FAQs

Does my dog need to be leashed?: Pursuant to Chapter 55.15 of the City code, it is unlawful for dogs to run at large in Waukee; dogs must be leashed on public property.

▼
Pets/Animals

1. Do I need to license my pet?: Yes. Dogs and cats must be licensed annually per City ordinance. The City of Waukee has a partnership with PetData to provide its residents with pet licenses. Visit PetData.com to set up a new license. Call 1-855-585-8157 toll-free with questions. Dog and cat licenses cost $15 for altered pets and $25 for unaltered pets. Waukee residents are required to license pets annually per City ordinance. A proof of rabies vaccination is required. Learn more.

2. Is there a limit to how many pets I can have?: No more than three cats and three dogs are permitted per household within the City limits per City ordinance and they must be licensed annually. Urban chickens have additional permit requirements.

3. Do pet owners have to clean up after their dogs?: Waukee Municipal Code Chapter 55.05 states that owners of animals "shall clean all excrement from such animals from property, including structures, other than the property of the owner". Pet owners should be courteous to their neighbors and pick up any pet waste created on sidewalks, in grass, etc. Additionally, most parks in Waukee have plastic bags and disposal bins for pet waste. Violations could be met with a fine not exceeding $100.

4. Does my dog need to be leashed?: Pursuant to Chapter 55.15 of the City code, it is unlawful for dogs to run at large in Waukee; dogs must be leashed on public property.

5. How do I report a dog barking/howling disturbance?: Pursuant to City Code section 208.5(C), it is unlawful for an owner of a dog to allow such dog to cause serious annoyance or disturbance to any person or persons by frequent and habitual howling, yelping, barking or otherwise. Issues may be reported by calling the Waukee Police Department’s non-emergency dispatch line at 515-222-3321 when the dog is actively creating a disturbance.

6. What if my pet goes missing?: If your pet goes missing in Waukee, you can call 515-978-7979 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to see if the pet was picked up by Waukee Police. When picked up by officers, pets are taken to AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport in De Soto. To claim your pet, complete this online form or print the PDF version of the form and pay a $50 animal release fee (cash or check) to the Waukee Police Department. You can then claim the animal from AHeinz57.

7. Can I have chickens on my property?: Waukee homeowners are allowed to have chickens (hens) on their properties for non-commercial use, with limitations and requirements. Residents who want to raise chickens must complete online training before applying for a $25 annual permit. See full details.

8. Are there any dog breeds banned in Waukee?: No. There is no breed restriction for dogs living in the Waukee city limits. However, the harboring of dangerous animals is prohibited as is the existence of a kennel situation. See full details.