The Animal Control Division of the Public Health Department investigates local animal welfare issues, enforces codes, captures stray animals, licenses all dogs and outdoor cats, and supports wildlife management efforts.
Working with Animal Care League, 1011 Garfield St., the Village helps find and return lost pets, and promotes adoption of stray animals. Animal Control employs one full-time, professionally trained officer who addresses stray and nuisance wildlife problems. As part of the Oak Park Department of Public Health, the division also licenses pets annually.
If your pet is missing, first call Animal Care League at 708.848.8155, the Village's impound shelter. If you cannot reach Animal Care League, call Animal Control at 708.358.5486. If you would like to adopt an animal or become an animal control volunteer, visit the Animal Care League's website.
A telephone call from Animal Control is all it takes to reunite lost or strayed pets with their owners - provided those pets have been licensed and are wearing tags. All dogs and outdoor cats must be licensed annually by May 1. Owners must show proof of a current rabies inoculation before a license will be issued. The annual license fee of $25 is reduced to $10 for a spayed or neutered animal.
Residents new to the Village can register online or come to Village Hall with proof of current rabies inoculation and spaying/neutering. The license fee is $10 for a neutered/spayed dog and all cats, and $25 for any non-spayed/non-neutered dog.
Renew a pet license
Village ordinance limits the number of animals on private premises as follows:
Single-family residences, townhomes, buildings or lots
Single units of two- or three-flat residential dwellings
Single units of multi-family residential building containing four or more dwelling units
Animal Control can answer questions and provide assistance deterring nuisance wildlife such as birds, skunks, squirrels, raccoons and opossums. Property owners can call 708.358.5486 or email health@oak-park.us to request a consultation.
Detailed information on preventing and solving wildlife problems or hiring a nuisance wildlife control operator is posted on the University of Illinois Extension's Living with Wildlife in Illinois website.
Responsible pet owners agree that picking up after one’s dog is the right thing to do. Dog excrement is not only a nuisance, it's unhealthy and against the law. Owners who fail to pick up after their pets may be ticketed and fined.
All dogs that use any street, sidewalk, parkway or public area within Oak Park must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet controlled by the owner.
The Park District of Oak Park offers two areas where dogs can run off leash in Maple Park and Ridgeland Common. Both dog parks are free to Oak Park residents who have obtained a dog park pass.
Dog Park Information
Anyone observing a dog not on a leash or an owner not picking up after a pet can report the violation by calling 708.358.5486 or emailing health@oak-park.us.
Public Health Department staff investigate conditions that could result in rat infestations. The Health Department also administers rat abatement activities, investigates citizen complaints and enforces environmental health codes related to rodent control.
For more information, contact 708.358.5480 or health@oak-park.us.
Rodent Baiting Release Form(PDF, 67KB)
Tips for rodent proofing your property
An Oak Park property owner can establish up to two honeybee colonies - or apiaries - as long as the following specific Village code requirements are met:
Beekeepers also must apply for an annual permit, pay a $75 fee and have their properties inspected by the Department of Public Health before a permit will be issued.
A beekeeping permit will not be issued for an apiary within 150 feet of any address where a resident with an allergy to bee stings documented by a licensed physician has registered with the Village.
Contact the Health Department for more information.
More information about beekeeping in Oak Park
708.358.5480 health@oak-park.us