Cook County, IL Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)
Key Facts
- Clinic frequency
- At least once per year
- Location
- County animal control facility or shelter
- Fee cap
- Set by Section 32-1 fee schedule
- Vicious dog
- Microchipped at owner's expense after finding
- Dangerous dog
- Microchipped within 10 days if unchipped
Summary
Cook County runs an annual microchipping clinic for residents' companion animals at the county animal control facility, with the fee capped by Section 32-1; dogs found vicious or dangerous must be microchipped separately.
A clinic for microchipping companion animals of County residents should be conducted at least once a year under the direction of the Administrator at the animal control facility, animal shelter, or other central location within the County. The maximum amount that can be charged for microchipping an animal at this clinic shall be as set out in Section 32-1. Funds generated from this clinic shall be deposited in the County Animal Control Fund.
Full Breakdown
The County's Animal Control Administrator must hold a microchipping clinic for companion animals of County residents at least once a year, at the animal control facility, animal shelter, or another central County location, with the charge capped at the amount set in Section 32-1 and proceeds credited to the County Animal Control Fund. The Code does not require every pet to be chipped, but a dog judicially declared vicious must be spayed or neutered and microchipped at the owner's expense, and a dog administratively found dangerous must be microchipped within ten days if not already. Removing a tag or microchip to conceal an animal's identity is a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Removing a tag, microchip, or tattoo to destroy or conceal an animal's identity is a Class B misdemeanor; a second offense is a Class A misdemeanor under Section 10-86.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cook County require all pets to be microchipped?
How much does the County's microchipping clinic cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cook County
Compare Cook County to another location·View the Illinois animal ordinances overview
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