Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control offers humane live traps rentals for a 2-week period. These are cat traps only and are not meant to be used to trap wildlife. A $50 non-refundable fee is required. An additional $50.00 may be billed to the renter if the cage is rendered destroyed by means other than regular use.
Renters will be given detailed instructions on how to operate the trap and will be required to sign an agreement agreeing to the following conditions:
- Traps must be set on level ground so it will remain steady when the animal enters.
- Traps must be baited with fresh food every time. Animal Control Officers do not set or reset traps.
- All traps must be monitored regularly (checked at least every 8 hours). It is your responsibility to transport the animal to the shelter as soon as possible (within 12 hours) when a dog/cat is caught in the trap.
- Animal Control does not handle wildlife, with the exception of sick or seriously injured animals posing a public safety concern. Wildlife caught unintentionally (skunks, raccoons, squirrels, opossum, etc.) must be released on site or taken to a safe forested location and released.
- Sundays are emergency call-out days only. Traps must not be set on Saturdays after 12:00 noon. Traps may be reset on Sunday evening.
- Traps must not be set when temperatures fall below 32 degrees or above 80 degrees.
- Traps must be set in a shaded and/or sheltered area out of the public view, and should be removed in severe weather conditions.
- To return the trap to Animal Control,7241 Washington View PKWY SW, by the close of business on the date stated in the agreement.
- An Animal Control Officer may enter your property at any time during the trap agreement to ensure the agreement is complied with.
- Traps are not to be subleased, rented, sold, or otherwise transferred to another party. Traps will remain within the Cedar Rapids city limits.
- Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control will not be held liable or responsible for any injuries or damages that occur while using the equipment.
- Under no circumstances are traps to be used as an aid for hunting.
- Any person abusing or neglecting a captured animal will be prosecuted.
Wildlife
Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control does NOT handle wildlife.
What should I do about problems with wild animals?
Due to the ever-encroaching human population, wild animals in our area are facing a serious "housing shortage." Clearing and construction on wooded vacant lots, marsh areas, fields, etc. makes it difficult for wild animals to survive in our area.
Some species, such as skunks, raccoons, opossums, deer, squirrels, ground squirrels, woodchucks (groundhogs), Canada geese, foxes and coyotes have adapted well to living among humans and use them as a valuable resource (for food, shelter, etc.).
Some people have problems with property damage caused by wild animals. Others are uncomfortable with the idea of wild animals taking up residence on their property. If the animals residing on your property are not doing any damage, you may want to allow them to stay. It will be very difficult for them to find another place to live if you evict them.
Find additional resources for living in harmony with urban wildlife here.
Wildlife concerns should be addressed to:
Iowa Department of Natural Resources at 515-725-8200. Website: Iowa DNR
Paw Control Nuisance Wildlife Services at 319-777-9861. Website: PawControl
Wildlife Specialties, Inc. Phone: 319-389-3183. Website: Wildlife Specialties, Inc.
