Pet License

The City of Evanston requires all cats and dogs to have a pet license, which is issued on a calendar-year basis. According to City Ordinance, the annual fee for a pet license is $10 for neutered or spayed pets, and $15 for those that are not altered.

The biggest benefit of registering a pet with the City of Evanston is the increased chance of pet owners being reunited with their dog or cat, should it become lost. Applying for the license also serves as a reminder to renew a pet’s annual rabies vaccination, which could save the pet’s life.

A City of Evanston Pet Licenses is required for all dogs and cats four (4) months of age or older living within the City limits. A pet license identifies and protects your dog or cat in case they get lost. Even indoor-only cats or pets confined to fenced yards get loose and their licenses help assure you can be reunited with them. Licenses are inexpensive identification and are for your pet's protection and safety. Compliance with this Ordinance is checked against the Cook County Animal and Rabies Control records. 

Payment Methods

Pet License Renewal and Purchase Online: (Recommended!)

The City of Evanston offers convenient online options for residents to renew or purchase pet licenses. Residents can easily purchase new pet licenses and renew existing ones by visiting the Evanston V-Pay: Pet License Purchasing Portal. We recommend using Evanston V-Pay for a quicker and more user-friendly experience.

NOTE: (The 2026 pet registrations must be submitted by December 31, 2025)

If you are licensing a pet for the first time, please visit the Evanston Pet License Purchase Portal to submit your new license application.

Maintaining a current pet license helps ensure compliance with City regulations and supports the health and safety of Evanston’s pet community.

Purchase By Mail or In Person:

Evanston Pet License ApplicationEvanston Pet License Application (blank application form)

A completed copy of the Pet License Application, and a current certificate of rabies vaccination will be required. Please make checks payable to "The City of Evanston" and send them to the following address: (Please do not mail cash)

Lorraine H. Morton City Hall
City of Evanston  
ATTN: City Collector's Office
909 Davis Street  
Evanston, IL 60201

Pet License Purchasing Locations:

Please bring a completed copy of the Pet License Application and a current certificate of rabies vaccination to one of the following locations:

• Lorraine H. Morton City Hall, The City Collector's Office, 909 Davis St. Evanston, IL 60201 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Chandler-Newberger Community Center, 1028 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.
• Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave. Evanston, IL 60202 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. 
• Robert Crown Community Center, 1801 Main St. Evanston, IL 60202 Monday through Sunday between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. 
• Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Community Center, 430 Asbury Ave. Evanston, IL 60202 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 
• Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, 1655 Foster St. Evanston, IL 60201 Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. and closed on Sunday.
• Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd. Evanston IL, 60201 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. and closed on Sunday.

Pet Information

Pet Leash and Clean-up Laws

Residents are reminded that, according to city code, dogs must be leashed (Ord 9-4-7) and owners are legally required to clean up after them (Ord 9-4-12)

• City Code 9-4-7 requires that dogs must be leashed in public and they are not allowed to run loose in public parks or on the majority of the city’s beaches. If you wish to allow your dog to run off leash, you may purchase an annual membership to Pooch Park or the Evanston Dog Beach.
• City Code 9-4-12 requires dog owners to pick-up their dog’s waste from public or private property and should have with them something with which to properly dispose of the waste. Dog waste can spread disease and it’s bad for the environment. Dog feces may contain various organisms and parasites such as E. coli, tapeworm, and roundworm. They can all make people really sick. Small children are especially vulnerable so it's really important to clean it up. 

Animal Control Bureau

As a part of the Evanston Police Department's Division of Strategic Services, the Animal Control Bureau handles requests and complaints from citizens dealing with domestic and wild animals, including birds and reptiles. It also counsels citizens on animal control problems and issues citations for violation of animal control ordinances. In addition, it apprehends and impounds stray animals and handles adoption of unwanted dogs and cats in conjunction with CARE (Crisis Alternative Response Evanston).

Evanston Animal Shelter

Evanston's municipal Animal Shelter works to find homes for the unwanted and abandoned animals that are brought to the shelter. Please check the Evanston Animal Shelter website for more information.

Evanston Dog Beach and Park

• The Dog Beach is located at 1811 Sheridan Rd. (immediately south of Clark Street Beach and north of the Church Street Boat Launch)
• The Pooch Park is a 2.7 acre park that is an off-leash fenced dog recreational facility. It is jointly operated by the City of Evanston and Skokie Park District.

Please visit the dog beach and pooch park webpage for additional information.