Animal Control

Living With Wildlife Brochure | FAQ's | Ordinances | Phone Numbers | Services

Registration (VCO 4-2.2.1 & 4-3.2.1) All dogs and cats kept in the village must be currently registered. Licenses are available through the Finance Director's office at the Village Hall. Licenses can be purchased one time for the life of the pet. Dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated against rabies from the entire licensing period.

• The Leash Law (VCO 4-2.3) Prohibits dogs from running at large on any public street, park, or other public areas or upon private property other than that of the dog owner. A dog must be restrained by a substantial leash not exceeding ten feet, and be in the control of a competent person when off property.
• Animals in Motor Vehicles (VCO 4-1.2) It is illegal to leave a dog or other animal in any unattended vehicle without adequate ventilation, or in extreme temperatures jeopardizing the animal's health and safety.
• The Pooper-Scooper Law (VCO 4-2.12) No person may walk a dog on any public or private property not owned by that person unless such person possesses and uses a sanitary and practical means for the prompt removal of the animal's excrement.
• Number of Pets Allowed (VCO 4-1.1) As a Wilmette resident, you may keep no more than five household pets over the age of six months provided, however, not more than three of these shall be dogs or cats.
• Barking (VCO 4-1.6) Animals which disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of any neighborhood by barking, howling, or making any loud noises any time of the day or night are prohibited.
• Animal Bites (VCO 4-2.5) Any animal which bites a person or animal, or so causes an abrasion of the skin is declared a nuisance and may be impounded.

• 24 hour live operator assistance
• Investigation of cruelty complaints
• Stray animal pick-up and patrol
• Injured animal pick-up and care
• Investigation of nuisance complaints
• Investigation of dangerous dogs
• Enforcement of all Village Animal Laws
• Dead animal pick-up on public property

1) What should I do if I see an injured animal?

Call the Wilmette Police Department (256-1200). For your safety and to prevent injury to the animal, do not attempt to move it yourself.

2) What should I do if someone is bitten by a dog?

Immediately after caring for the wound, contact the Wilmette Police Department Animal Control at 256-1200. If an ambulance is needed, call 9-1-1.

3) What should I do if I see a wild animal on my property?

If a wild animal comes onto your property or if you see one that is injured, contact the Village Police/Animal Control immediately. Do not approach the animal.

4) What should I do if I find a lost pet?

If the dog or cat has a license or an ID tag, you may call the phone number listed on the tag to make contact with the owner. If you cannot contact the owner or if the animal is not wearing a tag, the law requires that you turn in the animal so that the owner will have a better chance of finding the lost pet. Many well-meaning people keep lost pets at their homes, not realizing the animal's owner is looking for the stray at the police department.

5) When and how should I look for my lost pet?

If your pet is wearing a current license or ID tag, Animal Control will make every effort to notify you and reunite you with your pet. Be sure to visit Christensen's Animal Hospital on Hibbard Road to look for your lost pet. Animals picked up in the Village will be taken to this facility and cared for while the owner has a chance to look for the lost pet.

Be sure to check all neighboring police departments and ask about any injured animals that may have been taken to a veterinarian or picked up dead off the street. Finally, be sure to give a detailed description of your pet to the police dispatcher when you make the call.

Village of Wilmette Animal Control	(847) 256-1200
Joseph Wideman, Animal Control Officer	(847) 853-1200
Village Hall / Finance Department Licenses	(847) 251-2700
Cook County Health Department- Rabies Control	(847) 974-6140
Christensen's Animal Hospital	(847) 251-2600