Animal Ordinances in Joliet, IL (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Joliet, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Joliet generally prohibits keeping farm animals including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, cattle, sheep, goats, and swine on residential property under Section 6-10. Farm animals are only allowed on property meeting the definition of a farm in the zoning ordinance (Section 47-3.9(c)). Potbellied pigs are a limited exception.
Joliet Chickens & Livestock Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Joliet requires all dogs to be on a leash with a collar and current license tag when on any public property under Sections 6-21 and 6-22. Dogs running at large are subject to impoundment. Dogs found at large a second time must be sterilized within 30 days.
Joliet Dog Leash & Licensing Laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Joliet does not ban specific breeds but has a comprehensive dangerous and vicious dog ordinance under Section 6-28. Dogs deemed dangerous must be leashed, muzzled on public property, kept in a 6-foot escape-proof enclosure, and the owner must carry $100,000 liability insurance.
Joliet Dangerous & Vicious Dog Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsBeekeeping
Joliet prohibits keeping bee apiaries on residential property under Section 6-10(c), which bans all farm animals including bees within the city except on property meeting the farm definition in the zoning ordinance.
Joliet Beekeeping Regulations
Heavy 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
Joliet prohibits owning or keeping dangerous animals, primates, and exotic animals within city limits under Section 6-10. Exotic animals include alligators, bears, non-domestic felines and canines, sea mammals, and poisonous snakes.
Joliet Exotic & Dangerous Animal Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Joliet does not have a specific ordinance prohibiting or restricting the feeding of wildlife on private property. The city's animal control provisions are in Chapter 6 of the Municipal Code (Animals and Fowl), which focuses primarily on domestic animal regulation. Feeding wildlife that creates a public nuisance may be addressed through general nuisance provisions.
Joliet Wildlife Feeding Regulations
Few RestrictionsLooking for Will County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Joliet city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Will County →