Chicago Municipal Code 7-12-050 limits each dwelling unit to five dogs over four months old. Households exceeding the limit must obtain a kennel license under MCC 4-384 or qualify as a registered foster, rescue, or service-animal trainer.
MCC 7-12-050 caps owned dogs at five per residential dwelling unit, counting any dog over four months. Exceeding the cap converts the home into a kennel under MCC 4-384, which requires zoning approval (kennels are permitted in M1/M2 manufacturing districts only) plus an annual license, soundproofing, and BACP inspections. Cats are not subject to a numeric cap, though hoarding under MCC 7-12-080 and Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act 510 ILCS 70 still applies. Foster homes operating under a CACC-recognized rescue contract receive a temporary exemption documented in writing. Service-dog trainers under federal ADA standards are also accommodated. Condominium and HOA rules can impose stricter limits on top of the city cap.
Keeping more than five dogs without a kennel license is a violation of MCC 7-12-050 with fines from $300 to $500 per dog per day. Continued non-compliance can trigger kennel-zoning enforcement, animal seizure, and BACP business-license action against unlicensed operators.
Chicago, IL
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Chicago, IL
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Chicago, IL
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See how Chicago's pet limits rules stack up against other locations.
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