OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK DOG RESOURCE GUIDE Your guide to owning a dog in the City of Chicago Susana A. Mendoza Clerk Rahm Emanuel Mayor City of Chicago
WELCOME FROM CITY CLERK SUSANA A. MENDOZA Dear Chicago Dog Owner, Dogs can be our best friends, and I believe it s important we treat them as such. As a responsible and caring pet owner, it is important to register your dog with the City of Chicago so we can provide the best resources to our city s pet owners. Registering your dog helps reunite you with your pet should your dog stray. In addition, dog registration helps protect the public health because all dogs registered with the city must have current rabies vaccination. This dog owner s resource guide will give you all the information you need to register your dog with the city. It also provides helpful tips and resources for dog owners, including a list of Chicago dog parks and free or reduced fee rabies vaccination information. My goal is to make registering your dog with the city as convenient as possible. You can register your dog at any City Clerk office location, online at ChiCityClerk.com or simply call our office at 312-744-DOGS (3647) to have an application mailed to you. I also want to provide more resources for dog owners. If you have any ideas on new or additional information we could include in this guide, please contact me at cityclerk@cityofchicago.org. Watch for special dog registration promotions and events from my office throughout the year! I hope to see you and your dog soon! Sincerely, Susana A. Mendoza City Clerk of Chicago
Your dog registration helps save animals. CITY HALL 121 North La Salle Street, Room 107 Chicago, Illinois 60602 312-744-DOGS Monday Friday from 8 am to 5 pm CITY CLERK SATELLITE OFFICE SOUTH 5674 South Archer Avenue, Unit A Chicago, Illinois 60638 312-745-1100 Monday Friday from 9 am to 5 pm CITY CLERK SATELLITE OFFICE NORTH 5430 West Gale Street Chicago, Illinois 60630 312-742-5318 Monday Friday from 9 am to 5 pm There are three easy ways to purchase your dog registration. You can register your dog at any City Clerk office location, online at ChiCityClerk.com or simply call our office at 312-744-DOGS (3647) to have an application mailed to you.
Chicago Dog Registration Frequently Asked Questions Q. How much is a Chicago Dog License? A. The cost to register your dog is $5 for a sterilized dog ($2.50 for senior dog owners) or $50 for an unsterilized dog ($5 for senior dog owners). Q. Why are licenses for unneutered dogs more expensive? A. The City of Chicago Animal Care & Control is forced to house, care for, and even euthanize, thousands of animals each year. This tragic and costly reality could be avoided by spaying and neutering. Sterilized dogs are healthier and have fewer medical problems and are less likely to run away or fight with other animals. Q. When does my Dog Registration expire? A. Dog Licenses expire at the same time as your dog s rabies vaccination. Registrations are valid for either one or three years to match your dog s rabies vaccination. Q. What do I need to register my dog? A. All Chicago dogs must have a current rabies vaccination and you may use your rabies vaccination paperwork to complete the license application. Ordering your Dog License online at ChiCityClerk.com is the easiest way to go. If you want to pay another way, please make your personal check payment to City Clerk. If ordering by mail, do not send cash. Please print your phone number on all checks or money orders.
Dog Friendly Chicago: Benefits of Chicago Dog Registration HELP WITH A LOST PET Your registration can help find your lost pet. The person who finds your dog can simply call the Office of the Chicago City Clerk at 312-744-DOGS and provide the dog registration number which appears on your dog license. We can put City resources to work to reunite you with your lost pet. DOGGY DAYCARE Dog Registrations are required when taking your pet to a Chicago animal care facility that boards or provides doggy daycare services. ACCESS TO CITY DOG PARKS Dog friendly areas are designated sections within Chicago parks or beaches, where dogs are allowed to run and play off leash, the only areas in the city where this is allowed. The owner or other responsible person bringing any dog into a dog friendly area must have a permit and tag issued by a participating veterinarian for each dog. PUBLIC HEALTH Dog registration helps protect the public, and your pet. When you register your pet and display your license, you let everyone know that your dog has received its rabies vaccination and that it is in compliance with County and City regulations.
Lost Pet Recovery Information Only two Chicago facilities are approved to hold stray dogs: Chicago Animal Care & Control 2741 S. Western Ave. 312-747-1406 www.cityofchicago.org/ animalcarecontrol Animal Welfare League 6224 S. Wabash Ave. 773-667-0088 www.animalwelfareleague.com The Animal Care and Control shelter is open daily from noon to 7 p.m. for people to look for their lost pets. Typically strays are scanned on arrival for a microchip and checked for a dog license and/or rabies tag. An identifiable pet owner will be notified by mail and phone. If an identified dog is not claimed by the owner within seven days, the dog becomes the city s property. If a pet s owner cannot be identified within five days, the animal becomes the property of the city. If deemed adoptable, the dog may be offered for adoption at Animal Care and Control or transferred to another shelter or rescue group.
Dog Spay/Neuter: Free and Low Cost Locations The following organizations provide low cost or free spay/neuter resources, depending on time of year and location. Age restrictions, fees, surgery days, and weight limits vary by location. Please contact the organization for information on their services. Animal Welfare League 6224 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60637 773-667-0088 www.animalwelfareleague.com Cook County Department of Animal & Rabies Control 10220 S. 76th Ave., 2nd Floor Bridgeview, IL 60455 708-974-6140 www.co.cook.il.us PAWS Chicago Lurie Clinic 3516 W. 26th St. Chicago, IL 60614 773-521-7729 www.pawschicago.org The Anti-Cruelty Society 157 W. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60610 312-644-8338 ext. 347 www.anticruelty.org Tree House Humane Society 1212 West Carmen Ave. Chicago, IL 60640 773-784-5488 www.treehouseanimals.org
Chicago Animal Care and Control Animal Care and Control impounds approximately 24,000 animals a year. The average daily population is between 300 to 500 animals including dogs, cats, reptiles and others. As an open door shelter, ACC never turns an animal away. ACC receives animals from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m., 365 days a year. (After hours, please call 311) The facility at 2741 S. Western Ave. includes: A 54,000 square foot building which houses over 500 animals in separate kennels with a fully equipped medical division to care for the animals A command center for Animal Control Officers with a fleet of 24 trucks. Pet adoption services (Monday Friday, from 4 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, from 12 p.m. 3 p.m. and from 4 p.m. 7 p.m.) The Animobile van for off site adoptions and spay/neuter clinics Animal Care and Control also hosts several low cost vaccination clinics throughout the year. Call 312-747-1406 for a list of clinic dates and to schedule an appointment. Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control is a 501 c3 organization helping to improve the lives of animals taken in by the City of Chicago Animal Care and Control shelter. FACC supports Chicago Animal Care and Control in its humane efforts to find homes for animals rescued from harmful situations, as well as homeless animals sheltered at the facility. For more information about Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control or regarding donations, please contact FCACC at (773)743-9000, by mail at P.O. Box 4414, Chicago, IL 60680 or at www.fcacc.org.
Dog Leash Importance Keep your dog out of danger and prevent tragedy. Even a well trained, well socialized dog needs supervision, instruction and boundaries. Here are some reasons why leashing your dog is so important: Leashes prevent your dog from straying and getting lost. Leashes eliminate the pain, suffering, and guilt your family will go through should your dog be lost, hurt, or bite someone. Leash your dog! It s the law. A fine of $300 can be issued to an owner for having a dog unrestrained. Leashes protect your dog from darting into traffic to chase something exciting or from running from something scary. Leashes protect your dog from unseen or unknown hazards, such as things that cut, sting, bite, or cause illness. Leashes prevent your dog from startling unsuspecting pedestrians, cyclists or others who may be on the public way or from chasing or scaring other animals into traffic or harm s way. Leashes reduce the chance that a person or another dog may be bitten. Whether the dog is startled, frightened, protecting, guarding or involved in other territorial activities, a dog has the potential to bite. Leashes make it easier to clean up after your dog and prevents your dog from eliminating waste in protected areas, where children play, or others walk. Leashes direct your dog away from areas where flora and fauna should be preserved. Leashes reduce stress for your dog by making sure the dog understands what is expected: less stress means a healthier and happier dog.
Why You Should Pick Up After Your Pet: Of course, it s unsightly and there s a disgusting odor. It doesn t instantly disintegrate and it runs off into the water system. Stepping in it is just plain gross! Dogs can spread diseases to each other through their feces and can attract rodents. Moreover, be considerate of your neighbors and clean up after your pet. It s the law! You can receive up to a $500 fine. Dog feces can carry zoonotic disease, which can infect humans, including: Salmonella May cause upset stomach or more severe problems. Roundworm Potentially causes a mild rash to more serious diseases to the lungs or liver, or even blindness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 10,000 cases of roundworm infection annually. Hookworm A parasite than can be picked up by individuals that walk barefoot in contaminated areas. Campylobacteriosis A bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea in humans. Giardiasis A diarrheal illness caused by a onecelled, microscopic parasite. Once an animal or person has been infected, the parasite lives in the intestine and is passed in the stool. Because the parasite is protected by an outer shell, it can survive outside the body and in the environment for long periods of time.
Safe Humane Chicago Safe Humane Chicago is a citywide, public private partnership to stop the animal violence in our city. It builds alliances among local government, animal and community advocates, humane organizations and the faith-based community. The program also gives adults and children the appropriate tools for safely interacting with dogs to avoid bites and attacks. For more information, please visit www.safehumanechicago.org. Animal Abuse Animal abuse is a crime. Animal fighting (meaning two animals, such as dogs or roosters, pitted against each other by people) is a felony. Always call 911 if you see animal abuse or fighting in progress. You can remain anonymous. Always call 311 if you suspect animal abuse or animal fighting. You can remain anonymous. If you have witnessed animal abuse, activities related to animal fighting, or crimes involving animals, you can leave a message for the Chicago Police Department s Animal Crimes Unit at 312-746-7141.
Cook County Animal & Rabies Control The Cook County Department of Animal & Rabies Control provides health protection to the residents of Cook County through preparation, education, rabies vaccination and stray animal control. Services include a spay and neuter program, stray patrol, education, rabies tags, pet registration, and a pet return service. In addition, the Cook County Animal and Rabies Control clinics allow affordable rabies vaccinations to bring all citizens into compliance with the law while providing an essential public health protection against a deadly disease that has caused public health concerns. Rabies vaccines cost $7 for a one year and $21 for a three year vaccination. The clinics are held Spring through early Fall in locations throughout Cook County. Visit www. cookcountygov.com or call 708-974- 6140 for more information and clinic dates. Dogs In Outdoor Cafes Dog owners who enjoy dining at outdoor cafes are permitted to bring their pet with them to restaurants that are licensed appropriately. Restaurants wishing to participate must apply for a city issued permit and are required to post a sign in a visible location stating that dogs are allowed in the outdoor dining area. Customers must have the dog s vaccination tags or proof of vaccinations. Dogs are not allowed on the table, counter top or similar surface, and employees may not touch the dog for sanitary reasons. Remember to feed your dog before you go to dine as food cannot be provided to your pet while in the outdoor dining area. In addition, your dog must be on a leash and on its best behavior.
Chicago Dog Friendly Areas The Chicago Park District dog friendly areas are places for dogs to exercise, play, and socialize legally off leash. A $5 permit fee and registration tag for your dog is required to use the Chicago Park District dog friendly areas, which are enclosed off leash areas for your pet. A current dog license can be used to obtain the required permit and tag to access the Chicago Park District dog friendly areas. Permits and tags are required and are available at participating veterinary offices. For a list of participating veterinarians or if you are interested in creating a dog friendly area in your community, please visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call 312-742-PLAY.
Rules & Regulations of s Owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries caused by their dogs. Owners must remain with and watch their dogs at all times. Dogs must be leashed prior to and upon leaving the DFA. Gates to the DFAs must remain closed except upon entering and exiting the DFA. Failure to comply with the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control Regulation for Chicago Park District DFAs can result in a fine of up $500.00. No food is allowed in dog friendly area. Owners must immediately clean up after their dogs. Owners who fail to clean up after their dogs are subject to a fine of up to $500.00 (City of Chicago Ordinance 7-12-420). Dogs with a known history of or who exhibit dangerous behavior are prohibited. Dogs must be healthy, fully immunized, dewormed, licensed and comply with the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control Regulation for Chicago park District DFAs. No dog will be allowed in DFA unless it has a current rabies vaccination. Puppies under four months old and female dogs in heat are prohibited. Dog owners are responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of the DFA. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and younger children must be closely supervised. Only three dogs per person allowed.
Chicago Dog Friendly Area Support Groups Dog owners are responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of the DFA. Chicago Park District policy is for each dog park to have a local support committee that handles all the maintenance and improvement work at the park. Neighborhood residents form local support committees and selflessly volunteer their time and effort to ensure a safe and clean environment for dogs and their owners. You can help by joining a DFA support group, volunteering, or establishing a support committee for a DFA that does not already have one. Janis Taylor Chicago Park District Liaison janis.taylor@chicagoparkdistrict.com South Loop Dog Park Action Cooperative info@southloopdogpac.org www.southloopdogpac.org Churchill Dogs churchilldogs@gmail.com www.churchilldogs.com Pet Owners Committee of the River North Residents Association info@rnra.org Montrose Dog Owners Group info@mondog.org www.mondog.org Norwood Park Dog Association contact@norwoodparkdogs.com www.norwoodparkdogs.com Pawtawattomie Park DFA Committee www.ppdfa.com Portage Park Dog Park Committee portagedogpark@gmail.com www.portagedogpark.com Puptown Dog Owners Group info@puptown.org www.puptown.org Wrightwood Neighbors Association/ Wiggly Field Advisory Committee www.wrightwoodneighbors.org/wiggly
Chicago Dog Friendly Areas Anderson Park 1611 S. Wabash Ave. (312) 747-0007 Challenger 1100 W. Irving Park Rd. (312) 742-7802 Clarendon 4501 N. Marine Dr. (312) 742-7512 Grant Park 951 S. Columbus Dr. (312) 742-3918 Lake Shore East 450 E. Benton Pl. (312) 742-7648 Foster Beach Foster & Lake Shore Dr. (312) 742-7726 Margate Fieldhouse 4900 N. Marine Dr. (312) 742-7522 Norwood Park 5899 N. Avondale (773) 631-4893 Pottawattomie Park 7340 N. Rogers Ave. (773) 262-5835 Bartelme Park 115 S. Sangamon (312) 746-5494 Churchill Park 1825 N. Damen Ave. (312) 742-7554 Coliseum Park 1466 S. Wabash Ave. (312) 328-0821 Hamlin Park 3035 N. Hoyne Ave. (312) 742-7785 Belmont Harbor Beach Belmont & Lake Shore Dr. (312) 742-7726 Montrose Beach Montrose and Simonds Dr. (312) 742-7726 Noethling Playlot 2645 N. Sheffield Ave. (312) 742-7816 Park #551 353 N. DesPlaines St. (312) 742-7895 Portage Park 4100 N. Long (773) 685-7235 River Park 5100 N. Francisco Ave. (312) 742-7516 Walsh Park 1722 N. Ashland Ave. (312) 742-7769 Wicker park 1425 N. Damen Ave. (312) 742-7553 Ward Park 630 N. Kingsbury St. (312) 742-7895 D Angelo Dog Park 438 S. Franklin St. (312) 264-5630 Jackson Bark 5900 S. Lake Shore Dr. (312) 264-5630
East River Road Cumberland Avenue Harlem Avenue Oak Park Avenue Narragansett Avenue Austin Avenue Central Avenue Laramie Avenue Norwood Park Portage Park Cicero Avenue Kostner Avenue Pulaski Avenue Central Park Avenue Kedzie Avenue California Avenue River Park Western Avenue Pottawattomie Park Hamlin Park Churchill Park Damen Avenue Ashland Avenue Broadway Avenue Foster Beach Puptown Dog Park Montrose Beach Clarendon Park Challenger Bark Dog Friendly Area Wiggly Field Dog Park Wicker Park Howard Street Touhy Avenue Pratt Avenue Devon Avenue Peterson Avenue Bryn Mawr Avenue Belmont Harbor Beach Fulton River Park Ward Park Bartelme Park D Angelo Dog Park Coliseum Park University Village Dog Park Walsh Park Foster Avenue Lawrence Avenue Montrose Avenue Irving Park Road Addison Avenue Anderson Park Belmont Avenue Diversey Parkway Fullerton Avenue Armitage Avenue North Avenue Division Street Lake Shore East Dog Park Chicago Avenue Randolph Street Washington Street Madison Avenue Roosevelt Road 16 th Street Cermak Road 26 th Street 31 st Street 35 th Street Pershing Road 43 rd Street 47 th Street 51 st Street Garfield Boulevard Harlem Avenue Austin Avenue Central Avenue Jackson Bark 63 rd Street Marquette Boulevard 71 st Street 76 th Street 79 th Street 83 rd Street 87 th Street 91 st Street 95 th Street Cicero Avenue Pulaski Avenue Kedzie Avenue California Avenue Western Avenue Damen Avenue Ashland Avenue Morgan Avenue Halsted Avenue State Street Dr. Martin Luther King Drive Cottage Grove Avenue Woodlawn Avenue Stony Island Avenue Jeffery Avenue Yates Avenue Torrence Avenue Burnham Avenue 103 rd Street 106 th Street 111 th Street 113 th Street 119 th Street 123 rd Street 130 th Street 138 th Street
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