Lake County, IL Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

The Lake County Health Department administers animal control under County Code Chapter 172. Every cat four months or older must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian and registered with the Health Department, wearing its registration tag except when on the owner's premises. Cats must be kept under the owner's control off that property; a cat caught running at large a second time must be sterilized within 30 days of reclaim. No more than four cats (and four dogs) over six months may be kept at one residence without a Multiple Pet Permit, which requires Health Officer approval, a 150-foot setback from neighboring dwellings, and an annual inspection. Waukegan, Highland Park and other cities enforce their own separate ordinances.