Evanston, IL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Section 9-4-17(A)(1) lets the Chief of Police or a designee declare a dog to be a "dangerous dog" only after an investigation weighing the animal's temperament, documented complaints, citations or arrests, or veterinary and medical evidence, not its breed. The Code defines a dangerous dog by conduct: a known propensity to attack or endanger people or animals unprovoked, an actual unprovoked attack, a menacing approach, use in dogfighting, or attack-dog training, and Subsection (A)(2)(f) expressly excludes a dog that bites a trespasser or one that has been tormented or abused.

Once declared, Section 9-4-17(B)(1) requires the dog be confined indoors or in a locked pen with sides at least six feet high, a secure top and a concrete floor that also meets City zoning and building codes; off the property it must be muzzled and leashed with a chain no longer than three feet under Subsection (C). Owners must carry a separate $100,000 liability insurance policy under Subsection (F), post "Beware of Dangerous Dog" signs paid for at their own expense after the $250 annual dangerous-dog license fee under Subsection (B)(3), and have the dog spayed or neutered and microchipped at their own expense under Subsection (H).

, under Subsection (J). None of this turns on breed: Section 9-4-3-1 says a license "shall be issued to any dog owner irrespective of the breed type," and since January 1, 2025, Section 5-3-3-3(A)(13) voids any rental-agreement clause that bans a tenant's dog because of its breed, making such a clause unenforceable and exposing a landlord who knowingly uses one to the tenant's actual damages or two months' rent, whichever is greater, plus attorney fees.