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Pet License
City of Evanston Pet Licensing & Information Guide
Overview & Licensing Requirements
The City of Evanston requires all cats and dogs four (4) months of age or older living within city limits to be licensed annually on a calendar-year basis. Compliance is cross-checked with Cook County Animal and Rabies Control records.
Annual License Fees
- Neutered or Spayed Pets: $10.00 per year
- Unaltered Pets: $15.00 per year
Benefits of Licensing Your Pet
- Identification & Safety: Serves as vital identification to help reunite lost pets (including indoor pets or those in fenced yards) with their owners.
- Rabies Certification: Acts as an annual reminder to keep rabies vaccinations current, protecting your pet's health and public safety.
If you need assistance, please contact the Evanston 3-1-1 center at (847) 448-4311.
Please note that 2026 pet registrations are now closed. Details and updates regarding 2027 registrations will be posted as they become available.
Payment Methods
Option 1: Online Purchase & Renewal (Recommended)
For existing license renewals and purchases, use the Evanston V-Pay Pet License Purchasing Portal for the fastest processing experience.
Important Deadline: Annual pet registrations must be submitted by December 31 for the upcoming calendar year.
First-time applicants can also complete their registration via the online portal link above.
Option 2: Purchase By Mail
Download and print the Evanston Pet License Application Form.
Mail the completed application along with a current rabies vaccination certificate and a check payable to "The City of Evanston" (do not mail cash) to:
Lorraine H. Morton City Hall
City of Evanston – ATTN: City Collector's Office
909 Davis Street
Evanston, IL 60201
Option 3: Purchase In Person
Bring a completed application form and current rabies vaccination certificate to any of the following locations during operating hours:
| Location | Address |
Robert Crown Community Center
|
1801 Main St., Evanston, IL 60202 |
Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Community Center
|
430 Asbury Ave., Evanston, IL 60202 |
Levy Senior Center
|
300 Dodge Ave., Evanston, IL 60202 |
Fleetwood-Jourdain Center
|
1655 Foster St., Evanston, IL 60201 |
Ecology Center
|
2024 McCormick Blvd., Evanston, IL 6020 |
Chandler-Newberger Community Center
|
1028 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 |
City Regulations & Pet Resources
Leash & Waste Clean-up Laws:
- Leash Law (City Code 9-4-7): Dogs must be kept on a leash in public places and are not permitted off-leash in public parks or most city beaches. Off-leash recreation is permitted with an annual membership at Pooch Park or Evanston Dog Beach.
- Clean-Up Law (City Code 9-4-12): Pet owners are legally required to immediately clean up and properly dispose of dog waste on public or private property. Proper disposal prevents environmental contamination and the spread of parasites (such as E. coli and roundworm).
Animal Control Bureau:
Operating under the Evanston Police Department's Division of Strategic Services, the Animal Control Bureau handles domestic and wild animal inquiries, counsels residents, issues ordinance citations, impounds stray animals, and facilitates pet adoptions in partnership with CARE (Crisis Alternative Response Evanston).
Evanston Animal Shelter:
The municipal animal shelter provides care and adoption services for unwanted and abandoned animals. Visit the Evanston Animal Shelter website to learn more or view adoptable pets.
Dog Recreational Facilities:
For facility details and membership info, visit the Dog Beach, Dog E-Town at Grey Park, and Pooch Park
| Location | Address |
Evanston Dog Beach
|
1811 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL 60208 (immediately south of Clark St. Beach) |
Dog E-Town at Grey Park Location
|
1051 Main St., Evanston, IL 60202 |
Pooch Park
|
3220 Oakton St., Skokie, IL 60076 (Channelside Park) |