West DSM News

Effective July 1, 2023, the City of West Des Moines will be working with AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport as our new service provider for animal control services. Although the City’s contract with Furry Friends Refuge will expire on June 30, 2023, residents may still visit Furry Friends and utilize their pet adoption services.

As usual, if residents need help with an animal, they are encouraged to call Westcom nonemergency dispatch at (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 at the old Public Services East building, located at 560 So. 16th Street in West Des Moines.

Animals will be held for four or seven days depending on whether there are signs of ownership (such as a microchip, collar or tags). Effective July 1, 2023, to reclaim an animal, you will need to pay an impound fee online via Xpress Bill Pay on the City’s website or visit City Hall, 4200 Mills Civic Parkway, during normal business hours. Please bring a photo ID and proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination.

Once you’ve paid your fee and you have a receipt, you’re ready to reclaim your pet by calling Westcom nonemergency dispatch at 515-222-3321. Just let them know you have a receipt and you’re ready to pick up your animal. When you agree on a pick-up time, go to the City’s Animal Holding Facility located at 560 South 16th Street. Follow the signs to the back of the building and someone will be there to reunite you with your pet!

Any animal unclaimed after four or seven days will be transferred to AHeinz57 Pet Rescue (on or after July 1, 2023) to be made available for adoption. You may visit the AHeinz57 website at www.heinz57.com/adopt-a-pet to see what animals are currently available for adoption.

Read our frequently asked questions to gain a better understanding of animal control services in West Des Moines.

Important reminder: Residents are required to license all dogs and cats in West Des Moines. A license helps us reunite people with their animals, 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 also may get a license at City Hall, 4200 Mills Civic Parkway. Please note that a pet license is not the same thing as a rabies tag, dog park tag or microchip. 

Original source can be found here.