The City of Des Moines on Thursday, April 3, 2025 released an explanation about why it has reduced its animal control services due to ongoing budget challenges.

The city says the cutbacks are part of broader cost-saving measures to close a $4 million budget gap for the 2025–26 biennium.

Other reductions included staff layoffs, a hiring freeze in the police department, closure of the Redondo police substation, and cuts to senior, recreation and human services programs.

Des Moines has contracted animal control services through Burien CARES since eliminating its own full-time animal control officer several years ago. That contract has now been reduced to cover only state-mandated services, such as responses to dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs and investigations of dog bites.

“We recognize all these reductions, including animal control services, have impacts on our residents,” the city stated. “We are doing our best to meet essential needs while we look for opportunities to restore funding in the future.”

Previously, a full-time animal control officer cost the city approximately $200,000 annually in salary, benefits, vehicle and equipment expenses—funding the city says it can no longer afford.

How to Respond to Pet Issues

The Des Moines Police Department does not currently have the capacity to respond to reports of stray or lost animals. Residents are advised to use community platforms such as:

A microchip reader is also available at the police department to assist in identifying animals when possible.

Des Moines P.D. is short-staffed due to budget constraints and has vacant positions.

“While we acknowledge that responding to stray animals is an important service, our police must prioritize responses to issues of public safety,” the city said. “Please do not call 9-1-1 to report a stray animal.”

The city is exploring new revenue options to potentially expand services in the future, including a contract to manage pet licensing—a previously underused source of funding. Proceeds from enhanced licensing efforts would be directed toward animal control.

Read the city’s full statement here.