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. 2025 Pet Registrations must be submitted by Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

The City of Evanston pet license, for cats and dogs, is issued on a calendar year. By City Ordinance, all dogs and cats are required to have pet licenses. The annual cost is $10 if the pet is neutered or spayed and $15 if not altered. 

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. 

The City of Evanston pet license tags may be purchased by mail, online or in person, as follows:

By Mail: Send a completed copy of the Pet License Application, a current certificate of rabies vaccination, and a check payable to the City of Evanston to the Revenue Office at the Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60201. DO NOT SEND CASH.

In Person: Bring a completed copy of the Pet License Application and a current certificate of rabies vaccination to the City Collector's Office, located at the Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave., Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Online: Follow online instructions in the link below. A current copy of rabies vaccination must be submitted in order to purchase a license. Failure to submit a current vaccination record will delay the processing of your application.

2025 Pet License Application - Online 

Blank application: Below is a PDF of a blank pet license application.

Pet License Blank Application

More information on pet licenses can be found on the Revenue/Collections webpage.

Dog Beach

The Dog Beach is located at 1811 Sheridan Rd. (immediately south of Clark Street Beach and north of the Church Street Boat Launch)

Pooch Park

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 check the dog beach and pooch park webpage for more information.

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 (a local volunteer group).

Pet Leash and Clean-up Laws

Residents are reminded that not only must their dogs be leashed (Ord 9-4-7 of the City Code), but they also are required under the law to pick-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.

Evanston Animal Shelter

Evanston's municipal Animal Shelter works to find homes for the unwanted and abandoned animals that are brought to the shelter.  For more information, click here>>>.