Cook County, IL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Cook County Code § 10-8(p)
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Animal & Rabies Control
- Max fine
- $500 per violation
- Max jail
- 6 months
- Off-leash areas
- Only if Administrator-approved
Summary
Cook County bans letting a dog run uncontrolled or off leash anywhere in the County, with narrow exceptions for permitted off-leash areas.
No person shall permit at any time their animal to: (1) Run uncontrolled; (2) Be off leash, except in accordance with applicable law or regulation(s); (3) Molest persons or vehicles by chasing, barking or biting; (4) Attack other animals; (5) Damage property other than the owner's.
Full Breakdown
Cook County Code § 10-8(p) makes it unlawful for an owner to permit an animal to run uncontrolled or be off leash except in accordance with applicable law or regulation, or to let it molest people or vehicles, attack other animals, or damage property that isn't the owner's. Off-leash dog areas are allowed only where the County Department of Animal and Rabies Control Administrator has authorized and regulated the site under Sec. 10-4. This baseline applies countywide; a municipality may adopt a stricter leash rule under Sec. 10-7, but cannot loosen the County's requirement.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor: fine up to $500 or imprisonment up to 6 months per Sec. 10-3(a); each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off leash anywhere in Cook County?
What happens if my dog is caught running loose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cook County
Compare Cook County to another location·View the Illinois animal ordinances overview
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