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1. Can officers pick up my loose dog or cat if it is wearing a license or rabies tag?

Yes, they can. No animal shall be found at large within the City at any time. (City Code, Chapter 55.11)

All dogs and cats over the age of four months are required by law to be licensed. Pets must wear the license tag at all times when the animal is off the owner’s property unless confined within an enclosed area of a motor vehicle. Officers use license tags to determine where the pet belongs, and help return them home.

2. I found a dead animal. Who do I call?

If a dead animal is found in the road or in the right of way in Coralville, please call the Coralville Streets Department at 319.248.1740 for disposal. 

If a dead animal is found on City property such as in a park or on a trail, contact the Coralville Parks Department at 319.248.1780.  If the animal is in a timber area, it will be allowed to decay naturally unless it is adjacent to a trail or park area that is reasonably expected to be accessed by the public.

If a dead animal is found on private property, the property owner must move the animal to the curb; call the Coralville Streets Department at 319.248.1740 to pick it up.

If you find a dead animal with collar or identification or believe the animal is a pet, call the Coralville Police Department at 319.248.1800. Officers will attempt to locate the owner.

3. Is it safe to leave my pet in the car?

Taking your pet with you in the car may be enjoyable, but there are important things to consider before including your pet on car trips.

1. What is the weather like today? Check the weather forecast before leaving home. Look up the high or low temperatures, and be advised of any weather warnings of extreme temperatures. If the weather conditions are questionable, be safe and leave your pet at home.
   
2. Will you leave your car unattended? If you will frequently leave your pet unattended in the vehicle or for an extended period of time, reconsider including your pet on runs for errands. If you have to leave your vehicle unattended, even momentarily, keep the car running and turn on the air conditioner.
   
3. Vehicles heat up quickly. On sunny days even with the windows cracked open the temperature inside a car on an 85 degree day can climb to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, to 120 in 30 minutes. (Ref. Animal Protection Institute)
   
4. Not Just Comfort. A dog can withstand a body temperature of 107 to 108 degrees only for a very short time before suffering from brain damage and potentially death. Closed cars interfere with the dog’s normal cooling process of panting, so they are unable to maintain normal body temperature.
   
5. What if I witness an animal at risk? If you observe an animal in a vehicle on a hot day and the car is not running and the windows are shut, call Coralville Animal Control at 319.248.1800 immediately and stand by for assistance.

4. Where can I find a dog park?

Off-leash dog parks provide excellent opportunities for exercise, socialization, and training. 

Iowa City Parks and Recreation maintains two off-leash dog parks: Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park and Rita's Ranch. Iowa City's off-leash dog parks are maintained by the City of Iowa City and were founded in partnership with the Johnson County Dog Park Action Committee. A dog park permit tag or day pass is required and dogs must have a current rabies vaccination. Learn about Iowa City dog parks.

A dog park is planned in North Liberty with land secured by the City of North Liberty and a partnership with the Johnson County Dog Park Action Committee. Learn about the North Liberty dog park.

5. Is that raccoon rabid?

Seeing a raccoon during the day is no cause for panic, it is not necessarily sick or dangerous. It can be normal to see a raccoon out during the day. It may be foraging for food or moving to a new location. Key in on the behavior of the raccoon before calling for assistance. Look for abnormal behaviors such as:

• Staggering gait
  
• An animal seemingly oblivious to noise or nearby movement
  
• Erratic wandering
  
• Discharge from eyes or mouth
  
• Repeated high-pitch vocalization
  
• Self-mutilation

If you see a raccoon showing these signs, call Coralville Animal Control at 319.248.1800 for assistance.

6. Is that skunk rabid?

Even though skunks are mostly active at night, they sometimes look for food by day -- particularly in the spring, when they have young and may be extra hungry. Don’t be concerned if you see an adult skunk in the daytime unless it is also showing abnormal behaviors:

• Limping
  
• Circling
  
• Boldness or unprovoked aggression
  
• Disorientation, staggering
  
• Uncharacteristic tameness or behavior

Don’t approach the skunk yourself. Call Coralville Animal Control at 319.248.1800 for assistance.

7. Am I a responsible pet owner?

Responsible pet owners:

• Clean up and properly dispose of animal waste
  
• Keep dogs on a leash when outside the home
  
• Keep cats indoors and away from nuisance situations
  
• Obey local animal laws
  
• Spay or neuter their pet to prevent overpopulation
  
• Maintain a flea-and-tick program
  
• Provide proper veterinary care for your pet

8. Questions to ask before adopting a pet

1. Why do you want to adopt a pet?
   
2. Are you ready to make a long-term commitment?
   
3. Do you know what kind of pet best suits your lifestyle?
   
4. Can you financially afford your pet’s health and safety?
   
5. Will you be able to spend quality time together?
   
6. Are you prepared to deal with health challenges?
   
7. Are you willing to train and socialize your animal?
   
8. Are you prepared to pet-proof your home?
   
9. Is your living space suitable for an animal companion?
   
10. Is your family or roommates ready for a pet?

9. What can I do about my neighbor's barking dog?

If you are comfortable, speak with your neighbor. Some pet owners may not be aware that their neighbors can hear their dog barking. If it continues to be an issue, or if you do not feel comfortable speaking with your neighbor, contact Animal Control at 319.248.1800.

According to City Code (Code of Ordinances, 55.10), a noisy animal is considered a nuisance if it barks, bays, howls, or cries continuously for ten minutes or barks intermittently for a half hour or more, and the sound is audible across a residential boundary.