Evanston prohibits keeping wild, exotic, or dangerous animals as pets under Title 9 of the City Code. This includes venomous reptiles, large constricting snakes, primates, large cats, wolves, bears, and alligators. Illinois state law (720 ILCS 585) also bans dangerous animals statewide. Only domesticated species such as dogs, cats, small caged birds, fish, and small rodents are permitted without special authorization.
Evanston's animal ordinance prohibits the keeping of wild, exotic, or inherently dangerous animals within city limits. Prohibited species include all venomous snakes, constricting snakes over 6 feet, all non-human primates, large cats (lions, tigers, leopards, cougars), wolves and wolf-dog hybrids, bears, alligators and crocodilians, and any animal classified as dangerous under Illinois law. The Illinois Dangerous Animals Act (720 ILCS 585) further prohibits possession of lions, tigers, leopards, ocelots, jaguars, cheetahs, margays, mountain lions, lynxes, bobcats, jaguarundis, bears, hyenas, wolves, coyotes, and venomous reptiles. Ferrets are legal in Illinois and Evanston. Potbelly pigs are generally not permitted in residential zoning districts as they may be classified as livestock. Hedgehogs are legal under Illinois law. Sugar gliders are legal. Any animal that escapes and poses a public safety threat may be captured or destroyed by animal control. The city works with Evanston Animal Shelter and the Cook County Animal and Rabies Control division for enforcement.
Keeping a prohibited exotic animal is a misdemeanor under both city and state law. City fines range from $100 to $500 per offense per day. Under the Illinois Dangerous Animals Act, violations carry fines up to $200 and the animal may be confiscated. If the animal injures someone, the owner faces Class C misdemeanor charges and full liability for medical costs. Animals may be seized and placed with an appropriate facility or euthanized if they pose a public safety risk.
Evanston, IL
Evanston City Code Title 9 prohibits dogs from barking, howling, or making noise continuously for 15 or more minutes, or intermittently for 30 or more minute...
Evanston, IL
Evanston restricts leaf blower use to the hours of 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays. Both gas and electric leaf ...
Evanston, IL
Evanston regulates noise from commercial and industrial operations near residential areas. The city's noise ordinance sets limits on sound levels that may be...
Evanston, IL
Evanston permits construction activity from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday. Construction is prohibited on Sundays and city-recognized holidays. S...
Evanston, IL
Evanston enforces extensive street parking regulations including residential permit zones, time limits of 2 to 4 hours in most areas, and seasonal snow emerg...
Evanston, IL
Evanston regulates driveway construction, width, materials, and use. Driveways require a permit and must be constructed of approved hard surfaces. Parking on...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle exotic pets.
See how Evanston's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.