Dog license applications are now being accepted at both City Clerk Satellite facilities. Licensing dogs provides the very real benefit of helping to assist public health. All licensed dogs must have proof of rabies inoculation.

Legislation was recently passed by the Chicago City Council which amends the pricing and violation notice schedule for the licensing of dogs. Beginning on January 11, 2007, the following price schedule will be in effect:

      • Male or Female Dog, unneutered (i.e., unspayed or uncastrated) - $50.00
      • Male or Female Dog, neutered (i.e., spayed or castrated) - $5.00

If you are 65 years of age or older (with proof of age being a driver's license, state ID, birth certificate, senior reduced fare card, etc.), you are entitled to a senior discount and the following price schedule will be in effect:

      • Male or Female Dog, unneutered - $5.00
      • Male or Female Dog, neutered - $2.50

Unsterilized dog fees are higher because thousands of dogs are euthanized annually or suffer as strays because of unwanted, unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering. One unspayed female and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in just six years. Also, sterilized dogs are healthier and have fewer medical problems. In addition, spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to run away or fight with other animals. Other pets (cats, birds, snakes, etc.) are not subject to city licensing. Call 312-744-DOGS to have an application mailed to you or purchase online by clicking here.

Please Note: The dog emblems expire at one or three year intervals. The emblem will expire one year from the month in which it has been purchased providing the rabies vaccination is still valid. Dog emblem expirations do not exceed beyond one year unless the dog has received a three year rabies vaccination. This means that if you purchase your emblem two months after the vaccination, the emblem will only be good for the remaining 10 months. The same rule would apply for three year vaccinations. If you are 6 months into a three year vaccination the emblem will expire in 2 ½ years. In this case you may consider purchasing the emblem for the yearly rate instead of for the three year rate.