What Happens When Local Officials Think My Dog Has Rabies? Will They Take The Dog Away?

If officials think that your dog has rabies it can confine the dog in a similar fashion to the situation where a dog bites a person. If you fail to obey the order, the local board of health can apprehend and kill your dog, and make you pay for the costs associated with taking such actions.

If the local board of officials thinks that there is an epidemic on hand, then it can quarantine a certain area that is affected. If quarantine is in effect in your area, you are required to securely enclose or leash your dog until the quarantine is lifted.

Other Iowa Pet Law FAQs

Q: What Is The Relevant Law In Iowa That Governs Animal Law And Pets?
A: Iowa State Statute Sections 351.1 351.43 and Sections 717B.1 717E.3 address most pet and cruelty to pet issues.
Q: What Do I Need To Do In Order To Legally Own My Dog?
A: In Iowa, it is important that your dog wears a collar, and has a rabies vaccinations tag attached to that collar. Once your dog has these two things, then it is … More
Q: Someone Shot And Killed My Dog? Is This Legal?
A: The answer depends on whether or not your dog was wearing a collar with a rabies vaccination tag. If your dog was not wearing a collar with a rabies vaccination tag, … More
Q: Can Someone Ever Kill A Tagged Dog?
A: Yes. It is legal for any person to kill a tagged dog when the dog is caught in the act of worrying, chasing, maiming, or killing any domestic pet, farm animal, or … More
Q: Am I Responsible For The Damages That My Dog Causes?
A: Yes. You are liable to the injured person for all damages done by your dog, except where the injured person was committing a crime. In addition, if the dog injures … More
Q: At What Age Do I Need To Get My Dog Vaccinated?
A: All dogs over the age of six months must have their rabies vaccinations. A vaccination must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and a vaccination tag must be … More
Q: Do I Need To Vaccinate My Dog If I Am Just Traveling Through Iowa Or Taking My Dog To A Hunting Exhibition In Iowa?
A: No. If you are traveling or exhibiting a dog, and you are in Iowa for less than thirty days, then your dog is exempt from Iowa vaccination requirements.
Q: If A Veterinarian Thinks My Dog Has Rabies, Are They Going To Do Anything About It?
A: Yes. If a physician or veterinarian thinks that your dog has rabies then they have the duty to report it to local health officials.
Q: Whose Job Is It To Catch A Stray Dog?
A: A dog running at large without a rabies vaccinations collar or proof of one should be impounded by local health officials or law enforcement. If the owner can be … More
Q: What Are My Rights When My Dog Is Impounded?
A: When a dog is running at large without a collar, officials may take and impound your dog. Once your dog is impounded, the agency has to send an impoundment notice to … More