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 Brochure  |  Español

Hours

Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Phone: 563-589-4185

The Police Department handles animal complaints 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 report of a loose animal 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 contact the Public Works Department at 563-589-4250 or submit an online report of a dead animal.

Additional requests can be submitted online under the Animal Control category.

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

Animal Control FAQs

View a list of frequently asked questions.

Summer Pet Safety

How long does it take for a car to get hot?  For the health and safety of your pet, DO NOT leave them in the car.

Car Temperature Pet Safety Chart

Outside Temp (°F)
Inside Vehicle Temp (°F)

10 minutes
30 minutes
70°89°104°
75°94°109°
80°99°114°
85°104°119°
90°109°124°
95°114°
129°

Source: Veterinaryclinic.com

Pet Training & Vet Services

If you are in need of pet training or vet services, view a list of resources available in the city of Dubuque.

Cats Stuck in Trees

See our informational flyer about different ways to get cats down from trees or other high places.