Arlington Heights prohibits keeping dangerous wild or exotic animals within Village limits. The municipal code restricts ownership of wild, dangerous, or venomous animals on residential property. Illinois state law also regulates exotic animal ownership through the Dangerous Animals Act and the Herptiles-Herps Act. Common domestic pets including dogs, cats, and small caged animals are permitted.
Arlington Heights municipal code prohibits residents from keeping wild, dangerous, or exotic animals as pets. Prohibited animals typically include large cats (lions, tigers, leopards), bears, wolves, venomous snakes, primates, alligators, and crocodilians. The Illinois Dangerous Animals Act (720 ILCS 585/) prohibits keeping large carnivores and certain other species without a proper facility license. The Illinois Herptiles-Herps Act regulates possession of venomous reptiles and large constricting snakes. Common domesticated pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, small birds, and non-venomous small reptiles like geckos and small turtles are generally permitted. Ferrets are legal in Illinois and typically permitted in Arlington Heights. Fish aquariums have no restrictions. Potbelly pigs may be restricted under livestock provisions depending on zoning. Residents seeking to keep any unusual animal should contact the Village before acquiring the pet to verify it is permitted. Cook County Animal Control also enforces state exotic animal laws.
Keeping a prohibited exotic or dangerous animal may result in fines, seizure of the animal, and criminal charges under state law. The Illinois Dangerous Animals Act carries penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. Contact Code Enforcement at (847) 368-5200 or Cook County Animal Control to report illegal exotic animals.
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