LICENSE AND PERMIT INFORMATION

Pet Licenses are not only required on an annual basis, they are important tools to locate an owner in instances where a pet may wander away.  Licenses can be purchased in the lobby of City Hall, 620 Erie Street or Storm Lake Police Station, 401 East Milwaukee Avenue  The licenses cost $20 for pets that have been spayed or neutered or $30 unaltered and need to be renewed after one year.  

APPLY ONLINE FOR PET LICENSE HERE

Dogs and cats are not allowed to run loose, to be on other people’s property, and should be leashed or in a kennel carrier when in public places. Pets that are unlicensed and found to be running at large may be seized and impounded, and a license will be required to return the animal to its owner.  A municipal infraction may also be issued for violation of the City Code dog or cat ordinance.  

DOGS

ORDINANCE NO. 02-O-2024-2025  was approved on September 3, 2024, and complies with current state code, requiring rabies vaccinations for dogs over six months of age.  

Licenses are required for all dogs residing within City limits (persons moving into the City with a dog, or obtaining a new dog that is six months of age of older are allowed a 30-day grace period to apply for a license.)  Proof of vaccination is needed to obtain a City dog license.  Proof of spaying or neutering is necessary if an owner is claiming that status at the time of licensing.      APPLY FOR A DOG LICENSE ONLINE HERE   

Dogs are not to be allowed to disturb the peace or to chase persons or vehicles; to be on the property of others without permission;  or to run at large in public spaces such as parks, trails and schoolgrounds. Leashes of six feet (6ft)  or less are required for dogs on public property.

CATS

ORDINANCE NO. 03-O-2024-2025 was approved on September 3, 2024. Licenses are required for all cats residing within City limits (persons moving into the City with a cat, or obtaining a new cat that is six months of age of older are allowed a 30-day grace period to apply for a license.) Proof of a rabies vaccination is needed to obtain a City cat license. Proof of spaying or neutering is necessary if an owner is claiming that status at the time of licensing. Cats are not to be allowed to roam on others’ property without permission, to run at large, or to cause a public disturbance.  

The Ordinance allows Population Control Programs. As part of the program, a stray or feral cat, once spayed or neutered may be returned to the area where it was captured unless the property owner or the caretaker of the property where the cat was captured requests that the cat not be returned, or the cat is sick or injured. The City shall have no liability for the activities of any such nonprofit, nor shall the nonprofit's program interfere with the City's continued enforcement of all ordinances applicable to cats and other animals, including all otherwise applicable at-large and nuisance violation provisions of the Ordinance.  APPLY FOR A CAT LICENSE ONLINE HERE

PIGEONS

On November 18th, 2024, ORDINANCE NO. 04-O-2024-2025 was approved to allow for the keeping  of domestic pigeons within City limits.  

No pigeons shall be brought to or kept on private premises until an approved permit is issued.  Persons who have violated the terms of a previous domestic pigeon permit shall be denied a permit.  The permitted domestic pigeons shall be banded by a recognized association of pigeon fanciers.   The maximum number of domestic pigeons kept on the premises shall not exceed one hundred (100).   Other than the time that the domestic pigeons are permitted to exercise, train, or perform, the banded pigeons shall be confined to fully enclosed cages or pens.   

APPLY FOR A BANDED DOMESTIC PIGEON PERMIT HERE