Animal control officer services will return to Des Moines in 2026 under a new contract with Burien CARES, after the City Council voted to reinstate the position, according to the City of Des Moines.
City officials said the dedicated animal control officer will begin service April 1, 2026, restoring a role that was reduced during the 2025 budget process when the city made significant cuts across multiple services.
Under the contract, the Des Moines animal control officer will work a regular schedule of 40 hours per week and provide 24/7 emergency response. The service will also include a back up officer for emergencies when the primary officer is off duty, along with sheltering of animals involved in emergency and public safety situations, the city said.
Because of limited shelter space, Burien CARES will not accept animals dropped off directly by the public. City officials said residents will instead be encouraged to contact the animal control officer for help with stray animals.
Burien CARES is planning a facility expansion in 2026. Once that work is completed, the City of Des Moines will review whether public drop off and shelter services can be offered in the future, according to the city.
As we previously reported, animal control services were reduced during the 2025 budget process, and city officials said restoring the position has been a top priority for the community.
The reinstated position will be funded through a 0.1 percent sales tax, equal to one tenth of a penny on purchases, along with revenue from pet license fees, the city said.
City officials said the delayed start date allows time to ensure the sales tax collection mechanism is approved and generating revenue, and gives Burien CARES time to prepare to support the Des Moines community again.
