Peoria, IL Animal Ordinances: Microchipping (2026)

Peoria's microchip rule sits in the redemption provisions of Chapter 4 (Animals), not in a general ownership requirement. Section 4-56(b) cites the Illinois Animal Control Act, 510 ILCS 5/10, and directs that dogs and cats apprehended and impounded must be scanned for a microchip. If the scan finds nothing, a chip is implanted prior to redemption, so the animal cannot leave the shelter unchipped. Section 4-56(b) puts the implantation at the owner's expense, and § 4-58(d) repeats the point: the implant cost is added to the redemption fees for every impounded dog or cat when no chip was found at the time of impoundment.

The chip charge is only one line on the bill. Under § 4-58(a) the redemption fee itself is set by Peoria County ordinance, and § 4-58(c) adds the cost of transporting the animal, boarding for the entire period it was impounded, and any medical charges that accrued from treatment. Those redemption, boarding and medical costs are owed even if the owner never reclaims the animal. Section 4-56(b) also lists adjudicated fines owed for violations of Chapter 4 and, for an animal not inoculated against rabies when impounded, the inoculation and registration cost the shelter incurred.

Timing matters. Under § 4-56(a) the shelter manager or delegate notifies a known owner of the date and time of impoundment by mail or telephone, and the owner must redeem within 72 hours of that notice, excepting Sundays and holidays. Animals impounded for biting a person, for rabies, for suspected rabies, or as a dangerous animal are carved out of that immediate-redemption duty. Dogs and cats not redeemed or adopted after 72 hours, again excepting Sundays and holidays, are humanely euthanized under § 4-61.

Owners who think the impoundment was unlawful or the fees improper can ask for an administrative hearing under § 4-56(c). The request goes in writing to the shelter within 72 hours of the notice of impoundment, and the owner must first pay the redemption fees, boarding and medical costs under protest by written notice. The city manager appoints a hearing officer with authority to refund any or all of the fees and costs or release the animal. Separately, § 4-58(e) lets an owner apply in writing for a waiver of redemption fees; the shelter weighs household composition, need-based public benefits, income, expenses, nonexempt assets and past Chapter 4 violations.