Posted by Waste Happy
on September 10, 2026
Quick answer: Yes. Des Moines requires dog owners to pick up after their dogs under Des Moines Municipal Code Sec. 18-6. A court can impose up to $750.
What the Des Moines ordinance says
| Ordinance | Des Moines Municipal Code Sec. 18-6 (Removal of animal waste); penalty Sec. 18-13 and Sec. 1-15 |
|---|---|
| Fine | Up to $750 |
| Must carry a bag | No |
| Service animal exemption | No |
How the penalty works
No fixed fine is published for 18-6. Under Sec. 18-13 a violation is either a misdemeanor (fine within Iowa Code 903.1 limits, $105 to $855 for a simple misdemeanor) or a municipal infraction with a civil penalty of up to $750, or up to $1,000 for a repeat offense (Sec. 1-15(c)).
The carry rule
No carry requirement. 18-6 requires immediate cleanup on public property and on private property not owned or controlled by the person in charge, and applies to dogs, cats, horses and other animals. Exceptions are manure removal under Sec. 54-126 and police horses when police arrange cleanup after the shift; there is no service-dog exemption.
How Des Moines compares
Unlike Cedar Rapids ($75) and Davenport ($30), Des Moines has no set ticket, so the amount is decided when a citation is heard.
In practice
Pick up every time, bag it, and put it in a trash can. That is the one method that satisfies every ordinance in the country. The Walk Dispenser clips to the leash and holds a full roll.
Elsewhere in Iowa
Iowa dog poop laws covers the state and its other large cities. Nearby: Cedar Rapids dog poop law · Davenport dog poop law. All 50 states.
Source
Checked 2026-09-10 against the Des Moines municipal code. Codes change, so read the current version before relying on this for an actual citation.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
