Protect your dog, you and others... it is the law

What would happen if your beloved dog was lost or stolen? What chance would there be to reunite? A good one, if you took the time to register him with the City.

The dog tag will have your animal's registration number. When the person who finds your dog and calls the City Clerk of Chicago's office at 312.744.DOGS, the registration number will assist them in helping reunite you with your lost pet. City Services will take reports of lost and found dogs at 311. Chicago Animal Care and Control will take calls 24-hours a day at 312.744.5000.

Registration tags are for one or three years and expire the month of the registration. A rabies vaccination is, however, required to obtain and maintain the tag. Example: If a one-year tag is purchased two months after the dog received a one-year rabies shot, the tag will expire two months short of the year. Same is true for the three year tags.

Registration may be done by phone at the City Clerk's number Monday thru Friday between 8 a.m. And 5 p.m or online.

Registration costs are:

• Sterilized dog (neutered male, spayed female)........  $5

• Sterilized dog with a Chicago owner over age 65.......  $2.50

• Unsterilized dog .................................................. $50

• Unsterilized dog with a Chicago owner over age 65...   $5

Unsterilized dogs are charged more because of the high rate of stray dogs that are euthanized annually or suffer as strays because of unwanted, unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering.

Owners can be fined up to $200 per dog per violation. The owner of one dog without a current vaccination and without a registration could be fined $400.

There are an ever increasing number of dog parks in the area and they also have regulations, which include needing a permit in addition to the tag.

The dogs must wear their tags at the parks, and the owners (or caregivers) must have their permits with them.  Even if you're just visiting for the day, you are supposed to have the permit and tag. There are no visitor or day passes.

Both the permit and the tag can be purchased at several Chicago-area veterinary offices. (The City's most up-to-date list here.) Or, call your veterinarian to see if they offer the service or can recommend someone who does.

Requirements for using dog parks:

• Current City of Chicago dog license or proof of a current rabies vaccination.
• Examined within the past year for communicable diseases, including a stool specimen check for internal parasites.

Current vaccination if possible for:

• Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Para-influenza
• Parvovirus
• Bordatella (Kennel Cough)

In some instances, some of these can be waived with a veterinarian recommendation.

Dog Park permits are $5, but the fine could cost as much as $500, if the proper permitting and registrations are not in place.