Aurora, IL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- No domestic animal at large
- Applies
- Citywide, licensed or not
- Invisible fence sign
- Required at property line
- Invisible fence setback
- 6 ft from right-of-way
Summary
Aurora, Illinois (Kane County) bans letting any domestic animal, dogs included, run at large citywide; a loose animal is a public nuisance subject to impoundment.
No person who owns, keeps or harbors a domestic animal shall cause or permit such animal to run at large within the city. Any domestic animal running at-large is hereby declared a public nuisance, whether currently licensed or not, and may be promptly impounded by the director or animal control officer as provided in this chapter. Persons who utilize "invisible fencing" to contain any animal must display prominently on their property immediately adjacent to the public right-of-way a sign which indicates that any animal located thereon is contained by way of "invisible fencing." Invisible fencing installed after March 31, 2000, must be set back from the public right-of-way a minimum of six (6) feet. Fencing utilized to contain a domestic animal must be of sufficient height and strength to contain the particular domestic animal intended to be contained thereby, such fencing must be maintained in good condition to perform its intended containment function at all times, and comply with the appropriate codes of the city with respect to fences. (Ord. No. O94-18, § 1, 3-1-94; Ord. No. O00-32, § 1, 3-28-00; Ord. No. O07-98, § 1, 8-28-07)
Editor's note— Formerly § 9-12.
HISTORY Amended by Ord. O22-035 on 5/10/2022
Full Breakdown
Aurora Code § 9-10 makes it unlawful for an owner to let a domestic animal, dogs included, run at large anywhere within Aurora, Illinois, regardless of whether that address falls in Kane, DuPage, Will, or Kendall County; the city code applies the same way in all four. A loose animal is declared a public nuisance and can be impounded by the director or an animal control officer whether or not it's licensed. Owners who rely on invisible fencing must post a visible warning sign at the property line, and fencing installed after March 31, 2000 must sit at least six feet back from the public right-of-way. Physical fences must be strong and tall enough to actually contain the animal.
Violations & Fines
Animal Care & Control or an animal control officer can impound any at-large domestic animal on sight under § 9-10; the owner pays all impoundment fees and may face code penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to let my dog off-leash in Aurora, Illinois?
Can I use an invisible fence instead of a leash in Aurora?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
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