Rabies Vaccination

The owner of any dog four (4) months of age or older must have their dog vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. This vaccination prevents the spread of rabies and protects both the dog and the public.

Dog Licenses

All Chicago dogs four (4) months or older are required to be registered with the City Clerk's Office. Dog registrations are offered in 1-year and 3-year increments, and your dog's registration expires concurrently with the expiration date of its current rabies vaccination. Animals must wear license tags at all times so they may be easily identified.

Animal Under Restraint (Leash Law)

The owner of a dog must actively restrain their animal by a leash, or ensure they are confined within a crate, vehicle, or securely on the owner’s private premises. Dogs are not allowed to roam freely on public ways.

Removal of Waste

An owner may not take their pet on public ways, into public places, or onto another person's private property without having the means to remove any excrement deposited by the dog. Feces must be collected and removed immediately. (This does not apply to a blind person while walking their guide dog).

Animal Bites & Owner Responsibility

It is the duty of the owner of any animal which has bitten another animal or person to notify Chicago Animal Care and Control. The owner must surrender the animal to an Animal Control Center or an authorized veterinary/humane agency within 24 hours.

If the owner can present a licensed veterinarian's evidence that the animal was inoculated against rabies prior to the bite, the animal may be permitted to complete a 10-day quarantine securely on the owner's premises. The animal must be examined by a licensed vet on the 10th day before the confinement is legally terminated.

Owner’s Duties (70/3)

Each owner shall provide for each of his or her animals:

• A sufficient quantity of good quality, wholesome food and water.
• Adequate shelter and protection from the weather.
• Veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering.
• Humane care and treatment.

Cruel Treatment (70/3.01)

No person or owner may beat, cruelly treat, torment, starve, overwork, or otherwise abuse any animal. No owner may abandon any animal where it may become a public charge or may suffer injury, hunger, or exposure.

Aggravated Cruelty (70/3.02)

No person may intentionally commit an act that causes a companion animal to suffer serious injury or death. (Aggravated cruelty does not include humane euthanasia performed through approved methods by a licensed veterinarian).

Confinement in a Motor Vehicle (70/7.1)

No owner or person shall confine any animal in a motor vehicle in a manner that places it in a life- or health-threatening situation by exposure to a prolonged period of extreme heat or cold, without proper ventilation or protection.

An animal control officer, law enforcement officer, or Department of Agriculture Investigator with probable cause has the authority to enter the motor vehicle by any reasonable means to protect the animal after making a reasonable effort to locate the owner.