Arlington Heights, IL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 16-210
- Leash defined
- cord/thong/chain, 8 ft. maximum
- Minimum fine
- $25.00 per offense
- Public parks
- dogs barred even on a leash
- Impoundment fee
- $25.00 plus facility charges
- Rabies tag
- required on collar (§ 16-204)
Summary
Arlington Heights, Illinois, requires every dog to be "securely on a leash" whenever it is on a public street, alley, sidewalk, or other public place, under Municipal Code Section 16-210. The Village defines a leash as a cord, thong, or chain no more than eight feet long, and separately bars dogs, leashed or not, from Village parks.
It shall be unlawful for any owner of any dog to allow the dog to go upon any public street, alley or sidewalk or other public place unless the dog is securely on a leash.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 3 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
00 impoundment fee plus any facility charges before the dog is released. 00 per offense, with each day of noncompliance a separate violation, settled before the hearing date or processed through Administrative Adjudication under Chapter 18, Article VIII.
Violations & Fines
An unleashed dog on a public street, sidewalk, or other public place violates Section 16-210 and carries a minimum $25.00 fine per offense under Section 16-501(a); the animal may also be impounded as "uncontrolled" under Section 16-108, requiring a $25.00 impoundment fee plus facility charges before release. Unpaid tickets proceed through Administrative Adjudication under Chapter 18, Article VIII.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash in a public park in Arlington Heights?
How long can a dog leash be under Village law?
What happens if my dog is caught running loose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arlington Heights
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