Many Illinois Places Now Limiting the Number of Pets You Can Have

How do you feel about Illinois state and local governments limiting how many pets you can have? Sound outrageous? There are already towns and cities in Illinois that already do.

Just last week, Newsweek reported on a Colorado city that is threatening to remove pets from people's homes if they exceed a limit of 4. That made me wonder if any place in Illinois has a rule limiting pet numbers and I learned there are.

• Belleville, Illinois - limit of 3 pets over 6 months old
• Park Forest, Illinois - limit of 3 dogs or cats
• Aurora, Illinois - limit of 4 pets with no more than 2 of the same species per household
• Rolling Meadows, Illinois - limit of 4 pets per household
• Northglenn, Illinois - limit of 4 pets per household starting in August 2025

Think that's intrusive? According to World Population Review, there are now some state laws that limit the number of dogs you can have.

Those that argue that pet limits are needed in Illinois say that noise and smell are key reasons for restrictions. Those that say these rules are unneeded say pets are a family's choice and not a city or state.

Like it or not, some Illinois cities and towns are taking action that can decide how many pets can be in your family. Good idea to check with local authorities before you take in more furry friends.