Highland Park's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Highland Park, Illinois, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Exotic Pets

Exotic and wild animals in Highland Park are regulated under the municipal code and state law. The city supports a no-kill wildlife policy and provides guidance on coexisting with local wildlife including coyotes and skunks.

Key details: Wildlife Policy: No-kill policy for all wildlife. Coexistence: City guidance on coyotes, skunks, bats, feral cats. Dangerous Exotics: Effectively prohibited. State Law: No IL statewide exotic pet preemption. Contact: Highland Park PD: 847-432-7730.

Possession of prohibited exotic animals: $500–$5,000 fine, animal seizure, and potential misdemeanor charges. Escaped exotic animals creating public danger may result in felony charges and full liability for damages.

Beekeeping

Highland Park's zoning code addresses beekeeping. The city's permit system includes chicken coop permits, suggesting accessory animal keeping is regulated. Contact Community Development at 847-432-0808.

Key details: State Law: 510 ILCS 20 (IL Bees and Apiaries Act). Local Rules: Zoning code governs — check with Community Development. Chicken Coops: Permit type exists — similar animal keeping regulated. Contact: Community Development: 847-432-0808.

Beekeeping complaints are handled through nuisance provisions. Non-compliant apiaries receive correction notices. Fines of $50–$100 apply if setback or flyway barrier requirements are not met within 30 days.

Dog Leash Laws

Dogs must be leashed at all times when outdoors in Highland Park. The city advises leashing even on private property without a fence due to coyote activity. Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5) applies.

Key details: Leash: Required at all times when outdoors. Coyotes: City advises leashing even on unfenced property. Vicious Dogs: Muzzled + max 6 ft leash per state law. Policy: City supports no-kill animal policy. Contact: Highland Park PD: 847-432-7730.

Leash violations carry fines of $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second, and $250 for subsequent offenses. Dogs at large may be impounded with retrieval fees of $50–$150. Failure to clean up waste is a $75 fine.

Breed Restrictions

Highland Park does not have a widely publicized breed-specific ban. Illinois has no statewide breed ban preemption. Dangerous and vicious dog provisions under 510 ILCS 5 apply regardless of breed.

Key details: Breed Ban: No specific breed ban identified. State Law: 510 ILCS 5 — no breed ban preemption. Vicious Dogs: Behavior-based determination. Policy: City supports no-kill animal policy.

Failure to comply with dangerous dog requirements carries fines of $500–$1,000. Dogs that cause serious injury may be ordered euthanized. Owners face potential criminal charges for negligent handling.

The Bottom Line

Highland Park's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Highland Park is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Highland Park's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.