Chicago restricts ownership of exotic and dangerous animals under MCC Chapter 7-12 (Animal Care and Control). Dangerous animals require a $100 annual license, and many exotic species are prohibited entirely.
Under MCC 7-12, Chicago restricts or prohibits keeping certain wild and exotic animals within city limits. The dangerous animal provisions (MCC 7-12-052) require owners to pay a $100 annual license fee and comply with containment requirements. The Executive Director of Animal Care and Control has authority to declare animals dangerous based on behavior or species. MCC 7-12-300 bans unlicensed possession of animals for slaughter. Common exotic pets such as venomous reptiles, large constrictor snakes, primates, and large cats are generally prohibited. Illinois state law (510 ILCS 68) also regulates exotic animal ownership through the Herptiles-Herps Act and Dangerous Animals Act.
Violations of exotic animal restrictions carry fines of $50 to $1,000 per offense. Each animal kept in violation is a separate offense. Animals may be confiscated by Chicago Animal Care and Control.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle exotic pets.
See how Chicago's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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