Why Chicago dog owners should register their canines and how to do it

Only a tiny fraction of Chicago’s dogs have city licenses, according to a Sun-Times article last week. So why should owners license their dogs?

Chicago actually requires all dogs four months or older to be registered with the city. However, this is not well-enforced, said Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd).

The city clerk’s office has issued only 4,100 dog licenses this year in Chicago, which has an estimated dog population of more than 650,000. That’s down from 8,000 dog licenses last year, 18,000 in 2017 and 40,896 in 2013.

And for canines that use off-leash “dog-friendly areas,” Chicago Park District also requires a separate $10 permit per dog (see below).

What’s the benefit of licensing dogs?

Registering a dog helps the city locate its owner if a pet gets lost. “If your pet escapes and has a valid city license tag on it, the city will take the dog home for free,” Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) told the Sun-Times. It won’t go to Animal Care and Control.

The person who finds the dog calls the city clerk’s office at 312-744-DOGS with the canine’s registration number on its ‘emblem’ – a sticker that goes on a dog tag.

In addition, registration is required to stay at many dog boarding and daycare service facilities and for entering the Chicago Park District's dog-friendly areas.

How much does registration cost?

For decades, the license fee has been $5 a year for spayed and neutered dogs, $50 for those that are not and $2.50 for dog owners who are senior citizens.

What do you need to register a dog? How do I get a license?

Dogs must have a current rabies vaccination for a license.

Owners can register online through the city clerk’s website by uploading a dog’s vaccination document and paying by credit card. It takes up to 12 business days to receive a dog license emblem via U.S. mail. If an owner needs the tag immediately, they can go to an in-person sales location.

How long do dog licenses last?

The city offers 1-year and 3-year emblems since rabies vaccinations typically last either one or three years.

What’s the penalty if a dog doesn’t have a license or permit?

There is a $500 fine for using a dog-friendly area without a permit.

The city clerk’s website doesn’t list penalties for unregistered dogs and a spokesperson said Animal Care and Control handles enforcement. But Chicago code states that fines for unregistered dogs can range from $30 to $200 for each day of violation. However, fines don’t seem well-enforced given the number of unregistered dogs in Chicago.

How do I get a Chicago Parks District permit for off-leash areas? 

For a Chicago Park District permit for dog-friendly areas in parks and beaches, the owner must have a city dog license or proof of current rabies vaccination. The owner must also have veterinary documents showing tests for parasites and vaccination for six diseases, including distemper. Permits cost $10 per dog.

Applications are available at about 50 participating veterinarian offices listed here.

Why don’t Chicago pet owners register their dogs?

City Clerk Anna Valencia said most Chicago dog owners don’t know that they’re required to buy city licenses. The city doesn’t have a marketing budget to raise awareness about the issue, she said.