Why Register Your Dog?
- It is required for all dogs four months or older to be registered with the City of Chicago (per Municipal Code 07-12-140).
- Registering your dog with the City of Chicago may help us locate your dog in the event it gets lost. The person who finds your dog simply calls our office at 312-744-DOGS with your dog emblem number (on your dog’s tag).
- Dog registration is required to stay at many dog boarding and daycare service facilities and for acquiring permission to enter the Chicago Park District's dog-friendly areas
Requirements for Dog Registration
Dogs must have a current rabies vaccination. Get your dog vaccinated at any Chicago area veterinarian clinic or other licensed provider.
License Terms and Expiration
Since rabies vaccinations typically last either one or three years (depending on the vaccination administered by your dog’s vet), the Office of the City Clerk offers 1-year and 3-year dog registration emblems.
Term Start of the emblem defaults to the transaction date. If there is a current emblem for a dog but the vaccination is still valid, the Term Start will be the day after the current emblem expires.
Term End of the emblem will either be the Vaccination Expiration Date, or one year from the Term Start if the Vaccination Expiration Date is greater than a year into the future.
License Prices
For Sterilized Dogs
1 Year Sterilized Dog-$5/Senior discount $2.50
3 Year Sterilized Dog-$15/Senior discount $7.50
For Non-Sterilized Dogs
1 Year Non-Sterilized Dog-$50/Senior discount $5
3 Year Non-Sterilized Dog-$150/Senior discount $15
Register your dog and purchase online via EZ>BUY
Buying your dog emblem online is easy, fast, and convenient. Have your vaccination documentation ready and go to EZ>BUY to order online. Please allow 7 to 12 business days to receive your Dog License Emblem. If you need your Dog License Emblem immediately, please visit one of our in-person sales locations.
Fees for Unsterilized Dogs
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. Sterilized dogs are also healthier and have fewer medical problems. In addition, spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to run away or fight with other animals.