Animal Ordinances in Champaign, IL (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Champaign, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Champaign allows up to six licensed hens per single-family or two-family property under City Code § 7-19, but bans roosters outright. Coops must sit in the rear yard, at least five feet from the property line and twenty feet from a neighboring dwelling, and a $25 license is required; other livestock like goats, cattle or swine remains banned citywide under § 7-5.
Champaign's Backyard Hen License Rules
Significant RestrictionsChampaign, IL Code of Ordinances § 7-19
(a)No person shall possess a hen unless a license has been issued as set forth in this section.(b)The number of hens allowed shall be a maximum of six (6) hens per property.(c)Roosters are prohibited within the City.(d)Licenses will only be granted to persons who reside on parcels with single-family and two-family dwellings.
Dog Leash Laws
Champaign Code § 7-12 forbids any dog from running at large on public right-of-way or property other than the owner's without secure restraint by leash or other means. Even on the owner's own property, a dog is legally 'at large' unless confined by a fence, chain, leash or competent supervision that protects sidewalk and parkway pedestrians, and violations are absolute liability offenses.
Champaign's Dog At-Large Leash Law
Some RestrictionsChampaign, IL Code of Ordinances § 7-12
(a)No dog shall run at large or be on any public right-of-way or property other than that of the owner without being securely restrained by a leash or other means.(b)Any dog running at large is hereby declared a nuisance and may be impounded as provided in this division.(c)A dog on its owner's property is at large if it is not contained on the property by means of a fence, chain, leash, compete...
Breed Restrictions
Champaign does not regulate dogs by breed. Instead, City Code § 7-6 governs individually declared 'dangerous' dogs: owners must post an 8½-by-11-inch warning sign purchased from the Police Department for $5 and keep the dog leashed anytime it isn't secured in an enclosure it cannot escape. Section 7-7 separately bans keeping any dog a court finds 'vicious.'
Champaign's Dangerous Dog Declaration Rules
Significant RestrictionsChampaign, IL Code of Ordinances § 7-6
(a)No person shall keep or harbor any dangerous animal in violation of this section within the City. Such animals are hereby declared nuisances and are subject to impoundment.(b)All owners or keepers of dogs found to be dangerous must post in clear view at all times, and in the most conspicuous or prominent point of entry to the premises, a sign indicating dangerous dog on the premises. Such si...
Exotic Pets
Champaign bans keeping lions, tigers, wolves, bears, poisonous reptiles and other wild animals within city limits under City Code § 7-5. The same section bans farm animals like goats, swine, cattle and horses, plus roosters and other poultry, except for licensed hens under § 7-19. Attempted domestication is no defense, and violating animals are declared a nuisance subject to impoundment.
Champaign's Wild and Exotic Animal Ban
Heavy RestrictionsChampaign, IL Code of Ordinances § 7-5(a)
(a)Except as otherwise expressly provided for in this chapter or in the Municipal Code of Champaign, 1985 as amended, no person shall keep, harbor or allow to be kept within the city limits any live rooster, turkey, geese, duck or any other poultry or byproduct birds, goats, sheep, swine, cattle, horses, or any type of hoof stock, any type of farm animal including the pygmy or miniature variety...
Cat Rules
Champaign has no cat licensing scheme, but City Code requires every cat owner to keep the cat currently vaccinated against rabies under § 7-51(b) and show proof on demand from a City officer. Section 7-31(c) separately declares a female cat in heat that is accessible to a male of the same species a nuisance subject to impoundment, unless it's part of a supervised breeding.
Champaign's Cat Rabies and Nuisance Rules
Some RestrictionsChampaign, IL Code of Ordinances § 7-51(b); § 7-31(c)
(b)It shall be the duty of any person having ownership or control of any cat kept or otherwise found to be in the City, to have the cat vaccinated against rabies as often as the manufacturer and federal vaccine licensing officials accept and recommend. Every such person shall display evidence of current immunization of the cat upon demand made by any duly authorized officer or agent of the City...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Champaign lets animal clinics operate outright in the CG and I1 industrial/commercial districts, but in the CO Commercial Office and CN Commercial Neighborhood districts a clinic is only a provisional use with a 100-foot residential setback and a ban on outdoor animal runs and boarding.
Champaign Animal Clinic Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsChampaign Municipal Code § 37-58.3(a) (CO District); § 37-59.3(a) (CN District)
(a)Animal Clinic, provided that it not located within one hundred (100) feet of any residential district and there are no outdoor areas designated for animals. There shall be no boarding of animals except for treatment;
Looking for Champaign County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Champaign city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Champaign County →