Oak Lawn, IL Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Limit
- 3 animals per residence
- Age threshold
- 3 months or older
- Fine
- $50–$750 per day
- Effective date
- January 13, 2012
- Exempt
- Pet shops, animal hospitals, groomers
Summary
Oak Lawn limits most residences to three four-legged animals age three months or older, exempting licensed pet shops, animal hospitals, and grooming businesses, with a grandfather clause for owners who already exceeded the cap before January 13, 2012.
A. As of January 13, 2012, no more than three (3) 4-legged animals of three (3) months of age or older shall be housed or maintained at any residence within the village. This restriction shall not apply to duly licensed pet shops, animal hospitals or grooming establishments.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Code current through: Ord. 26-09-22, passed April 28, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Village Code section 10-3A-11 caps ownership at three 4-legged animals age three months or older per residence within the Village of Oak Lawn. Duly licensed pet shops, animal hospitals, and grooming establishments are exempt. Owners who lawfully housed more than three animals before January 13, 2012 are not subject to the cap or fine, but must be able to prove it with a Village license for each animal kept before that date.
Violations & Fines
Owner is fined between $50.00 and $750.00 for exceeding the limit, and each day the violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pets can I have in Oak Lawn?
What happens if I exceed the three-animal limit?
Am I grandfathered in if I already had more than three animals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oak Lawn
Compare Oak Lawn to another location·View the Illinois animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle pet limits.