Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in McHenry County

McHenry County, IL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

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

Key Facts

Leash required off-property
Yes
Enforcing agency
McHenry County Animal Control
Loose dog status
Declared public nuisance
Governing code
Public Health Ordinance Article VI
Applies to
Unincorporated county + cities

Summary

McHenry County's Public Health Ordinance requires every dog to be restrained or controlled so it cannot run at large. Off the owner's property a dog must be on a leash held by a competent person. Loose animals are declared a public nuisance and impounded.

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.

All dogs, cats and other animals kept in any area in McHenry County shall be restrained and/or controlled, as defined by this Ordinance, in such a manner as to prevent such dog, cat or other animal from running at large.

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 McHenry County Public Health Ordinance (§ 8.04.820–.870) governs unincorporated areas plus enforcement countywide through the Department of Health, Division of Veterinary Health (Animal Control). "Restraint" requires a dog off its owner's property to be controlled by a leash held by a competent person, confined in a vehicle, or otherwise commonly controlled. Any dog found running at large is declared a public nuisance, apprehended and impounded. Incorporated cities (Crystal Lake, Woodstock, McHenry, Algonquin) add their own leash rules, so residents inside city limits should check the municipal code too.

Violations & Fines

Running at large is a public nuisance; the animal is impounded and the owner pays impound plus daily boarding fees. Ordinance fines are set under § 8.04.940.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does McHenry County require dogs to be leashed?
Yes. Off the owner's property a dog must be controlled by a leash held by a competent person, or otherwise restrained. Loose dogs are impounded as a public nuisance.
Can my dog be off-leash on my own property?
Yes, on your own real property a dog need not be leashed, but it must still be controlled so it does not stray off the property and run at large.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in McHenry County

Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresLight RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome 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

Compare McHenry County to another location·View the Illinois animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Dog Leash Laws in McHenry County, IL changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.