Animal Control

Animal Licenses

The Village requires annual licenses for cats and dogs over the age of six months. You must provide a current rabies certificate in order to purchase animal licenses each year. Licenses are $10 with neutered/spayed verification and $20 for unaltered animals. New pet tags must be purchased in-person and pet tag renewals can be purchased online. 

Purchase animal licenses online or mail the application and a check payable to the Village of Northbrook to:  

Village of Northbrook
Attn: Animal License
1225 Cedar Lane
Northbrook, IL 60062

NOTE: 
Current sticker and tags expire July 31, 2023. New pet tags must be purchased in-person and pet tag renewals can be purchased online. 

Deceased Animals

Removal of a deceased animal from private property is the property owner’s responsibility. The property owner can double-bag the animal and place it in the trash or contract a private service. The Police Department (847-664-4470) can provide information on local service options. Contact a veterinarian or animal shelter for the cremation or disposal of pets.

Report dead birds with no obvious cause of death to the Cook County Department of Public Health for a West Nile Virus evaluation.

Use GONorthbrook or call the Police Department at 847-664-4470 to report a deceased animal on public property or a street.

Rodenticide Poses a Risk for Pets and Wildlife

Dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals, as well as wildlife, may be exposed to toxic rodenticide, especially as weather cools and rodents seek shelter indoors - causing an uptick in its use. 

These chemicals make the top-ten list of toxins responsible for pet poisonings, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The US EPA states that more than 100 pet deaths are reported each year from exposure to rodenticides.

Rodenticides are not only poisonous for rodents. Rodent baits can be lethal to any mammal or bird that ingests them or feeds on a poisoned rodent. Controlling rodents with rodenticide baits puts pets at high risk of becoming ill or dying – either through direct ingestion (primary poisoning) or by eating poisoned rodents (secondary poisoning).

Safeguarding your home from mice and other rodents doesn’t require the use of potentially hazardous poisons. Safe, effective, and affordable solutions can help you rodent-proof your home while ensuring the health of your pets. Visit www.saferodentcontrol.org for more information.

Where to get Help

If you suspect that your pet has ingested a rodenticide or other poisons, the Animal Control Poison Center recommends first calling your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at 888-426-4435.

Report Animal Abuse or Issues

If you suspect animal abuse, submit a non-urgent concern via GONorthbrook. If you witness animal abuse, call 9-1-1.

To report a lost or stray animal or an issue with excessive barking, contact the Police Department at 847-564-2060.

Managing Wildlife

All wildlife within the Village of Northbrook is the property of and protected by the State of Illinois. Under state law, residents that wish to trap and remove animals from their property must obtain a permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or use a licensed service.

The Village has negotiated discounted nuisance wildlife trapping services with Northwest Suburban Animal Control. Northwest Suburban Animal Control will perform animal trapping services for skunks, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and chipmunks at Northbrook single-family homes. The initial inspection, setting of the trap, and daily monitoring Monday through Friday is $105.00. Animal pick up/removal is $50.00/animal. To schedule services with Northwest Suburban Animal Control, call 847-934-1900 or text 847-502-3518. Residents are not required to use Northwest Suburban Animal Control.

There are many options for residents who are unable or do not wish to remove an animal. The Humane Society offers information on digging animals, skunks, and wildlife babies. 

It is illegal to harbor, have ownership of, or ground feed wild animals, except at an approved facility. Residents may keep above ground bird feeders.

The Humane Society also offers tips for animal proofing your home. 

Coyotes

The Chicagoland area has seen a dramatic increase in the coyote population since the 1990’s, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources estimates there are more than 30,000 coyotes in Illinois. While coyotes usually reside in wooded areas, they occasionally enter residential neighborhoods. Research shows that trapping coyotes is not a long-term solution because once a coyote is removed, others quickly replace it. The Urban Coyote Research Program offers additional information on managing coyotes. 

Breeders and Hobbyists

It is unlawful for any person to own, keep, care for, have custody of, or knowingly permit more than three dogs or cats, in any combination thereof, to be upon any property in the Village. Certain instances, including professional breeders and hobbyists, are exempt. Review, complete, and submit the breeder and hobbyist application and supplemental materials to receive the appropriate permit.