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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Rabies vaccine
Required at 4 months+
Vaccine section
§ 8.04.890
Registration
Annual, with county
At-large cats
Public nuisance, impounded
Barred areas
Schools, parks, beaches, pools

Summary

In McHenry County cats are covered by the same animal-control ordinance as dogs: they must be restrained so they do not run at large, and every cat four months or older must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian and registered with the county.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of McHenry County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Every owner of a dog or cat four (4) months or more of age, within the County of McHenry, Illinois, shall cause such dog or cat to be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian with a prophylactic rabies vaccine approved by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-5: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. A25-0037, passed 8-19-2025 | State legislation current through ALS 2025 Pamphlet No. 1).

Full Breakdown

Article VI of the Public Health Ordinance treats cats like dogs and other animals. Owners must keep cats restrained or controlled so they do not run at large; a cat found at large can be declared a public nuisance and impounded. Section 8.04.890 requires every cat (and dog) four months or older to be vaccinated against rabies with a USDA- and Illinois-Department-of-Agriculture-approved vaccine administered by a licensed veterinarian, and § 8.04.840 requires annual registration. It is also unlawful for a cat, even leashed, to be on school grounds, playgrounds, public beaches or pools without permission. Cities may add their own cat rules.

Violations & Fines

Failure to vaccinate or register a cat, or letting it run at large, violates Article VI; penalties and impound/boarding fees apply under § 8.04.940.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cats need rabies shots in McHenry County?
Yes. Section 8.04.890 requires every cat four months or older to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian with an approved vaccine, and to be registered annually with the county.
Are outdoor cats allowed to roam?
Cats must be restrained so they do not run at large. A roaming cat can be declared a public nuisance and impounded, and cannot be on school or park grounds without permission.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in McHenry County

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresLight RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingFew RestrictionsSign Regulations: Digital BillboardsSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Parking RulesSome Restrictions

All McHenry County rules

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