Jasper County: Sherriff Dept: (641) 792-5912 Contacted 12/2/2010
Jefferson: City Hall: (515) 386-3111 Contacted 10/18/12
Johnston: Police: (515) 278-2345 Contacted 11/1/2010
Kalona: City Hall: (319) 656-2310 Contacted 11/29/12
Keokuk: City Hall: (319) 526-5421 Contacted 10/9/12
Knoxville: City Hall: (641) 828-0550 Contacted 02/16/2011
Lake City: City Hall: (712) 464-3111 Contacted 11/29/12
Madison County: Zoning Administrator (Jeff): (515) 462-2636 Contacted 9/7/2010
Madrid: Police Dept: (515) 795-3113 Contacted 1/19/2011
Manchester: City Hall: (563) 927-3636 Contacted 10/11/12
Marengo: City Hall: (319) 642-3232 Contacted 10/11/12
Marion: City Hall: (319) 743-6300 Contacted 10/11/12
Marshalltown: City Hall: (641) 754-5701 Contacted 1/20/2011
Mason City: City Hall: (641) 421-3600 Contacted 8/6/12
Milford: (712) 338-2741
Mitchellville: City Hall: (515) 967-2935 Contacted 6/18/2010
Montezuma: City Hall: (641) 623-5617 Contacted 10/11/12
Mount Vernon: City Hall: (319) 895-8742 Contacted 10/11/12
Nevada: City Hall: (515) 382-5466 Contacted 1/20/2011
Newton: City Hall: (641) 792-2787 Contacted 10/11/12
North Liberty: City Hall: (319) 626-5700 Contacted 8/6/12.
Norwalk: City Hall: (515) 981-0228 Contacted 1/21/2011
Ogden: Contacted 5/6/2013
Okoboji: City Hall: (712) 332-2550 Contacted 10/12/12
Orange City: City Hall: (712) 707-4885 Contacted 11/29/12
Oskaloosa: Steven Memorial Animal Shelter: (641) 673-3991 Contacted 10/11/12
Panora: City Hall: (641) 755-2164 Contacted 11/29/12
Pella: City Hall: (641) 628-4173 Contacted 8/6/12
Polk City: City Hall: (515) 984-6233 Contacted 11/29/12
Polk County: Animal Control
Prairie City: City Hall: (515) 994-2649 Contacted 10/12/12
Red Oak: City Hall: (712) 623-6510 Contacted 1/20/2011
Runnels: City Hall: (515) 966-2042 Contacted 6/18/2010
Slater: City Hall: (515) 685-2531 Contacted 8/6/12
Sioux Center: City Hall: (712) 722-0761 Contacted 10/12/12
Stanton
State Center: City Hall: (641) 483-2559 Contacted 1/20/2011
Storm Lake: City Hall: (712) 732-8000 Contacted 10/12/12
Story City: City Council: (515) 733-2121 Contacted 10/12/12
Tama: City Hall: (641) 484-3822 Contacted 10/12/12
Tripoli: City Clerk: (319) 882-4801 Contacted 9/12/12
Underwood: City Hall: (712) 566-2373 Contacted 10/12/12
Urbandale: City Hall: (515) 331-6850 Contacted 6/18/2010
Van Meter: City Hall: (515) 996-2644 Contacted 1/18/2011 (maybe considering restrictions)
Waterloo: City Hall: (319) 232-6887 Contacted 10/12/12
Waukee: City Hall: (515) 987-4522 Contacted 7/29/2010
West Burlington: City Hall: (319) 752-5451 Contacted 10/18/12
West Des Moines: City Hall: (515) 222-3600 Contacted 5/21/2010
Williamsburg: City Hall: (319) 668-1133 Contacted 10/12/12
Windsor Heights: Police Department: (515) 277-4453 Contacted 8/6/12
Winnebago County
Woodburn
You Can Live Here With Your Dogs With Some Restrictions:
These cities discriminate against "pit bull" dogs based on breed alone by requiring certain things they do not require of other breeds. The ARL staff can help you navigate through these restrictions as many of them are really simple to abide by (they just sound more difficult than they are). Full descriptions of a city's restrictions can be found online in their city codes.
Adair: City Hall: (641) 742-3751 Contacted 1/18/2011-$50,000 insurance policy on home
Afton: City Hall: (641) 347-5224 Contacted 1/18/2011
- Confined or leashed at all times and $100,000 insurance policy on home.
Albia: City Hall: (641) 932-2129 Contacted 10/9/12
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, mixed breeds of any of these breeds with other breeds, any breed of pit bull or pit bull terrier, or any dog that appears to be predominantly one of these breeds must be tagged. These dogs must be muzzled and on a leash, and in the control of a person when they are outside their kennel. They must never be tied to an inanimate object. When they are not on a leash, they must be confined indoors or in a secure kennel with a lock and roof. Owners must display a “beware of dog” sign on their property. Owners must have $50,000 of liability insurance for their dog.
Altoona: Lt. Parker, Altoona PD (515) 967-5132 Contacted 8/12/2011-Allowed with restrictions
- Click here to view the Altoona ordinance information.
Auburn: City Hall: (712) 688-2264 Contacted 1/21/2011-Allowed with restrictions
Birmingham: City Hall: (319) 498-4296 Contacted 11/20/12
- Doberman, German Shepherd, Pit Bull Terrier, and Rottweiler must be caged and kept on a leash when they are walked.
Cherokee: City Hall: (712) 225-5749 Contacted 10/9/12
- For the following breeds, a securely-covered, 5-foot high kennel, fastened to a concrete base of at least 3.5 inches thick must be used when the dog is not under the supervision of the owner: Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier or any dog which appears to be predominately one of these breeds, as well as Akita, Rottweiller, Doberman, and Chow breeds or mixed breeds. Also, any other breed or mixed breed dogs that appear to be “pit bulls, pit bull dogs, or pit bull terriers” should be kenneled in this way. If a dog is vicious, it must be removed from city limits. Full code here.
Conrad: City Hall: (641) 366-2300 Contacted 11/21/12
- Rottweiler, Staffordshire terrier, American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, or any other breed with the appearance or characteristics of being predominantly one of these breeds is considered a “vicious dog.” Any dog of this breed within city limits must be registered with the City. Proof of liability insurance with a minimum of $100,000. These dogs must be confined in an occupied house or in a kennel with secure sides and a top. If there is no top, the sides must be at least six feet high and at least six feet taller than any structure within the kennel. Kennels must be locked with a key or combination lock when the dog is inside.
Creston: City Hall: (641) 782-2000
- $100,000 insurance policy on home, only adults can walk dog, must be confined at all times with leash 6' or shorter, cannot be kept on porch or patio and not leashed to trees, posts, or buildings. Rabies must be up to date, City Hall must have dog deemed as 'Vicious'. Any outdoor pens must have lock, adequately lighted, sanitary and ventilated; structure must have 4" thick concrete at base to prevent digging, sides must be 2' in ground.
Des Moines: City Hall: (515) 283-4500-Allowed with restrictions.
Ellsworth: City Hall: (515) 836-4751 Contacted 11/29/12
- Any breed of dog known as Amercian pit bull terrier, Staffordshire terrier, Doberman Pincher, or Doberman rottweiler must be securely confined in a house or in an enclosed, locked fence at least 6 feet tall that is embedded into the ground. Owners must have a minimum of $250,000 liability insurance on the dog.
Evansdale: City Hall: (319) 232-6683 Contacted 11/29/12
- American pit bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier breeds of dogs, a mix of any of these breeds with any other breed must be kept inside or in a kennel with secure sides and a top. If there is no bottom secured to the sides of the kennel, the sides must be secured no less than one foot into the ground. The dog must be leashed and muzzled when it is outside of confinement.
Granger: City Hall: (515) 999-2210 Contacted 1/21/2011-Allowed with restrictions
Greenfield
- Any dog identified by the city veterinarian as Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier, or a mix of any of these breeds or dogs known as pit bulls, pit bull dogs, or pit bull terriers. Full code here.
Osceola: City Hall: (641) 342-2377 Contacted 8/10/2010-Allowed with restrictions
Perry
- $50,000 insurance policy on home, must be muzzled at all times when outside of home and on leash no longer than 4'; must be confined at all times, licensed with city.
Pleasant Hill: City Hall: (515) 262-9368 Contacted 6/18/2010
- Must be confined when outside or on a leash with adult supervision.
You Cannot Live Here With Your Dogs:
These cities discriminate against "pit bull" dogs based on breed alone by not allowing them to live here. If you do not live here but plan to visit with your dog, make sure you get permission in advance of your travels. Full descriptions of a city's restrictions can be found online in their city codes.
Agency: City Hall: (641) 937-5215 Contacted 1/18/2011
Ainsworth: City Hall: (319) 657-3761 Contacted 1/18/2011
Albert City: City Hall: (712) 843-5613 Contacted 1/20/2011
Allison: City Hall: (319) 267-2245 Contacted 11/15/12
- Any dog identified by a veterinarian as American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier; or a mix of any of these breeds with any other breed prohibited. Full code here.
Anamosa: City Hall: (319) 462-6055 Contacted 1/18/2011
Atkins: City Hall: (319) 446-7870 Contacted 5/4/2010
Audubon County
Avoca: City Hall: (712) 343-2424 Contacted 1/20/2011
Bedford: City Hall: (712) 523-2210 Contacted 1/20/2011
Belle Plaine: City Hall: 319-444-2200 Contacted 11/15/12
- Any dog identified by a veterinarian as American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier, or a mix of any of these breeds with any other breed are prohibited. Full code here.
Bellevue: City Hall: (563) 872-4456 Contacted 11/15/12
Brooklyn
Cascade: City Hall: (563) 852-3114 Contacted 11/15/12
- Any dog identified by a veterinarian as Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier or a mixed breed of these breeds with any other breed are prohibited.
Centerville: City Hall: (641) 437-4339 Contacted 1/19/2011
Chariton: Police Dept: (641) 774-5083 Contacted 8/6/12
- Dogs determined to be predominantly “pit bull” in appearance are outlawed. Existing pit bull type dogs were initially grandfathered in, but now there are no exceptions. NOTE: The Municipal Code is NOT up to date; it currently has no mention of “pit bull” type dogs as being considered dangerous/vicious animals.
Columbus Junction: City Hall: (319) 728-7971 Contacted 11/20/12
- Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or any other breed commonly known as Pit Bull, Pit Bull Terrier, or a mix of any of these breeds are prohibited.
Council Bluffs: Council Bluffs Animal Shelter (712) 328-4656 Contacted 10/9/12
- Title 4- Health and Sanitation 4.20.112: American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, “or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one or more of the above breeds (more so than any other breed) or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics which substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club for any of the above breeds” are not allowed. DNA test required to determine breed. Full code here.
Earlham: City Hall: (515) 758-2281 Contacted 8/18/2011
Estherville: City Hall: (712) 362-7771
- Pit bull terrier, Stafforshire bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, any dog mixed with any of these breeds, any dog with the characteristics or appearance of any of these breeds, or any dog known as pit bull, pit bull terrier, or pit bull dog are prohibited. Full code here.
Gilman: Contacted 7/2/2011
Glenwood: See code here.
Grundy Center: City Hall: (319) 825-6118 Contacted 11/29/12
- Any dog with characteristics of a Staffordshire terrier, American pit bull terrier, or American Staffordshire terrier are prohibited.
Huxley: City Hall: (515) 597-2562 Contacted 6/18/2010
Lamoni: City Hall: (641) 784-6311 Contacted 10/9/12
- 2010 Code Chapter 57.01: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier, or any mixed dog of these breeds (as identified by a veterinarian) are prohibited.
Lenox
Manly: City Hall: (641) 454-3090 Contacted 1/8/2013
- Currently enforce ordinances that outlaw Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers or any mix of the breeds above. Full description of the ordinance is NOT listed with their complete city ordinances on their website.
Maquoketa: City Clerk: (563) 652-2135 Contacted 1/19/2011
Maxwell: City Hall: (515) 387-8655 Contacted 6/18/2010
Minburn: City Clerk: (515) 677-2245 Contacted 8/6/12
- Recently adopted breed specific laws that outlaw dogs are determined to be an American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, or any mix of the aforementioned. Existing “pit bull type” dogs were grandfathered in, but no new ones may be brought into the city. Currently do not have a means of professional identification.
Monticello: City Hall: (319) 465-6435 Contacted 11/29/12
- Staffordshire terrier, American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, a mix of another breed with any of these breeds, dogs of mixed breeds commonly known as pit bulls, pit bull dogs, or pit bull terriers, or any dogs with characteristics or appearance of any of the breeds listed above are prohibited. Full code here.
Muscatine: City Hall: (563) 264-1550 Contacted 10/12/12
- Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog, American Pit Bull Terrier breed of dog, American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog, or any dog which appears to be predominately any of those three is prohibited. Full code here.
Odebolt: City Hall: (712) 668-2231 Contacted 1/21/2011
Ottumwa: City Clerk: (641) 683-0621, Contacted 8/6/12.
- Pit bull terrier or “any crossbreed of such animals which have similar characteristics” to a Pit bull terrier are prohibited. “Trained professional” will indentify if the dog has any “pit bull type” blood, or will refer to what is listed on the dog’s rabies tag. Full code here.
Palo: City Hall: (319) 851-2731 Contacted 10/12/12
- The Bull Terrier breed of dog, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed, the American Staffordshire Terrier breed, the American Pit Bull Terrier breed, a mix of any of these breeds with another breed, or other breeds which are known to be pit bulls, pit bulldogs or pit bull terriers, or any dog which appears to be predominantly any of the above breeds are not allowed. Full code here.
Pomeroy: City Hall: (712) 468-2411 Contacted 1/21/2011
Rockwell City: City Hall: (712) 297-7041 Contacted 1/21/2011
Sac City: City Hall: (712) 662-7593 Contacted 10/12/12
- The Bull Terrier breed of dog, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed, the American Staffordshire Terrier breed, the American Pit Bull Terrier breed, the American Staffordshire Terrier, a mix of any of these breeds with another breed, other breeds which are known to be pit bulls, pit bull dogs or pit bull terriers, or any dog which appears to be predominantly any of the above breeds are not allowed. Rottweilers or the Rottweiler breed of dog are also not allowed. Full code here.
Sheridan
Sioux City: City Hall: (712) 224-7387 Contacted 10/12/12
- American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog which has the appearance of being predominantly any of these breeds is prohibited. Full code here.
Thompson: Sheriff: (641) 585-2828
Winterset: City Hall: (515) 462-1422 Contacted 9/7/2010
Zearing: City Hall: (641) 487-7477 Contacted 1/21/2011
Zwingle: City Clerk: (563) 652-2135 Contacted 1/19/2011