How Orland Park Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Orland Park maintains 133 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Orland Park falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Chickens & Livestock

Orland Park prohibits keeping chickens, roosters, livestock, and farm animals in residential districts. Only traditional household pets (dogs, cats, small caged birds, fish) are permitted on residential lots.

Key details: Chickens: Prohibited. Roosters: Prohibited. Livestock: Prohibited in residential. Allowed: Dogs, cats, fish, small caged birds. Contact: Code Enforcement (708) 403-6225.

Keeping prohibited animals can result in fines of $100 to $500 per animal per day until removed. Animals may be impounded by Cook County Animal Control. Repeat violations escalate.

This is one of the stricter rules in Orland Park's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Livestock

Orland Park prohibits keeping livestock including cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, and similar farm animals in all residential districts. Only traditional household pets are permitted on residential property.

Key details: Horses/Cattle: Prohibited. Goats/Sheep: Prohibited. Pigs (incl. mini): Prohibited. Service Animals: Case-by-case. Contact: Code Enforcement (708) 403-6225.

Keeping prohibited livestock results in fines of $100 to $500 per animal per day. Animals may be impounded by Cook County Animal Control. Continuing violations may result in court action.

This is one of the stricter rules in Orland Park's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Wildlife Feeding

Orland Park prohibits feeding deer, geese, raccoons, and other wildlife that creates nuisance, attracts pests, or poses safety risks. Bird feeding is generally allowed if it does not attract rodents or create nuisance.

Key details: Deer Feeding: Prohibited. Goose Feeding: Prohibited. Bird Feeders: Generally allowed. Spilled Seed: Must be cleaned up. Contact: Code Enforcement (708) 403-6225.

Wildlife feeding violations typically result in warnings followed by fines of $50 to $500. Repeat offenders face escalating fines and may be required to remove all feeders and food sources.

Exotic Pets

Orland Park prohibits keeping exotic and dangerous wild animals as pets, including big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, and large constrictor snakes. Illinois Dangerous Animals Act (720 ILCS 585) also applies.

Key details: Big Cats/Bears: Prohibited. Primates: Prohibited. Venomous Reptiles: Prohibited. Large Snakes (6+ ft): Prohibited. State Law: 720 ILCS 585.

Possession of prohibited exotic animals can result in fines of $500 to $2,500 per animal, animal seizure, and potential criminal charges under state law. Animals are typically transferred to licensed sanctuaries.

This is one of the stricter rules in Orland Park's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Dog Leash Laws

Orland Park requires all dogs to be leashed in public spaces, with leashes no longer than 6 feet in most contexts. Off-leash use is allowed only in designated dog parks. Cook County requires dog rabies vaccination and licensing.

Key details: Leash Required: Yes, all public areas. Max Leash Length: Typically 6 feet. Off-Leash Areas: Designated dog parks only. Cook County License: Required annually. Contact: Animal Control (708) 349-4111.

Off-leash violations typically cost $50-$100. Failure to clean up waste is often $50-$100. Unlicensed dogs face Cook County fines. Bites, attacks, or repeat offenses can result in $500+ fines and dangerous-dog designation.

Breed Restrictions

Illinois has no statewide breed ban preemption. Some Illinois cities ban or restrict specific breeds. Check Orland Park municipal code for local breed rules.

Key details: State Preemption: None in Illinois. Local Bans: Some cities have them. State Law: IL Animal Control Act. HOA: May have breed rules.

Restricted breed violations vary by city: fines, mandatory muzzling, removal orders. Dangerous dog violations per IL Animal Control Act.

Beekeeping

Orland Park does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance. State law requires registration with the Illinois Department of Agriculture under the Bees and Apiaries Act.

Key details: Local Ordinance: None specific found. State Law: 510 ILCS 20/. Registration: Free, required. Contact: 708-403-5300.

Failure to register with the state may result in penalties. Local nuisance complaints could apply if bees cause disturbances.

The Bottom Line

Orland Park is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Orland Park, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Orland Park's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.