Paws And Reflect, 2024 Evanston Pet Registration Forms Due

EVANSTON, IL — Ahead of a New Year's Eve deadline, city officials reminded Evanston pet owners of the local government's mandatory registration for dogs and cats.

City staff mailed out pet registration forms in November, though residents may also renew their pet licenses online.

In all dogs and cats aged four months or older are required to have pet licenses, which cost $10 for fixed animals and $15 for unaltered ones.

To receive a license, the application must have a current rabies tag number. Forms are available online for pet owners who do not already have certificates of rabies vaccination on file with the city or who did not receive a form in the mail.

According to city staff, the pet license serves as an important tool for reuniting lost pets with their owners and is a reminder for the annual rabies vaccination, crucial for the pet's health.

The city also provides several publicly owned pet-related facilities and services where only licensed pets are allowed.

The dog beach at 1811 Sheridan Road, which remains open through the winter, and Pooch Park, a 2.7-acre off-leash dog park operated jointly with the Skokie Park District at 3220 Oakton St., both offer spaces where dogs are permitted to run loose.

Dog beach passes for 2024 will be available starting on Feb. 19, with the new season starting on March 1. Pooch Park requires a separate annual registration.