Illinois State Park Pet Policy

Source: dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/faqs.htm

Q. Can I bring my dog to a state park?

A.  Pets are allowed as long as they are leashed at all times.  Please review our policy on pets here Section 110.30.  Pets are not allowed in campground cabins, however.

Illinois Administrative Code

Section 110.30 Animals - Pets, Dogs, Cats, Equine; Noisy, Vicious, Dangerous Animals; Livestock; Animal Waste

Source: http://dnr.state.il.us/legal/adopted/110.pdf

It shall be unlawful:

a) For any person to allow an unleashed dog, cat or other domesticated animal on any area and further for any person to allow any dog, cat or other domesticated animal in any area, on a leash longer than 10 feet, except that:

       1) unleashed hunting dogs are allowed during the hunting season for all wildlife species except deer and wild turkey on any Department areas open to hunting and so posted;

       2) at field trials unleashed dogs are allowed at sites designated by the Department in accordance with 17 Ill. Adm. Code 910;

       3) unleashed hunting dogs are allowed by individual permit for dog training at sites designated by the Department in accordance with 17 Ill. Adm. Code 950;

       4) search and rescue dog training is allowed by activity permit. The permit will designate specific areas and times so as not to conflict with other site activities; and

       5) dogs on a maximum 50 foot leash being used to track wounded deer are allowed at sites in accordance with 520 ILCS 5/2.26 and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 510 - General Hunting and Trapping on Department-Owned or -Managed Sites.

b) For any leashed or tied animal to be left unattended and not under the specific physical control of the owner or person designated by the owner.

c) For any person to bring any domesticated animal onto Department lands without the animal being current on any required federal, State or local vaccinations or health certifications. Proof of required vaccinations or health certifications must be provided to any Department employee upon demand.

d) For any person to keep a noisy, or vicious, or dangerous dog or animal, or one which is disturbing to other persons, on Department of Natural Resources controlled properties, and to remain therein after being asked by the Site Superintendent or assigned employee to leave.

e) For any person to ride or lead any equine in any area, other than a designated equestrian trail or area, except horse drawn conveyances authorized by permit by the Department of Natural Resources. The decision to grant or deny a permit will be based upon the impact upon the site and the public. Horse patrols of the Department in the performance of their duties are not excluded from any area under the control of the Department. Hikers on equestrian trails must yield to equines.

f) For any person to allow livestock to roam or graze on any Department-controlled lands except when authorized by proper lease, license or written agreement approved by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in accordance with 17 Ill. Adm. Code 150.

g) For any person responsible for an animal in a campground or day use area not dispose of his animal's waste excrement directly into a Department garbage container with a tight fitting lid or have the excrement put into a closed water tight bag or water tight container with the lid closed and placed into an open Department trash container. At equestrian campgrounds, equestrians must deposit their animal's waste in a designated manure collection area.

h) For any person to allow a dog, cat, or other domesticated animal on any area designated as "NO PETS". Such designation will be reserved for beach areas, concession areas, and certain areas within campgrounds and picnic areas where there are concentrations of large numbers of people or the presence of food or children.

i) For any person to erect or use temporary corrals, except when there are insufficient hitching posts or tie line areas, there is a large enough open area that can be utilized for a corral without causing damage to State property, and permission has been obtained from the Site Superintendent for use of rope or gates. Electrified fences or wires are prohibited.

j) To tether equines or canines to trees. Tie lines between trees are permissible if sites do not provide hitching posts, tie line posts or tethering structures within campgrounds, day use areas or rest areas. Tie lines, if used, must not allow animals to reach or otherwise do damage to either tree.

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