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1. I am having a problem with wild animals. Will the police department respond and handle this?

The Hanover Park Police Department does not respond to wild animal complaints on private property. Removal of animals from private property is the responsibility of the property owner. Police personnel do not handle complaints regarding wild animals unless there is a clear and immediate threat to public health, safety, or welfare. The police department maintains a list of wildlife removal services. To obtain contact information for these services, contact the police desk at 630-823-5500.

2. What do I do if I see a coyote?

Learn how to deal with coyotes. 

3. What should I do if I find a dog?

• If you find a dog and can hold on to it, call 911, and an officer will come and pick up the dog. The dog will be scanned for a chip and they will attempt to locate the owner. 
• If you see a dog running around at large, call 911, and an officer will attempt to capture it and locate its owner.

4. Do I need to register my cat or dog with the Village?

Yes, village ordinance requires cats and dogs to be registered with the Village of Hanover Park. This registration is separate from the rabies tag. To register your cat or dog, you will need to take your proof of rabies inoculation to the Finance Department in Village Hall to obtain a village tag. The tag should be worn by your cat and/or dog  at all times. The fee for the village tag is $5. This also assists the Police Department in finding the owner of the cat or dog in case it is found.

5. Does my cat or dog need a rabies shot?

Yes. According to the village ordinance, if your pet is 4 months or older, it needs a rabies shot.

6. What should I do if my pet is lost?

If your pet ran away, you should call the non-emergency phone line of the Hanover Park Police Department at (630) 823-5500 to report it in case it is later found.

7. My dog was picked up and taken to the Police Department kennel. Are there any fees when picking it up?

Yes. When picking up your dog, make sure you bring with you your proof of ownership, rabies, and village tags. There will be a fee as set by village ordinance.

8. What should I do if I get bitten or scratched by a dog?

A dog bite or scratch occurs when a dog's tooth or nail breaks the skin and draws blood from the victim. If you, or your dog, get bitten or scratched by a dog, call 911 immediately to report the incident. An officer will investigate the incident. See the village ordinance for more information.

9. What should I do if a dog keeps barking at night?

If a dog keeps barking for an excessively long time and is disturbing the neighborhood, you can always call 911 and an officer will investigate the reason and talk to the owners of the dog.  For more information, refer to the village ordinance.

10. What should I do if I see animal abuse or cruelty?

Animal abuse can constitute anything from emotional to physical abuse or an animal not being fed or properly housed during extreme weather. If you believe animal abuse is occurring, call 911, and an officer will investigate the abuse. You can always remain anonymous.

11. Do I need to have a leash on my dog while waking it?

Yes, village ordinance requires all dogs on public property need to wear a leash not to exceed 8 feet in length. The dogwalker will also maintain full control of the dog at all times.

12. What should I do if a dog walker does not pick up their dog’s feces?

An owner or dogwalker is to always possess a bag or other device to remove any excrement deposited by their dog. It is unlawful for any person who walks a dog to not pick up the excrement promptly on any property not owned by the dog walker and to remove the excrement to a receptacle owned by the dog walker. If you see such a violation, you can always report it to the police.  For more information, see the village ordinance.

13. What do I do if I find a cat?

The police department does not pick up stray cats. If you are holding on to it, the police department can check the cat for a microchip. You can also call the non-emergency line at (630) 823-5500 to report the cat as found in case the owners are looking for it.