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Chicago Park District Guide

The Chicago Park District refers to Chicago Dog Parks as Dog Friendly Areas (DFA)

 

What is Required

The owner or other responsible person bringing any dog into a DFA must have a permit and tag issued by a participating Veterinarian for each dog.

The Veterinarian will issue a permit for any dog when the dog’s owner or other person responsible for the dog shows the following:

  • The owner or other responsible person produces a current dog license issued by the City of Chicago, or proof that the dog has a current rabies vaccination.
  • The owner must complete a Chicago Park District Dog Friendly Area Permit Application for each dog.  The owner shall provide written proof acceptable to the Park District showing that a licensed veterinarian (or other authorized person) has performed a fecal test for parasites and vaccinated any dog entering a DFA for the following diseases:

a. Distemper
b. Hepatitis
c. Para influenza; and
d. Parvovirus
e. Bordetella
f. Leptospirosis (Current titers where applicable will also be acceptable)

After issuance of a permit, the dog owner is responsible for keeping immunizations a thru f above current.

  • The owner must agree to abide by the Chicago Park District Rules and Regulations of a Dog Friendly Area.

 

Where To Get A Permit In Chicago

Dog Friendly Area Permit Applications are available at participating veterinary offices in our area.  A list of the participating veterinarians can be found at http://www.chicagodogpads.com/participating-vets-in-our-area/.

 

Fees for a Dog License (Annual)

Sterilized dog (neutered male, spayed female) …………………. $5.00
Sterilized dog with a Chicago owner over 65 years old…………. $2.50
Unsterilized dog ……………………………………………………. $50.00
Unsterilized dog with a Chicago owner
over 65 years old…………………………………………………….. $5.00
Replacement licenses are available at 1/2 the
otherwise applicable fee, a maximum of ………………………… $20.00

 

Enforcement

The Administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control will have primary enforcement authority.  Violators may face fines up to $500 per offense.

For More Information call the office of the Administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal & Rabies Control at (708) 974-6140.

 

Rules & Regulations of the DFA

  • Owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries caused by their dogs.
  • Owners must remain with and watch their dogs at all times
  • Owners must immediately clean up after their dogs.  Owners who fail to clean up after their dogs are subject to a fine of up to $500 (City of Chicago Ordinance 7-12-420).
  • Dogs must be leashed prior to and upon leaving the DFA.  Gates to the DFAs must remain closed except upon entering and exiting the DFA.
  • Dogs with a known history of, who exhibit, dangerous behaviors are prohibited.
  • Dogs must be healthy, fully immunized, dewormed, licensed and comply with the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control Regulation for Chicago Park District DFAs.
  • No dog will be allowed in a DFA unless it has a current rabies vaccination.
  • Dog owners are responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of the DFA.
  • Owners or other responsible persons must have a DFA permit with them for each dog visiting the DFA.  Visit http://www.chicagodogpads.com/participating-vets-in-our-area/ for a complete list of participating veterinarians.
  • Each dog visiting a DFA must display a current Chicago Park District DFA tag.
  • DFA permits expire on December 31 of the year that it is issued.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; younger children must be closely supervised.
  • Only three dogs per person allowed.
  • Puppies under four months old and female dogs in heat are prohibited.
  • Failure to comply with the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control Regulation for Chicago Park Distict DFAs can result in a fine up to $500.