Will County, IL Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Running at large with 3+ other dogs
- Deadline
- 14 days of reclaim
- Designation length
- Expires 12 months after last violation
- Enforcer
- Will County Animal Protection Services
- Penalty
- Impoundment or a fine
Summary
Will County requires dogs deemed potentially dangerous to be spayed or neutered and microchipped within 14 days of reclaim from impoundment.
A dog found running at large and unsupervised with three or more other dogs may be deemed a potentially dangerous dog by the animal control officer or Administrator. Potentially dangerous dogs shall be spayed or neutered and microchipped within 14 days of reclaim. The designation of "potentially dangerous dog" shall expire 12 months after the most recent violation of this section. Failure to comply with this section will result in impoundment of the dog or a fine.
(D) Reckless dog owner.
(1) The Administrator, State's Attorney, Director, or any citizen may file a complaint in circuit court to determine whether a person is a reckless dog owner. If an owner is determined to be a reckless dog owner by clear and convincing evidence, the court shall order the immediate impoundment and forfeiture of all dogs the reckless dog owner has a property right in. Forfeiture may be to any licensed shelter, rescue, or sanctuary. The court shall further prohibit the property right ownership of a dog by the person determined to be a reckless dog owner for a period of at least 12 months, but not more than 36 months for the first reckless dog owner determination. (1-5) A dog's history during ownership by a person found to be a reckless dog owner shall not be considered conclusive of the dog's temperament and qualification for adoption or transfer. The dog's temperament shall be independently evaluated by a person qualified to conduct behavioral assessments
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance No. 24-100, passed 4-18-2024 and Res. 23-387, passed 11-16-2023; and State legislation approved through 2024 Pamphlet #2).
Full Breakdown
Under Will County Code § 90.06(C), a dog found running at large and unsupervised with three or more other dogs may be deemed a potentially dangerous dog by the animal control officer or Administrator. Once so designated, the dog must be spayed or neutered and microchipped within 14 days of reclaim, and the designation stays active for 12 months after the most recent violation. This is a conduct-based rule, not a breed-based one. Illinois law (510 ILCS 5/24) bars county breed-specific ordinances, so Will County ties the spay/neuter mandate to the dog's at-large behavior instead. Separately, under § 90.15(E)(5), any dog or cat impounded for the first time can have its $25 redemption fine waived if the owner has it spayed or neutered within 14 days of release. Will County Animal Protection Services enforces both provisions countywide, including within Joliet, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield and Lockport, since animal control operates under the county Administrator rather than the zoning code.
Violations & Fines
Failure to spay/neuter and microchip a potentially dangerous dog within 14 days of reclaim results in impoundment of the dog or a fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Will County require spaying or neutering all pets?
Is this a breed-specific rule?
Can I avoid a fine by having my pet fixed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Will County
Compare Will County to another location·View the Illinois animal ordinances overview
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