The Administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control mandated that the Park District issue permits for all off-leash dogs using Dog Friendly Areas. This regulation will be enforced by Deputies of the Department of Animal and Rabies Control. Any patron using a DFA without a permit is subject to a $500 fine.
The owner or other responsible person bringing any dog into a DFA must have a permit and tag issued by a participating Veterinarian for each dog. The veterinarian will issue a permit for any dog when the dog’s owner or other person responsible for the dog shows the following:
1. The owner or other responsible person produces a current dog license issued by the City of Chicago, or proof that the dog has a current rabies vaccination.
2. The owner must complete a Chicago Park District Dog Friendly Area Permit Application for each dog. The owner shall provide written proof acceptable to the Park District showing that a licensed veterinarian (or other authorized person) has performed a fecal test for parasites and vaccinated any dog entering a DFA for the following diseases:
a. Distemper
b. Hepatitis
c. Para influenza; and
d. Parvovirus
e. Bordetella
f. Leptospirosis
(Current titers where applicable will also be acceptable)
After issuance of a permit, the dog owner is responsible for keeping immunizations a thru f above current.
3. The owner must agree to abide by the Chicago Park District Rules and Regulations of a Dog Friendly Area.
Where to Get a Permit In Chicago
Dog Friendly Area Permit Applications are available at participating veterinarian offices. The Chicago Park District, with the cooperation of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, developed a process for distributing permits for our Dog Friendly Areas (DFAs). Permits are available at the offices of participating veterinarians for a cost of $5 per dog.