Dog Licensing & Resources
New to dog ownership in Chicago, or just moved here? Here are the official links for registering your dog, getting a rabies tag, and picking up a dog park permit, so you can get set up fast. Every link below goes straight to a City of Chicago, Cook County, or Chicago Park District page.
Register your dog (City of Chicago)
Every dog over 4 months old needs a City of Chicago dog license. You can choose a 1-year or 3-year emblem.
- City of Chicago dog license (Office of the City Clerk) : the official rules for licensing your dog, including the 1-year and 3-year emblem options.
- Buy a dog license emblem online (City Clerk EzBuy store) : purchase and pay for your dog license emblem online in a few minutes.
- Dog Registration info (Chicago Animal Care & Control) : a plain overview of why and how to register your dog with the city.
Rabies tag (Cook County)
Cook County requires a rabies vaccination tag for every dog and cat over 4 months old. The tag is separate from your city license.
- Cook County rabies vaccination tags : required for all dogs and cats over 4 months ($6 for one year, $18 for three years), issued by Cook County Animal & Rabies Control.
Dog park permits (Chicago Park District DFA tags)
Chicago's off-leash dog areas (called Dog Friendly Areas, or DFAs) require a DFA permit and tag for each dog. Permits are valid from January 1 to December 31.
- Chicago Park District Dog Friendly Areas (DFA) : how off-leash areas work, where they are, and how to get a DFA permit and tag (issued by participating vets, valid Jan 1 to Dec 31).
- DFA Frequently Asked Questions (City of Chicago) : answers to common questions about getting and using a DFA permit.
More help
- Chicago 311 dog registration : the city's 311 help article if you get stuck or have a question.
Explore the directory
Once your dog is set up, find the rest of what you need in our Chicago directory: