Responsibilities of Household Pet Owners

The following are responsibilities of household pet owners in the City of Oak Park:

• All persons who own a dog or a cat must obtain a license from the Records Division of the Department of Public Safety every year. (Proof of immunization is required.) It is unlawful to own or possess an unlicensed dog or cat six months of age or older.
• Residents many not keep more than three dogs or cats over six months of age.
• It is illegal to mistreat or abuse animals or birds or to deposit any dangerous and poisonous substance in a place where it might be consumed by animals.
• Adequate shelter, food and water must be provided for any pet that stays outdoors for an extended period.
• It is illegal to own or keep a vicious dog or cat.
• Dogs and cats must be kept on a leash while off the premises of the owner.
• Animal droppings on public and/or private property must be immediately removed.
• Loud, frequent or habitual barking, yelping, howling or meowing, which causes a serious annoyance is prohibited.
• Report dead or injured animals to the Municipal Services Department.
• Unclaimed animals will be transferred to the Michigan Humane Society four to seven days from the time taken in.
• Wild animals on private property such as skunks, raccoons and possums are the responsibility of the homeowner. Please consult the telephone directory under animal removal or pest control services for assistance.

The above provisions relating to animals are contained in Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinance of the City of Oak Park, Mich.

Animal License Application Process

To fill out an Animal License Application online, visit Animal License Application.

To obtain an animal license, a resident must provide a current Rabies Certificate from the pet's veterinarian. Take the certificate to the Oak Park Public Safety Records Bureau to purchase a license. Contact the Records Bureau if further information is required at (248) 691-7526 during business hours, 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Dog and Cat License Fees

Annual tags are issued in October. The following are dog and cat license fees:

Spayed/Neutered:  One year license fee is $7; And, three year license fee is $15.
Non-Spayed/Neutered:  One year license fee is $16; And, three year license fee is $30.

Late Fee: There is a $10 late fee that will be assessed if tags are acquired after December 31st.

For More Information

For frequently asked questions about Animal Code Enforcement, visit Animal Code Enforcement - Frequently Asked Question?