Will County, IL Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Will County, 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.
Key Facts
- Daytime noise limit
- 15 min continuous, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Nighttime noise limit
- 10 min continuous, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- First-offense fine
- $100 under § 90.99
- Complaint requirement
- recording, two households, or officer witness
- Exempt operators
- licensed kennels, shelters, pet shops, dealers
Summary
Will County law bars dogs from barking, howling or whining excessively, capping outdoor noise at 15 minutes by day and 10 minutes overnight before owners can be cited for a nuisance.
(A) No owner shall allow a dog to bark, howl or whine in an excessive continuous or untimely manner. (B) It is unlawful for an owned dog to make excessive noise in violation of this section within the county. An owned animal cannot make excessive noise outside for more than 15 consecutive minutes between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and for no more than ten consecutive minutes between 10:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance No. 24-100, passed 4-18-2024 and Res. 23-387, passed 11-16-2023; and State legislation approved through 2024 Pamphlet #2).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 90.18 makes it unlawful for an owned dog to bark, howl or whine excessively, continuously or at untimely hours anywhere in Will County. An owned animal cannot make excessive outdoor noise for more than 15 consecutive minutes between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., or more than ten consecutive minutes between 10:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m. A violation is a public nuisance, but County Animal Protection Services can only act on a complaint from one person with audio or video proof, complaints from two different households about the same dog, or one complaint corroborated by an officer who heard the barking himself. Licensed kennels, shelters, pet shops and dog dealers are exempt.
Violations & Fines
First offense fines run $100, second $150, third $300 under § 90.99, with each additional day of noncompliance charged as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog bark before it violates Will County law?
What proof does a barking complaint need?
Does this rule apply inside Joliet or Bolingbrook?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Will County
Compare Will County to another location·View the Illinois noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.