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Animal Ordinances in Skokie, IL (2026)

7 verified animal ordinances for Skokie, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Chickens & Livestock

Skokie prohibits the keeping of chickens, roosters, ducks, and other livestock in residential districts. The village is an urbanized suburb with no agricultural zoning provisions for poultry or farm animals on residential lots.

Skokie Backyard Chicken and Livestock Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Dog Leash Laws

Skokie requires all dogs to be leashed when off their owner's property. Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated against rabies, and kept under control at all times. Waste cleanup is mandatory on public property and other private property.

Skokie Dog Leash and Licensing Rules

Some Restrictions

Breed Restrictions

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

Skokie Dog Breed Restrictions

Some Restrictions

Beekeeping

Skokie does not have specific provisions permitting beekeeping in residential districts. Honeybee hives are generally treated as livestock and may not be kept in residential areas without special approval. The Illinois Bees and Apiaries Act governs hive registration statewide.

Skokie Beekeeping Rules

Heavy Restrictions

510 ILCS 20 (Illinois Bees and Apiaries Act)

"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" means a person who keeps bees. "Beekeeping" means the raising or producing of bees, beeswax, honey, and by-products and the transporting of bees, colonies or items of bee equipment. "Bees" means the common honey bee, Apis me...

Exotic Pets

Skokie prohibits the keeping of dangerous or exotic animals including large reptiles, venomous species, primates, and wild carnivores. The Illinois Dangerous Animals Act (720 ILCS 585) also bans many exotic species statewide, supplementing local rules.

Skokie Exotic and Dangerous Animal Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Wildlife Feeding

Skokie prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, raccoons, coyotes, squirrels, and geese on public and private property. Bird feeders are permitted but must not attract rodents or create nuisance conditions.

Skokie Wildlife Feeding Rules

Some Restrictions

Livestock

Skokie prohibits all livestock including horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry on residential lots. The village has no agricultural zoning, and all land is zoned residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional with no farm animal provisions.

Skokie Livestock Prohibition

Heavy Restrictions

Looking for Cook County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Skokie city rules.

Animal Ordinances in Cook County