Will County, IL Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Limit
- 5 companion animals per household
- Scope
- Unincorporated Will County only
- Over the limit
- Reclassified as animal care/boarding
- Citation
- Will County Code § 155-10.10(B)(1)
Summary
Unincorporated Will County allows up to five adult companion animals per household as a zoning accessory use; keeping six or more requires an animal care/boarding permit.
(B) Animals (keeping of). (1) Companion animals. The keeping of a cumulative total of up to five adult, domesticated companion animals is allowed as an accessory use to any residential use, subject to the regulations of this section. The care or keeping of six or more companion animals, in cumulative total, is considered "animal care/boarding" and is allowed only in zoning districts that allow animal care/boarding uses (See § 155-8.40(B)(1)).
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
Will County Code § 155-10.10(B)(1) caps the keeping of adult, domesticated companion animals at a cumulative total of five per lot as an accessory use to any residential use in the unincorporated county. That cap covers dogs and cats together, not five of each. Keeping six or more companion animals in cumulative total is reclassified as "animal care/boarding" and is permitted only in zoning districts that allow that use, per § 155-8.40(B)(1). The rule applies only outside city limits. Joliet, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield and Lockport each set their own pet limits under their municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding five companion animals without qualifying zoning triggers an animal care/boarding classification, enforced by the Land Use Department through zoning violation notices, fines and required permitting or removal of excess animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the five-animal cap split between dogs and cats?
Does this limit apply inside Joliet or Bolingbrook?
What happens if I keep six or more pets?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Will County
Compare Will County to another location·View the Illinois animal ordinances overview
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