Barking dog rules in Chicago, IL — also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances — define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Chicago Noise Ordinance MCC §8-32 prohibits animal noise disturbing neighbors. Chicago Animal Care and Control enforces barking dog complaints.
MCC §8-32 prohibits unreasonable animal noise. Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) receives barking dog complaints. Persistent barking can result in a nuisance citation. Report chronic barking via 311 or CACC directly. Enforcement in Chicago is complaint-driven — Animal Services or Code Enforcement typically issues a warning after the first complaint, followed by citations and escalating fines for continued violations. Neighbors are encouraged to document the dates, times, and duration of barking before filing. Report barking dog nuisances to 311 City Services at 3-1-1. Some cases may require mediation or court-ordered remedies such as training, bark collars, or confinement changes.
Fines range from $50 to $250 per day for excessive animal noise violations under Section 7-12-100. Separate penalties apply for unleashed animals causing disturbances: $300 base fine under Section 7-12-030.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle barking dogs.
See how Chicago's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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