Skokie, IL Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash required
- In all public areas (Sec 18-37(a))
- Max leash length
- 8 feet (Sec 18-37(d))
- Parks/schools
- Dogs barred even if leashed
- Exemptions
- Service and police K-9 dogs (Sec 18-37(e))
- Waste removal
- Owner must remove immediately
- Fine
- Up to $750 per day (Sec 1-6)
Summary
Skokie Village Code Section 18-37 requires every dog on a Village street, sidewalk, parkway or other public area to be on a leash controlled by its owner or the owner's agent, and caps that leash at 8 feet long. Dogs, even leashed, are barred from school grounds, public playgrounds, public pools and public parks unless the property's governing authority allows it.
(a)Leash required. It shall be unlawful to permit a dog, except when on a leash controlled by the owner or the owner's agent, to use or be upon any public street, sidewalk, parkway or public area within the Village. ... (d)Length of leash. No leash shall be longer than 8 feet in length.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 205 | Zoning: Supplement 89).
Full Breakdown
Section 18-37(a) makes it unlawful to permit a dog to use or be upon any public street, sidewalk, parkway or public area within the Village except when on a leash controlled by the owner or the owner's agent. Subsection (d) caps the leash at no more than 8 feet in length. Subsection (c) goes further for sensitive properties: even a leashed dog cannot go onto school premises, a public playground, a public swimming pool or a public park, or a path or sidewalk running through one, unless the governmental authority controlling that property permits it.
Subsection (b) separately bars bringing any animal into a shop, store or retail place of business open to the public, or any public building, unless the animal is under control and needed for the purpose of the visit. Subsection (e) exempts animals assisting persons with disabilities and the Police Department's Canine Unit from these restrictions. Subsection (f) makes it a public nuisance for an owner to let a dog defecate on a public street, sidewalk or other public place or on someone else's property, though an owner who promptly and completely removes the waste is not in violation.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Section 18-37, whether an unleashed dog, a leash over 8 feet, a dog on school or park property, or uncollected waste, carries the Chapter 18 penalty in Section 18-3 applying the Section 1-6 fine of up to $750.00 for each day the violation continues. A dog running loose on a public street is also treated as a public nuisance under Section 18-34, exposing the owner to impoundment by the Animal Control Officer in addition to the fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my dog's leash be on a Skokie sidewalk?
Can I bring my leashed dog into a Skokie park?
Am I required to pick up after my dog in public?
Are service dogs exempt from the leash law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Skokie
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