Cook County Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance 14-5530 prohibits retail pet stores from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits unless sourced from shelters or registered nonprofit rescues. The 2014 county rule preceded Illinois Public Act 102-1014.
Adopted in 2014 as the Cook County Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance (14-5530), Cook County requires retail pet shops to source dogs, cats, and rabbits exclusively from animal control facilities, government shelters, or registered nonprofit humane organizations. Shops must post the source of each animal and keep records available for CCDARC inspection. The rule targeted the commercial breeder/puppy-mill pipeline and influenced similar bans across Illinois. Illinois Public Act 102-1014 (effective 2022, codified within the Illinois Animal Welfare Act) now restricts puppy-mill retail statewide; the county ordinance remains the primary enforcement tool through CCDARC and county counsel.
Selling non-rescue dogs, cats, or rabbits at retail violates Ordinance 14-5530 and Illinois Public Act 102-1014, with civil penalties per animal, license revocation, and county counsel actions. Continued violations can close the retail establishment.
See how Evanston's pet store rules rules stack up against other locations.
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