Animal Control

  • Location
  • 18670 Applewood Rd.
  • Council Bluffs, IA 51503
  • Office Hours
  • 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Monday - Friday
  •  
  • Telephone Numbers
  • Office: 712.566.3233
  • Fax: 712.566.3502
  • 911 Comm.: 712.328.5737 (After Hours)

Mission Statement

It shall be the function and primary purpose of the Pottawattamie County Animal Control to preserve order and control of the county's animal population, and to protect the citizens from these animals. The Animal Control Officer shall have in his/her jurisdiction all the unincorporated areas in Pottawattamie County.

It shall always be our secondary objective to return as many impounded animals as possible to their owners. Whenever possible, attempts will be made to find new homes for animals when the owner cannot be found, or if the owner has surrendered ownership of the animal.

Pottawattamie County Animal Control Shelter Procedures

  • All dogs picked up by Pottawattamie County Animal Control are taken to the County Animal Shelter.
  • The dogs are then advertised in the Daily Nonpareil newspaper's lost and found classified section for five (5) days.
  • After being held for five (5)days, the dog becomes the property of Pottawattamie County and is then put up for adoption

Call Priority:

All Animal Control calls shall be answered in a prompt and polite manner. When calls are back logged the following priorities shall be followed:

  • First priority shall be given to a bite incident.
  • Second priority shall be given to a report of a vicious or dangerous animal.
  • Third priority shall be given to a report of an injured and/or animal in a trap.
  • Fourth priority shall be given to reports of animal abuse.
  • Fifth priority shall be given to reports of animals running at large.
  • Sixth priority shall be barking dogs.

All calls will be assigned a file number for tabulating and tracing purposes. These file numbers will normally be assigned by the Animal Control Officer upon receiving the call.

Note, calls will be answered, assessed, then forwarded to appropriate staff to handle.

Directions to the Animal Shelter from the Courthouse:

The Animal Shelter address is 18670 Applewood Rd., Council Bluffs, IA 51503.
(Click on the "B" and select Get Directions to get the route from the Courthouse to the Animal
Shelter.)


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Volunteer Opportunities

The Pottawattamie County Shelter Volunteers coordinate the activities at the Shelter under the supervision of the Pottawattamie County Animal Control Officers.  Your willingness to serve the needs of the Pottawattamie County’s citizens and the animals is greatly appreciated

Mission Statement – Promoting the responsible and humane treatment of all animals in Pottawattamie County.

Volunteer Guidelines:

  • Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, unless accompanied by an adult guardian at all times.
    • Children must be at least 12 years of age to be in the Kennel Area.
  • Volunteers will be required to attend an orientation and training program.
  • The Animal Shelter will not accept court-ordered community service volunteers.

Would you like to volunteer at the Animal Shelter? Click here to download and fill out an application.

Mail or bring the application, along with the background check and a copy of your driver's license to:

Pottawattamie County Animal Shelter
18670 Applewood Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51503