Oak Park prohibits keeping dangerous or wild animals as pets in residential areas. Prohibited animals include venomous reptiles, large constrictors, primates, large cats, wolves, and bears. Ferrets are legal in Illinois and permitted in Oak Park.
The Village of Oak Park restricts the keeping of exotic, dangerous, and wild animals on residential property. Prohibited animals include venomous snakes and reptiles, large constrictor snakes (over 6 feet), non-human primates, large cats (lions, tigers, leopards), wolves and wolf hybrids, bears, alligators and crocodiles, and other animals deemed dangerous to public safety. Illinois state law (720 ILCS 585) also regulates dangerous animals and prohibits keeping certain species without proper permits. Ferrets are legal in Illinois (unlike some states) and are permitted in Oak Park. Common domestic pets including dogs, cats, small caged birds, fish, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, and domestic rabbits are allowed without special permits. Residents who wish to keep uncommon but non-dangerous animals should check with Village Animal Control before acquiring them. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources regulates possession of native wildlife species, and federal permits may be required for certain protected species.
Keeping prohibited animals results in immediate removal orders and fines. The animal may be seized by Animal Control. Owners may face criminal charges under Illinois law for keeping dangerous animals. Repeat violations carry escalating penalties.
Oak Park, IL
Oak Park's animal control ordinance prohibits dogs from barking excessively to the point of disturbing neighbors. Under Village Code, keeping an animal that ...
Oak Park, IL
Oak Park regulates outdoor music under its general noise ordinance. Residents may play music outdoors during permitted hours but must keep volume at levels t...
Oak Park, IL
Oak Park Village Code Chapter 23 establishes strict noise regulations. Quiet hours run from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 PM to 8:00 A...
Oak Park, IL
Oak Park prohibits amplified music and sound systems that create unreasonable noise disturbing neighbors, particularly during quiet hours (9 PM–7 AM weekdays...
Oak Park, IL
Oak Park is not located directly under major airport flight paths and does not have its own local airport. The Village does not maintain separate aircraft no...
Oak Park, IL
Oak Park permits leaf blower use during allowed construction and landscaping hours, generally 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday. Leaf blower use on ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle exotic pets.
See how Oak Park's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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