Animal Control

The Animal Control Division of the Public Health Department is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of both residents and animals. Animal Control addresses a wide range of animal-related concerns, including animal welfare, rodent abatement, animal bites and enforcement of local animal codes. The Village's Animal Control Officer responds to reports of stray animals, provides licensing for dogs and outdoor cats, and may assist with injured, sick or nuisance wildlife issues.

Find a Lost Pet/Adopt a Stray

The Village partners with Animal Care League, 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.

Report Pet Violations

Violations, such as stray animals, off-leash dogs, animal bites or other animal-related concerns can be reported by calling 708.358.5486 or by emailing Health@Oak-Park.us.

Licensing a Pet

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

Animal Bites

The Village investigates all reports of animal bites that result in a skin-breaking puncture wound. It is the responsibility of the animal owner to report any bite involving a person or another domesticated animal within 24 hours of the incident. 

  • If bitten by a wildlife animal within Oak Park, immediately contact the Department of Public Health. 
  • If you encounter a stray domestic or wild animal that has bitten someone and poses an immediate public safety risk, please call 9-1-1. 

Animal bites can be reported 24/7 by calling: 

  • Oak Park Animal Control: 708.358.5480 
  •  Oak Park Police Non-Emergency: 708.386.3800 

 

Limits on Animals

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

Leash Required

All dogs that use any street, sidewalk, parkway or public area within Oak Park must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet controlled by the owner.

The Park District of Oak Park offers two off-leash dog parks at the Maple Park Dog Park and Ridgeland Commons Recreation Complex Dog Park. Both of these designated dog parks are free to Oak Park residents who have obtained a dog park permit.

Dog Park Information

 

 

Picking Up

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.

Nuisance Wildlife

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

Rodent Control

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

Beekeeping

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

Contact Us

708.358.5480
health@oak-park.us

Back to top