Pets & Animal Control

Pet Licenses

Licenses for pets are not presently required within the city of Oskaloosa although cats and dogs six months and older must be vaccinated against rabies and have a collar displaying a tag showing current rabies vaccination. Wildlife (skunks, raccoons, bats, foxes) can spread this incurable disease to your pet. Rabies can be transmitted to humans and may be fatal unless a series of anti-rabies shots are taken. 

Additionally, please consider having your pet always wear an identification tag. These tags help animal control officers and others return a pet to the owner. Shelters are full of animals with no identification because the owner thinks a ID tag is unnecessary as "my pet never leaves the house or yard."

Animal Control

Animal control is an outsourced function for the city and is handled by the local animal shelter, Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter. The service is funded through an inter-local public/private partnership with the city of Oskaloosa, Mahaska County and private donations.

Additional Pet Regulations