West DSM News

To clear up any confusion or misinformation about the City’s animal control efforts, we’ve prepared a Q&A to keep the public informed about changes the City Council is expected to approve at their next meeting on May 15, 2023.

1. When does the contract expire between the City and Furry Friends Refuge?
   The City has a one-year nonexclusive contract with Furry Friends that expires on June 30, 2023.
   
   
2. Why did the City decide not to renew the contract?
   We regularly review contracts when they come up for renewal to make sure we’re meeting the needs of our residents. We’ve been talking through issues with Furry Friends for some time now, but we were unable to reach any common ground regarding the expectations of the contract and the level of services provided for our citizens.
   
   
3. Who is going to get the new contract to provide animal control services?
   On May 15, 2023, we anticipate that the Council will approve AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport as our new service provider starting July 1, 2023. AHeinz57 is a non-profit, foster-based rescue organization based in De Soto, Iowa. The AHeinz57 facility is an exceptionally clean building that can accommodate many animals. The care they provide includes the services of an on-site veterinarian (Monday through Friday) and the support of a large number of volunteers who make sure the animals are receiving the attention and care they deserve. In fact, AHeinz57 recently received the 2023 Des Moines’ People’s Choice Award for Best Non-Profit and Best Place to Volunteer.
   
   
4. Who do I call if I need help with an animal?
   The City has Neighborhood Services Specialists available to assist the public with animal control needs, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff from the Police Department also provide assistance when Neighborhood Services Specialists are unavailable. Citizens are encouraged to call the Westcom nonemergency number (515) 222-3321 for any animal control needs (missing pets, stray dogs and cats, animal bites/scratches, barking dogs, etc.). If you have a stray or potentially vicious animal, Westcom will dispatch a Neighborhood Services Specialist or a Police officer to your location to pick up the animal. If you have a friendly stray, you can also schedule a time to take that animal and meet staff at our new temporary holding facility (see question #5) at 560 S. 16th Street in West Des Moines.
   
   
5. Is it true that the City has created its own State licensed holding facility?
   Yes, that’s true. We’ve converted a portion of our old public services building at 560 S. 16th Street to temporarily house stray and vicious animals found in West Des Moines. This facility will allow us to avoid paying “holding costs” to an outside vendor, and it will provide a second location to unite pets with their owners. If an animal can’t be reunited with its owner, we will transfer that animal to the shelter we contract with for continued care and potential adoption.
   
   
6. What happens to stray pets in West Des Moines?
   Often, a stray animal is reunited with its owner in the field. If an animal cannot be reunited in the field, the animal is held for four or seven days depending on whether we see signs of ownership, such as a microchip, a collar, or tags. Any animal unclaimed after those time frames will be transferred to Furry Friends Refuge (until June 30, 2023) or the animal shelter the City contracts with starting July 1, 2023, most likely AHeinz57 Pet Rescue, to be made available for adoption. Visit their websites to see what animals are currently available: https://furryfriendsrefuge.org and https://www.aheinz57.com/adopt-a-pet 
7. 
   
8. Will this change result in animals being euthanized (put down)?
   The City uses euthanasia only in circumstances when it is absolutely necessary. For example, an animal may be put down if it’s declared a vicious animal (per City Code). By taking this action, we’re protecting the public and ensuring the safety of those responsible for caring for that animal. It is also used in rare circumstances when an animal suffers from untreatable serious conditions or injuries. AHeinz57 is a unique rescue organization that provides free transportation for dogs from traditional shelters to no-kill rescues all over the Midwest and Canada. They also remove dogs from traditional shelters that are scheduled to be euthanized and place them in foster and forever homes. Our goal is always to do what’s best for the animal and public safety.
   
   
9. Will this cost the City more money to use AHeinz57?
   Our contract and the changes we’re making are designed to stabilize costs, clarify responsibilities and improve the service provided for citizens. AHeinz57 has agreed to provide services under a similar fee structure which makes this a fiscally responsible arrangement for the City. It also will be a huge benefit and cost savings to have our own temporary holding space available 24/7 for our Neighborhood Services Specialists and Police.
   
   
10. If the City doesn’t contract with Furry Friends, where should I surrender my animal or seek adoption services?
    There are a variety of shelters operating within the metro including but not limited to Furry Friends, AHeinz57 or the Animal Rescue League.
    
    
11. Am I required to license my cat or dog?
    Yes! Having a license helps us reunite you with your animal if it is lost or stolen, and it helps us keep a safe, rabies-free community. Call the City’s Finance Department at 515-222-3600 or visit our website to get or renew your pet license. You may also get a license at City Hall. Please note that a pet license is not the same thing as a rabies tag, dog park tag or microchip.