Chicago, IL Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- MCC § 7-12-360
- Enforcing agency
- Chicago Animal Care and Control
- Compliance basis
- State/federal permit law
- Noncompliance result
- Animal may be seized
Summary
Chicago requires anyone keeping a wild or nondomesticated animal to prove compliance with state and federal permit rules on demand, or the animal can be seized.
Each person who shall possess, keep or maintain any wild, or nondomesticated animal, including any wild animal native to the State of Illinois, shall upon demand by the Executive Director or his authorized representative, furnish proof of compliance with such restrictions and/or permit requirements as may be imposed by statutes of the State of Illinois and/or federal law. The Executive Director or his authorized representative shall be empowered to demand surrender of any animal possessed, kept or maintained in the absence of proof of such compliance or in violation of the city ordinance relative to zoning regulation and to make whatever disposition of it as may be prescribed under Department policies. It shall be a violation of this ordinance for any person to refuse to surrender any animal kept in noncompliance. (Prior code § 98-16; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-16, p. 37901, Art. I, § 34)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-74: Current through Council Journal of June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under MCC 7-12-360, anyone who possesses, keeps, or maintains a wild or nondomesticated animal, including any wild animal native to Illinois, must furnish proof of compliance with Illinois and federal permit and restriction requirements whenever Chicago Animal Care and Control's Executive Director or an authorized representative demands it. If the owner can't show compliance, or is violating the city's zoning ordinance, the Executive Director is empowered to demand the animal be surrendered on the spot and dispose of it under Department policy. Refusing to surrender a noncompliant animal is itself a separate violation of the ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Refusal to surrender an animal held in noncompliance is a standalone violation of MCC 7-12-360, on top of seizure of the animal itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own an exotic animal in Chicago?
What happens if I can't show proof?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chicago
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle exotic pets.