Raccoon River Park Dog Park
Need a place to let your dog run off some excess energy? Dogs of all shapes and sizes enjoy romping through the 10-acre fenced play area of the Raccoon River Park Dog Park. The facility is open daily, year-round from 6:30am until dusk and features areas for both large and small dogs. The park, located just to the east of the softball complex, is also a great place to meet other dog lovers and enjoy each other's pets. Users are required to purchase a Dog Park Permit or Day Pass to utilize the facility.
Raccoon River Park Dog Park is presented by Raccoon River Kennels

Informational Brochure and Dog Park Rules
Dog Park Map
Raccoon River Park Dog Park Ambassador Program
DOG PARK PERMITS
*All dogs residing in the City of West Des Moines are required by law to have a City Pet License in order to purchase a Raccoon River Park Dog Park Annual Permit.
The City of West Des Moines offers a convenient way to purchase Dog Park Permits and City Pet Licenses through Barkpass. You can now purchase a Dog Park Permit, which grants you access to the dog park along with a Pet License.
To get started, simply follow these easy steps:
- Visit https://westdesmoines.mybarkpass.com to get started.
- Create a new account and input your dog's information
- WDM Residents will also be asked to purchase a City Pet License
- Complete payment
- Receive approval email (please allow up to 3 business days)
- Play at the park!
Note: A new gate code system has been implemented to enhance security and ensure that only dog park permit holders can access the park. Each permit holder will receive the gate code via email upon purchase through the Barkpass system. The code will be sent to the email address used during the application process.
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DOG PARK PERMIT FEES
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DETAILS
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(Proceeds from the sale of permits provide funding to maintain and enhance the Dog Park) |
WDM Residents
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$20 / dog
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*By law, dogs living in West Des Moines must have a valid City Pet License to purchase a Raccoon River Park Dog Park Annual Permit.
- Annual Dog Park Permits go on sale November 1 each year.
- Permits are valid for one calendar year (January 1 - December 31). If purchased in November, the permit is valid from November through the following December (14 months).
- Date of current parvo/distemper and rabies vaccinations are required at the time of purchase.
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| Non-Resident |
$45 / dog
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- Annual Dog Park Permits go on sale November 1 each year.
- Permits are valid for one calendar year (January 1 - December 31). If purchased in November, the permit is valid from November through the following December (14 months).
- Date of current parvo/distemper and rabies vaccinations are required at the time of purchase.
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| Day Pass |
$5 / dog |
- Day Pass only valid on date of purchase
- Receipt serves as proof of Day Pass purchase when at the Dog Park
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Day Passes (only valid on the date purchased) and Annual Permits can be purchased online at https://westdesmoines.mybarkpass.com or in-person at these locations:
West Des Moines City Hall
Parks and Recreation Department
4200 Mills Civic Parkway
8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday
515-222-3444
Raccoon River Park
Nature Lodge
2500 Grand Avenue
8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday or when facility is open for rentals
515-222-3424
Please contact us at (515) 222-3444 or at ParkRec@wdm.iowa.gov with questions.
City of West Des Moines Pet Licenses
*All dogs residing in the City of West Des Moines are required by law to have a City Pet License.
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CITY PET LICENSE FEES
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DETAILS
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| Altered Cat |
$20 |
- Date of current rabies vaccination is required at the time of purchase
- Proof of spay or neutering is needed if you are licensing a pet at the altered rate for the first time. This is often indicated on the animal's rabies vaccination certificate.
- Annual Pet Licenses go on sale November 1 each year.
- Licenses are valid for one calendar year (January 1 - December 31). If purchased in November, the license is valid from November through the following December (14 months).
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| Intact Cat |
$25 |
- Date of current rabies vaccination is required at the time of purchase
- Annual Pet Licenses go on sale November 1 each year.
- Licenses are valid for one calendar year (January 1 - December 31). If purchased in November, the license is valid from November through the following December (14 months).
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| Altered Dog |
$20 |
- Date of current rabies vaccination is required at the time of purchase
- Proof of spay or neutering is needed if you are licensing a pet at the altered rate for the first time. This is often indicated on the animal's rabies vaccination certificate.
- Annual Pet Licenses go on sale November 1 each year.
- Licenses are valid for one calendar year (January 1 - December 31). If purchased in November, the license is valid from November through the following December (14 months).
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| Intact Dog |
$25 |
- Date of current rabies vaccination is required at the time of purchase
- Annual Pet Licenses go on sale November 1 each year.
- Licenses are valid for one calendar year (January 1 - December 31). If purchased in November, the license is valid from November through the following December (14 months).
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| Service Animal |
$0 |
- Date of current rabies vaccination is required at the time of purchase
- Annual Pet Licenses go on sale November 1 each year.
- Licenses are valid for one calendar year (January 1 - December 31). If purchased in November, the license is valid from November through the following December (14 months).
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City Pet Licenses can be purchased online at https://westdesmoines.mybarkpass.com or in-person at these locations:
West Des Moines City Hall
Parks and Recreation Department
4200 Mills Civic Parkway
8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday
515-222-3444 or 515-222-3600
Raccoon River Park
Nature Lodge
2500 Grand Avenue
8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday or when facility is open for rentals
515-222-3424