What state law in Iowa says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
Iowa has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911.
Iowa requires dogs 6 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies and to wear the rabies tag; there is no statewide rule for cats.
What the law says: Every owner of a dog shall obtain a rabies vaccination for such animal. It shall be unlawful for any person to own or have a dog in the person's possession, 6 months of age or over, which has not been vaccinated against rabies. I. C. A. § 351.33
Iowa has no state law stopping cities and counties from banning or restricting dogs by breed. Whether a breed is restricted depends on where you live — check your city or county ordinances before moving with a pit bull–type or other targeted breed.
Iowa has a strict liability statute: the owner is liable for injuries the dog causes even if the dog had never shown aggression before. Common defences are provocation and trespassing.
What it covers: All damages done by the dog when the dog is caught in the action of worrying, maiming, or killing a domestic animal, or the dog is attacking or attempting to bite a person
Where: Presumably any place
Defences: Liable except when the party damaged is doing an unlawful act (Also has exception for dogs affected with hydrophobia unless owner had reasonable grounds to know of the infection.)
Yes. Iowa lets a court include pets in a domestic-violence protective order (since 2014) — for example by giving the petitioner care of the animal and ordering the abuser not to harm or take it.
Iowa allows the court to grant petitioners exclusive care, possession, or control of any pets or companion animals in both temporary and permanent orders. The animals can belong to the petitioner, the abuser, or a minor child of the petitioner or the abuser. The court can also order the abuser to stay away from the animals and not take, hide, bother, attack, threaten, or otherwise get rid of the pet or companion animal.
Iowa has no statewide ban on pet stores selling dogs and cats. Some cities and counties have their own bans — check locally before buying from a store, and ask where the puppy came from.
Yes. Dogs entering Iowa need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) from a vet. All dogs 4 months of age and older must have a current rabies vaccination.
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
Iowa has no statewide dog licensing requirement — counties and cities set their own. Most require a licence with proof of rabies vaccination, so check with your local animal services or clerk.
Iowa has no statewide leash law, but a dog running at large without a valid rabies tag (or proof of vaccination) must be impounded. Leash rules are local.
Iowa caps a security deposit at two months' rent.
When FDA announces a dog or cat food recall, we email you the brand, the product and what to do.
Or follow the RSS feedGeneral information, not legal advice. Local authorities in Iowa may have stricter rules.
