Public Health FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General Assistance

What is your email address?

We invite you to the contact section of our website and fill out a contact form so we can get you in touch with a person that can answer your question. Or, if you know the individual you want to get in contact with you can email them through the About section on our website.

What is your fax number?

(712) 242-1162

I was born in Pottawattamie County and I need my birth certificate?

Please contact the Pottawattamie County Recorder's Office at (712) 328-5612.

Public Health

How do I get my immunization records in Iowa?

Individuals may obtain immunization records through the following options:

Contact your health care provider.
Complete and submit an immunization record request form to the Iowa Department of Public Health Immunization Program. Contact your health care provider. Immunization Program. Individuals, parents, and guardians may request immunization or health screening data by completing the IRIS Record Request Form, which is found under the Forms tab of IRIS.
Pottawattamie County Public Health, call the office and we will get you a signed copy from IRIS.
Please make sure you make copies of your immunization records for schools, colleges, work, and/or daycares. School nurses can access the IRIS system if the records are entered.

Where can I get vaccines for myself or my children?

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider. Some pharmacies offer vaccines also.
Pottawattamie County Public Health provides Vaccines for Children for children who are uninsured, under-insured, using Medicaid, or meet certain requirements. You can contact our office to schedule an appointment at (712) 242-1155.

I think I may have food poisoning, who do I call?

If you or a group of family or friends recently experienced an illness that you believe may be the result of consuming compromised food in Iowa call the IowaSic hotline to report possible food poisoning. Call 1-844-Iowa-Sic (1-844-469-2742).

I need a car seat installation or check, who do I contact?

Please call our main office at (712) 242-1155 to schedule your free car/booster seat installation or check.

I need WIC (Women, Infant, Children) information?

Visit our WIC page or contact Pottawattamie County WIC at (712) 328-5886 or 300 W Broadway Ste 9 Council Bluffs, IA 51503.

I think I might be pregnant, where can I get a free pregnancy test?

Please contact our Pottawattamie County Public Health Clinic at (712) 242-1155.

Where is the WIC (Women Infants and Children) office located?

The WIC office is located at: 300 West Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 and can be reached at 712-328-5886.

For more information about the services they provide, please visit their website.

Environmental Health

I need an inspection for a public pool, spa, or tattoo parlor, who do I contact?

Pottawattamie County Environmental Health at (712) 328-5792.

I need to report a property nuisance, who do I contact?

If the property is located outside of the city limits of Council Bluffs, please contact our Environmental Health team at (712) 328-5792.
If the property is located inside the city limits of Council Bluffs, please contact the Council Bluffs Planning Department at (712) 890-5350.

Who can I contact regarding inspections for septic, wells, radon test kits, well water test?

Pottawattamie County Environmental Health at (712) 328-5792

I need a food inspection or have a food establishment complaint, who do I contact?

Contact the Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing at (515) 281-6538 or fill out a complaint form on the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing website.

Animal Control

How many dogs am I allowed to own?

The county only allows four dogs be kept as pets however each incorporated town has their own regulations to be followed, please check with your town hall.

Does Pottawattamie County have a leash law?

Yes, all dogs must be leashed whenever off the property of the owner.

Do my pets need a rabies vaccine?

Dogs must have a current rabies vaccination to be registered. Cats and ferrets are also encouraged to be vaccinated against rabies.

Do I need to license my pet?

All dogs in rural Pottawattamie County 6+ months should be licensed. However, each incorporated town has their own regulations. If you live in town limits, please check with your town hall.

What if my pet goes missing?

Report missing pet to Animal Control, nearby humane societies, and vet offices: