Pet Store Rules: Arlington Heights vs Chicago
How do pet store rules rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL?
Arlington Heights and Chicago have similar restriction levels.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Cook County Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance 14-5530 prohibits retail pet stores from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits unless sourced from shelters or registered nonprofit rescues. The 2014 county rule preceded Illinois Public Act 102-1014.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago's Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance, MCC 4-384, bars pet stores from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits unless they come from a government shelter, humane society, or registered nonprofit rescue. Adoption-only retailers must keep records and post source disclosures on every kennel.
View full Chicago rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| County ordinance | Cook 14-5530 (2014) | - |
| Allowed sources | Shelters and registered rescues | Shelters, humane, 501(c)(3) rescues |
| State counterpart | Illinois Public Act 102-1014 | - |
| Enforcing agency | CCDARC and county counsel | - |
| Covered animals | Dogs, cats, rabbits | - |
| Ordinance | - | MCC 4-384-015 (2014) |
| Disclosure rule | - | Source posted per kennel |
| Records | - | Three years, BACP inspection |
| Fine range | - | $500-$1,000 per animal |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
Can a pet store still sell puppies in Cook County?
Only if they come from a shelter, animal control, or registered nonprofit rescue. Sourcing from commercial breeders or puppy mills violates Cook County Ordinance 14-5530 and Illinois Public Act 102-1014, with civil penalties per animal.
Does this rule apply to private breeders?
No. Ordinance 14-5530 targets retail pet shops. Private breeders selling directly are regulated by Illinois Department of Agriculture breeder rules and county nuisance and licensing standards rather than the retail sourcing ban.
Chicago FAQ
Can a Chicago pet store sell purebred puppies?
Only if the puppies came from a registered rescue, shelter, or humane society. Direct sales from commercial breeders or USDA Class A dealers are prohibited under MCC 4-384-015 since 2014.
Does the rule cover online or roadside sales?
Roadside sales of live animals are banned outright under MCC 7-12-080. Online sellers shipping into Chicago must still hold a pet shop license under MCC 4-384 and follow the rescue-only sourcing rule.
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