Iowa Dog Bite Laws

According to the Iowa Department of Human and Health Services, the state has a record of six fatal dog bite incidents between 2012 and 2022 involving large breeds of dogs, like German Shepherds and pit bulls. Regardless of its relatively few dog bite claims, the Hawkeye State has been ranked 41st out of 50 states for having minimal animal protection laws by the Animal Legal Defense Fund. 

On the other hand, Iowa has a unique dog bite law, which includes assigning a psychological evaluation to offenders to prevent future offenses. Also, each city and county has its own ordinances and response team to address bite incidents.

This article can help dog owners know and understand their responsibilities and dog bite victims their rights. It has various topics ranging from pet vaccination requirements and owner’s penalties for the attack to dog bite victims' responsibility to report the incident and secure their compensatory damages.

Dog Owner Responsibilities in Iowa

In Iowa, an individual is the lawful owner of a dog if they provide any of the following proof of identification:

• A visually observed tattoo imprinted on the dog’s skin.

• A valid vaccination tag attached to the dog’s collar.

• A record of an ongoing patient-client relationship with a veterinarian.

• A contract or receipt stating ownership.

• A device implanted under the dog’s skin that stores information in an electronic format.

• Any documented history of ownership.

Dog owners are required to obtain a rabies vaccination for their pets that are six months old or older. On the other hand, dogs that are kept in kennels and not allowed to run at large, as well as those assigned to a research institution or facility, are not subject to these requirements.   

The anti-rabies vaccine must be approved by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and administered by a licensed veterinarian. The practitioner will issue a tag with the vaccination certificate that must be attached to the collar of the dog at all times.

Pets must be restrained on a leash of no more than 10 feet in length unless confined within the owners’ premises or vehicle. Owners must obtain a permit to use off-leash dog parks and adhere to the following rules and regulations:

• All dogs must be vaccinated and accompanied by a person at least 16 years old.

• Dogs that are in heat, aggressive, or have communicable diseases are prohibited.

• Owners must clean up after their dogs and stop them from digging or filling a hole.

• Small training treats are only allowed.

• No more than two dogs can be in the park at the same time. 

Dog owners must control their pets from making noises, including howling, screeching, and crying, that may disturb, annoy, or interfere with the enjoyment of life in their neighborhood or the general public. However, animals in welfare facilities, grooming parlors, pet boarding establishments, veterinary hospitals, and farms in permitted zones are exempt.

Dog owners must bring disposal bags while walking their pets, as they are responsible for cleaning and disposing of their waste in parks, public places, public right-of-way, and on the property of another person. 

Iowa has no statewide limit on the number of pets someone can own, but several cities and counties have their own ordinances. For instance, Fort Madison allows a single household to own no more than four dogs over six months of age, while Des Moines only allows three dogs. 

Breed-Specific Legislation in Iowa

The breed-specific ordinances in Iowa depend on the local government. For instance, several cities, including Forest City, Glenwood, Council Bluffs, and Cascade, entirely ban the possession or owning of pit bulls, while Cherokee, Waukon, and Centerville ban Rottweilers, pit bulls, and dogos. However, in April 2023, Iowa passed House File 651, targeting 72 localities to prohibit banning specific dog breeds, such as Rottweilers, Belgian Malinois, pit bulls, and Siberian huskies, which they deemed vicious or aggressive animals. 

On the other hand, various cities do not ban dangerous animals but impose additional requirements and other regulations. These include:

• Applying for a vicious dog permit.

• Obtaining renters’ or homeowner’s insurance policy with a minimum of $100,000 liability.

• Confining vicious animals in an enclosed structure with walls at least six feet in height or six feet taller than an internal structure and locked with a key.

• Not allowing dangerous dogs to be kept on porches or patios.

• Refraining from leashing dangerous dogs to inanimate objects like trees, buildings, or posts.

• Using muzzles and leashes on dangerous domestic animals at all times while outside the owner’s premises.

• Allowing only one vicious dog per household. 

Liability Standards in Iowa Dog Bite Cases

Iowa operates under the strict liability rule, which means dog owners are liable for biting or attacking incidents involving their pets under the following circumstances:

• The bite happened when the victim was lawfully on the owner’s premises, like delivery men and guests.

• The bite occurred in a public place.

• An attractive nuisance entices a child to enter the premises and get bitten by a dog at the owner's house.

• The pet is caught in the action of killing, worrying, or maiming a domestic animal.

Under this system, victims do not need to establish negligence to secure compensation. Owners are still responsible even if their dog has or has not bitten someone before.  

Individuals are liable for the injury or damage done by their dog’s attacks or bites, including attempted ones. However, they are not responsible for incidents that occurred in the following situations: 

• The victim is trespassing on the property.

• The dog was provoked.

• Behaviors that pose an assumption risk, like disturbing an eating dog or a mother with her babies. 

• Damage by a dog affected by hydrophobia, as long as the owner has taken reasonable care to prevent the attack. 

Police and military dogs are not subject to strict liability rules if they bite someone while performing their duties. Veterinarians and kennel owners bitten by dogs are usually protected under liability insurance. However, should a dog under their care bite a third party, both the facility (due to negligence) and the dog owner (due to failure to disclose the temperament of their pet) may be liable for the injury.   

The owner of the service or assistance dog is not liable for any injuries that are not caused by their recklessness, negligence, or willful conduct. However, all damage caused by a service or assistance dog to a dwelling is the owner’s responsibility.

Statute of Limitations in Iowa for Dog Bite Cases

Victims of dog bites in Iowa are given two years, after the incident date, to file a personal injury lawsuit against at-fault parties. However, if the victim is a minor, their parents must sue before they turn 19. 

The statute of limitations may be extended if the plaintiff was not mentally competent when the injury occurred and could not make a decision to bring a claim. In addition, the stated time limit can change if the opposing party files for bankruptcy, which takes 90 days to 60 months to complete, depending on the case. 

Civil Penalties for Dog Bites in Iowa

Dog owners can settle dog bite cases through settlement or litigation. They are responsible for the victim’s medical expenses, which can be over $65,000, depending on their sustained injuries, ranging from bruises to loss of limbs. These costs include prescription medication, reconstructive surgeries, ambulance and hospital services, and mental health counseling. 

Dog owners are also liable for compensation for the plaintiff’s lost wages and emotional and mental anguish. However, these bills are usually covered under their homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy, as long as they have liability coverage under these plans.  

Criminal Penalties for Dog Bites in Iowa

Dog owners who fail to report any attack or bite accidents involving their pets to a local health office or law enforcement official are guilty of a simple misdemeanor. Individuals aged 18 and older face a fine of at least $436 and not exceeding $855. The court may also order imprisonment for no more than 30 days instead of paying fines or in addition to paying fines. Meanwhile, dog owners under 18 years old may pay a fine of no more than $100 or may perform community service.    

Reporting and Handling Dog Bite Incidents

Dog owners have a duty to report any attacking or biting incidents involving their pets to their local health agency. For instance, residents of Story County must contact Animal Control at 515-382-3338, while those living in Huxley City must call 515-597-2002. 

Veterinarians, physicians, and health practitioners are also responsible for contacting the local animal control agency to report any similar incidents. For example, if the owner resides in Linn County, they must complete the Linn County Animal Bite or Bat Exposure Record Form and send it to Cedar Rapid Animal Care and Control through fax at 294-6629 or to the Cedar Valley Humane Society through fax at 365-8270.        

The animal control officer will ask the dog owner about the animal’s current rabies vaccination to determine if there is a possibility of rabies and investigate the attack incident. If the officer suspects rabies, they will order the owner to confine the animal, and if they fail to do so, the Board of Health has the right to apprehend or impound the animal for 10 days. After the said period, the animals will be released if they are rabies-free, and if not, the board will euthanize them.      

As for the dog bite victims, according to Iowa Health and Human Services, they must immediately wash the bite or wound thoroughly using soap and water. They must contact a healthcare provider to help them assess if they need a rabies shot and report the incident to their local health department.   

How To Find a Dog Bite Attorney in Iowa

For their physical injuries and emotional and mental anguish, victims of dog attacks may obtain compensatory damages from at-fault owners. In line with this, they are encouraged to hire a dog bite attorney to help them throughout the legal process, which involves communicating with insurance adjusters, negotiating settlements with liable parties, and protecting their rights in litigation if needed. The lawyer also assists in securing maximum compensation for their medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  

Other Resources for Dog Bite Victims in Iowa

Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control

Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control offers animal control services and investigates animal-related law violations in Cedar Rapids. The local government handles various complaints, such as animal bites and attacks, illegal ownership of dangerous animals, and dogs threatening humans or other animals. Residents can call 319-286-5993 to report any animal-related issues in the neighborhood. 

The Scott County Health Department

Established in 1969, the Scott County Health Department promotes and protects the health of its residents through education and service. The agency contracts with the Scott County Humane Society to investigate animal bites, address animal control issues, like barking and finding animals at large, and work with victims in need of rabies shots. Involved parties can contact them at 563-326-8618 or visit them at 600 W. 4th St., Davenport, Iowa 52801.

Iowa Department of Public Health

The Iowa Department of Public Health advocates for developing the public health system to address health disparities among individuals, families, and communities. The agency investigates reports of rabies that may result from dog bite incidents and assesses in-house exposures. For incident reports, contact 800-362-2736 or fax 515-281-5698.