Animal Control

Services

Animal Control enforces the City Animal Ordinance which provides:

• Licensing of all cats and dogs
• Prohibition of dogs and cats running loose within the city
• Inoculation of all dogs and cats against rabies
• Prohibition of harboring a vicious animal
• Prohibition of animals causing serious disturbance or annoyance to any person or neighborhood

This activity handles:

• Stray cats and dogs (Stray animals are taken to the Dubuque Regional Humane Society shelter.)
• Barking dogs
• Biting incidents
• Capture of domestic or wild animals posing a health or safety threat

Animal Control Laws and Rules  

Winter Hours

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 563-589-4185

The Police Department handles animal emergencies when Animal Control is off duty.  Please contact non-emergency police dispatch at 563-589-4415 during non-business hours.

Reporting Loose or Lost Animals

During normal working hours, call Animal Control at 563-589-4185 or submit an online form to report a loose or lost animal. After hours, call non-emergency police dispatch at 563-589-4415. 

Please include a description: 

• Size/Color of the animal
• Location
• Collar/Tags
• Owner information, if known

Reporting Dead Animals

When a dead animal is located in a city right-of-way or street, please report it online or contact the Public Works Department at 563-589-4250.

For information or questions, contact Animal Control at 563-589-4185.

Animal Control FAQs

View a list of frequently asked questions.