The Ames City Council will review a proposal Tuesday that would establish an annual pet licensing program for dogs and cats within city limits.

According to the council’s agenda, Ames is one of only two of Iowa’s 15 largest cities without a pet licensing system. 

The proposal, first raised during budget discussions earlier this year, is designed to support the city’s animal control and shelter services while promoting responsible pet ownership.

If approved, pet owners would pay $12 per year for spayed or neutered animals and $24 for unaltered pets. It is estimated that the program could bring in up to $430,000 annually, although actual revenue is expected to be lower since the city does not plan to proactively enforce the requirement, per the agenda.

The agenda expresses that the program would make it easier to reunite lost pets with their owners, ensure rabies vaccinations remain up to date and reduce the reliance on property taxes to fund animal services. The ordinance, if adopted, would take effect July 1, 2026.

The city manager has recommended delaying final approval until December to allow time for public feedback and an information campaign about the proposed program.

When contacted for comment, both City Manager Steve Schainker and Finance Director Corey Goodenow declined to provide statements and referred inquiries to Ames Police Chief Geoff Huff.

The Ames City Council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.