Laws

The laws below apply to all City and County residents unless otherwise stated. For a complete copy of the animal control ordinances for your area, call PCAPS at 309-672-2440 or go to the Municipal Code website.

Laws

  • All domestic animals must remain on their owner's property at all times unless restrained by a leash, fence, or carrier / cage
  • All dogs and cats over 4 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies and registered in Peoria CountyDog Laying on Couch
  • All animal bites to humans must be reported to the animal shelter within 24 hours
  • No dog or cat may create a nuisance by:
    • Excessive barking or noise-making
    • Causing unsanitary or offensive conditions
    • Damaging property
    • Chasing vehicles
    • Attacking, chasing, interfering with or intimidating people or other animals
  • No person may abandon any pet
  • Every pet owner must provide food, water, shelter, and medical care to their animal
  • No person may treat an animal cruelly by:
    • Killing or wounding
    • Beating, ill-treating, tormenting, overloading, or overworking
    • Causing, instigating, permitting or attending any dogfight or other combat between animals or between animals and humans
    • Allowing an animal to remain unattended in a motor vehicle where the animal's health is threatened
  • No person may own a vicious animal. Certain municipalities including Peoria, Hanna City, West Peoria, Bellevue, Chillicothe, and Peoria Heights require a multiple pet owner license. Call PCAPS at 309-672-2440 for details that vary by city
  • Any female dog or cat in heat must be confined within a secure enclosure

Ordinance violation tickets may be issued when a violation occurs and fines range from $50 to $300. For a complete copy of the animal control ordinance, please contact PCAPS at 309-672-2440 or go to the Municipal Code website.

Thank you for being a responsible pet owner!