Animal Ordinances in Evanston, IL (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Evanston, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Evanston allows backyard chickens under a licensing program administered by the Health and Human Services Department. Roosters are prohibited and hens require an annual license. Livestock other than chickens is generally not permitted in residential zones.
Evanston Backyard Chickens and Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Evanston requires dogs to be leashed at all times when off the owner's property. Dogs running at large are subject to impoundment by Animal Control. The city operates designated off-leash areas at certain parks during specified hours.
Evanston Dog Leash and At-Large Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Evanston does not impose breed-specific bans on dogs. The city regulates dangerous and vicious animals based on individual behavior rather than breed. Illinois state law preempts local breed-specific legislation under the Animals Running at Large Act.
Evanston Dog Breed Restriction Policies
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Evanston permits residential beekeeping under Title 9 (Animals) of the City Code with registration and setback requirements. Beekeepers must register hives with the city and maintain them according to Illinois Department of Agriculture standards. Hives must be set back from property lines and a flyway barrier is required when hives are near neighboring yards.
Evanston Beekeeping Regulations
Some Restrictions510 ILCS 20 - Bees and Apiaries Act
"Apiary" means a place where one or more hives or colonies of bees are kept. "Bee diseases" means any infectious or contagious diseases of bees as specified by the Department, including but not limited to American foulbrood. "Bee equipment" means hives, supers, frames, or any other devices used in beekeeping. "Bee parasites" means any parasite of bees as specified by the Department. "Beekeeper"...
Exotic Pets
Evanston prohibits keeping wild, exotic, or dangerous animals as pets under Title 9 of the City Code. This includes venomous reptiles, large constricting snakes, primates, large cats, wolves, bears, and alligators. Illinois state law (720 ILCS 585) also bans dangerous animals statewide. Only domesticated species such as dogs, cats, small caged birds, fish, and small rodents are permitted without special authorization.
Evanston Exotic & Wild Animal Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Evanston restricts the feeding of wildlife to prevent nuisance conditions. The city code prohibits intentionally feeding deer, coyotes, and other wild animals that create public safety or nuisance concerns. Feeding feral cats is regulated, and the city partners with community organizations for trap-neuter-return programs. Bird feeders are generally permitted but may be ordered removed if they attract rodents or other pest animals.
Evanston Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Evanston generally prohibits keeping livestock including goats, sheep, horses, pigs, and cattle on residential property. The city's zoning code restricts animal husbandry to appropriately zoned areas. Chickens are allowed under specific permit conditions, but larger livestock animals are not permitted in residential zoning districts. The city follows Cook County health regulations for animal keeping.
Evanston Livestock Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Evanston city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Cook County →