Animal Control

The Village partners with Animal Care League, Oak Park's animal shelter located at 1011 Garfield St., to help reunite lost pets with their owners and promote the adoption of stray or unwanted animals.

If your pet is missing, first call Animal Care League at 708.848.8155, the Village's impound shelter. If you cannot reach Animal Care League, call Animal Control at 708.358.5486.

Intersted in adopting a pet or volunteering with Animal Care League? Visit the Animal Care League's website for more information.

Violations, such as stray animals, off-leash dogs, animal bites or other animal-related concerns can be reported by calling 708.358.5480 or by emailing Health@Oak-Park.us.

All dogs and outdoor cats must be licensed annually by May 1. Before a license can be issued, owners must provide proof of a current rabies vaccination. 

The annual license fee is $25, but a reduced rate of $10 is offered for pets that are spayed or neutered. 

New residents can register online or come to Village Hall with proof of current rabies vaccination and spaying/neutering status.

Renew a pet license

Village ordinance 5-4-11 limits the number of animals allowed on private premises as follows:

Single-family residences, townhomes and lots

• Dogs: Up to three
• Two cats if allowed to run at-large (outside), or four cats if only kept indoors
• Total animals: No more than 10 ofany combination (dogs, cats or other permitted animals, excluding fish)

Single units of two- or three-flat residential dwellings

• Up to two dogs
• Up to two cats
• Total animals: No more than five animals of any combination, excluding fish

Single units of multi-family residential building containing four or more dwelling units

• Up to two dogs
• One cat allowed if allowed to run at-large (outside), or two cats if only kept indoors.
• Total anmials: No more than five animals of any combination, excluding fish

Responsible pet owners agree that picking up after one’s dog is the right thing to do. Dog excrement is not only a nuisance, it's unhealthy and not picking up is against the law. Owners who fail to pick up after their pets may be ticketed and fined.

Animal Control assists residents with deterring and managing nuisance wildlife, including opossums, coyotes, raccoons, squirrels and skunks. Animal Control officials can answer questions and offer guidance on preventing or addressing wildlife issues on your property. 

In some cases, the Animal Control Division offers a limited number of wildlife traps for rent and can assist with safely relocating animals away from your property. 

For questions or to report nuisance wildlife, contact Animal Control by calling 708.358.5480 or by emailing Health@Oak-Park.us.

For more information on preventing, resolving and reporting wildlife concerns, or to find a licensed wildlife control professional, visit our trusted partners at Wildlife Illinois.

The Village provides free rodent abatement services for public areas and the exterior of private properties, including single-family homes, multi-unit buildings, and businesses.

To receive rodent abatement services, property owners must complete and submit a Release of Liability Form before services can begin.

Please note, rodent abatement is not offered for the interior of private properties.

If you are concerned about a neighboring property attracting rodents, please contact the Code Compliance Division of the Village's Neighborhood Services Department at propertyissues@oak-park.us or 708.358.5410.

Rodent Baiting Release Form 

Tips for rodent proofing your property

Oak Park property owners are allowed to establish up to two honeybee colonies as long as the apiaries meet specific Village Code requirements intended to ensure public safety outlined in Chapter 20, Article 11 of the Village Code.

Beekeepers are required to apply for an annual permit, pay a $75 fee, and have their property inspected by an Animal Control Officer or other Department of Public Health representative before a permit can be issued. 

Please note: A beekeeping permit will not be granted for an apiary located within 150 feet of any property where a resident has a documented allergy to bee stings, as certified by a licensed physician, and is registered with the Village. 

Register a known bee allergy here

More information about beekeeping in Oak Park