Waterloo ordinances

Number of Animals Allowed:

3 dogs and 5 cats

Please note: Waterloo residents may apply for a pet avocation permit which allows up to 5 dogs and up to 6 cats – but no more than 8 pets total.
For information and to apply for the permit, click here. 

Animals Requiring Rabies Vaccinations:

Dogs and cats

Revaccination Period:

Every three years. The longest duration vaccination allowed in the city of Waterloo is good for three years. However, animals must always be current. Therefore, if you opt for a shorter duration shot, you must update appropriately.

Time Period to Reclaim Stray Pets:

3 days

Time Period you must have a pet to be considered an owner:

10 days

Pooper Scooper Law?

Yes, the city of Waterloo requires owners to clean up after their pets.

Leash Law?

Dogs in Waterloo are required to be on leash or confined in a yard at all times. Currently there is no leash law for cats.

Barking Dog Law?

Yes, it is illegal in Waterloo for your dog to bark uninterrupted and disturb neighbors. If your dog is creating a nuisance Animal Control has the authority to remove your dog from your property to abate the nuisance. You then are required to impound out your dog, subject to all fees and fines incurred.

Breeders Permit:

Any person who allows the breeding of a cat or dog (either intentionally or accidentally) is required to obtain a breeders permit for a $100 fee. If the offspring and mother are taken to the Nebraska Humane Society for disposition, no fee is required. If the owner has the mother spayed within three months of producing a litter, the $100 fee is refunded.

Anti-Tethering:

Dogs cannot be tied up outside (unattended) for more than 15 minutes at a time. The dog can be tied up outside longer than 15 minutes if an adult is present.

Wolf Hybrids:

In the Waterloo municipality, it is illegal to house a wolf or wolf hybrid.