Domestic Animal Information

Boys walking their dog

Leash Laws

Dogs and cats are considered running at large if the animal is not on its owner's exclusively owned property, and is not under control with a leash or contained in an automobile. The leash must be no more than 8 feet in length and held by a person physically capable of controlling the animal.

Impoundment Fee

Whenever the police department takes control of a dog or cat found to be running at large, the owner of the animal is assessed a $20 impoundment fee.

Waste Removal

Unless the dog or cat is on property owned exclusively by the animal's owner, the owner must have in his/her possession an appropriate device (e.g., pooper-scooper, bag, etc.) for scooping excrement, and a place on their own property to deposit it.

Noisy Animals

If you have had to listen to a barking dog all night long, you know how aggravating it can be. Village ordinances authorize the police to investigate complaints of barking, yelping, howling, or crying dogs and cats. Owners in violation can be warned or fined where appropriate.

Animal Bites

Village ordinances require that anyone having knowledge or reason to believe that a person has been bitten to report the incident to the police department within 24 hours. Contact the Vernon Hills Police Department at 847-362-4449.

Housing Animals

It is unlawful for anyone to keep more than a total of three animals of any combination, whether it be dogs or cats, with the exception of a litter of pups or a litter of kittens, or a portion of a litter. The litter may be kept for a period of time not exceeding six months from birth, however, there is an exception for commercial establishments.

Microchipping Technology

If you are a pet owner, you may already be aware of the microchipping technology that is available for your animal. The process involves the injecting of a small microchip into animal by a veterinarian. If the animal were ever brought to a shelter, the animal would be scanned to reveal the presence of the chip, which contains an identification number.

The Vernon Hills Police Department has one of the scanners. It is a hand-held device that is roughly the size of a television remote . Any animal that is recovered by the police can be quickly scanned. If the animal has a chip, the scanner will reveal the identification number. This technology will assist us in our ability to get pets returned to their owners, especially if the animal is recovered in a different community.