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Des Moines staff, Animal Rescue League propose smaller reclaim fees, first-time waivers and other changes to ease reunification
Summary
City staff and the Animal Rescue League of Iowa asked the council to approve a package of fee changes intended to reduce barriers for low-income pet owners to reclaim animals: modest license increases, a first-time reclaim waiver, lower microchip cost and higher boarding rates to reflect care costs. Council asked staff to return with ordinance language and impact numbers, with a tentative 24-month trial for the waiver.
City staff and the Animal Rescue League of Iowa told the Des Moines City Council they are proposing a modest restructuring of animal licensing and reclaim fees to make it easier for low-income residents to reclaim lost pets and to reduce animals’ length of stay in the shelter.
Steve Rohrer, director of animal services with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, told the council the partnership’s Des Moines facility has increased adoptions and reuniting owners with pets since it opened. "In 2025, we had 2,755 adoptions out of our Des Moines animal services building," Rohrer said, adding that the facility’s live-release rate is high — about 93% for dogs and 86% for cats.
The proposal includes raising the annual license for altered animals from $15 to $20 (and the senior…
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