What are the benefits of licensing my dog?
One major benefit of having a licensed dog is that the owner whose pet wears the license can be notified if a lost or stray dog ends in the care of the city's Animal Care and Control Center. The tags also carry the City Clerk's office phone number to aid in the search and retrieval of your pet.

How much does a dog license cost?
The cost to register a neutered dog is $5.00; the cost for a dog that is not neutered
is $50.00 (effective January 11, 2007). If you are 65 years of age or older, you are entitled to a discount. That means a neutered dog license would cost $2.50 with a cost of $5.00 for a dog that is not neutered. There is no charge for guide dogs for the blind and disabled. 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.

What do I need to bring in order to license my dog?
Owners of dogs must enclose the most recent rabies certificate, which is provided by vets at the time of inoculation, proof of sterilization (e.g., proof of adoption from an animal shelter) and proof of age for senior discounted fees.

Where do I register my dog?
License application forms are available at the following locations:

• Office of the Chicago City Clerk City Hall, Room 107 121 N. La Salle St. Chicago, IL   60602 312-744-6861 (Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Office of the Chicago City Clerk - Satellite Office 5301 S. Cicero Ave., Suite 104
  Chicago, IL 60638 312-745-1100 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday,
  8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

When does the license expire?
The dog license expires one year from the date of your pet's rabies vaccination.

Call 312-744-DOGS to have an application mailed to you.