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Aurora, IL Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Household cap
4 domestic animals total
Per-species cap
2 of any one species
Extra pet path
Apply to director for 5th
Newborn grace period
3 months from birth
Enforcement
Animal Care & Control division

Summary

Aurora, Illinois (Kane County) caps households at four domestic animals, no more than two of any one species, though owners can apply to the Animal Care & Control director for one additional pet.

There shall be a maximum limitation per household of four (4) domestic animals, not to exceed two (2) of any one (1) species, excepting households previously lawful on the effective date of this amendatory ordinance and so continuing; provided however, that any newborn animals shall be allowed to remain in the household despite the limitation of this section for up to three (3) months from the date of birth, or if given specific written permission by the director. The director or his or her designee may impound immediately every animal exceeding the limit per household. Application to the director may be made for one (1) additional domestic animal, not to exceed five (5) total domestic animals and three (3) of any one (1) species, per household, upon compliance with the following provisions: The applicant must demonstrate that for the five (5) years preceding its application, the applicant was in compliance with all applicable provisions of this code, and had not received any citations for violation of chapter 9 of this code or the comparable sections of the municipal code of its former residence. The applicant must demonstrate that all animals in its care have received required vaccinations or treatments for the past five (5) years, and that all animals in its care have been microchipped and spayed or neutered. The applicant must agree to a home inspection to verify the living conditions of the animals, as well as the available area for the animals' safety and comfort.

Full Breakdown

Aurora Code § 9-2 sets a citywide household limit of four domestic animals, capped at two of any one species, for every address in Aurora, Illinois: including the parts of the city that sit in Kane, DuPage, Will, and Kendall counties, since the city code applies uniformly regardless of county. Newborn litters get a 3-month grace period. A household can apply to the Animal Care & Control director for one extra animal (5 total, 3 per species) after 5 years of clean code compliance, full vaccination/microchip records, and a home inspection. Foster homes follow separate caps under the same section.

Violations & Fines

The director or designee can immediately impound any animal over Aurora's four-pet household limit; owners pay all impoundment fees and costs under § 9-2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Aurora, Illinois residents get an exception to keep more pets?
Yes: apply to the Animal Care & Control director for one additional animal (up to 5 total, 3 per species) after 5 years of clean compliance, full vaccination/microchip records, and a home inspection.
What happens if a household exceeds Aurora's pet limit?
The director or designee can immediately impound any animal over the four-pet limit, and the owner pays all impoundment fees.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Aurora

All Aurora rules

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