Animal Control

Lost Pets

If you lose a pet, you should immediately report the missing pet to both:

  • Wheaton Police Department non-emergency number at 630-260-2161
  • DuPage County Animal Services at 630-407-2800

When you contact the Wheaton Police Department, we will ask questions about the pet and record the information. When the Police Department finds stray pets, it attempts to match them up with lost animal reports and reunite pets with their owners.

When a Community Service Officer picks up a stray pet and there is no reported owner information, the animal is taken to DuPage County Animal Services.

Animal Noise Regulation

The Wheaton Police Department enforces the portion of Wheaton’s City Code that regulates barking dogs. Under Wheaton City Code Section 14-97, it is a violation for anyone to keep an animal that creates a noise disturbance (through loud, frequent barking, howling, yelping, whining or creating other oral noises) for:

  • 10 minutes or more in the same hour between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.
  • 5 minutes or more in the same hour between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.

Please be a good neighbor by adhering to the City’s animal noise regulations.

Excrement Removal

The City of Wheaton requires animal owners or caregivers to clean up their dogs’ or cats’ excrement from other people’s property. Not cleaning up after your pet’s waste violates Section 14-27 of Wheaton City Code.

Leash Laws

For the safety of our community and the safety of pets, the City of Wheaton requires dogs to be on a leash or securely enclosed within a fenced area or premises. See Section 14-96 of the Wheaton City Code for more information.

Nuisance Wildlife

Coyotes

Coyotes are highly adaptable animals that can thrive in almost any setting, including residential areas. They are generally afraid of people but can become accustomed to them if they find an easy food source like pet food or if they are intentionally fed.

Do Not Feed Wild Animals

Feeding wild animals such as coyotes and feral cats violates City Code, and violators can face fines. Please do your part to make sure wild animals such as coyotes are not fed - either intentionally or unintentionally.

If you encounter a coyote:

  • Shout, clap or throw something in its direction. Acting aggressively, also known as "hazing" helps re-instill a fear of humans in coyotes. Note that while this is intended to scare off a coyote, it does not include weapons and does not physically harm the coyote.
  • Call 9-1-1 if you observe any wild animal behaving in a threatening manner. Police officers will respond.
  • You can also Report a Coyote Sighting through the City’s website.

Protect Pets

  • Keep small pets (cats, rabbits, small dogs) indoors. Don’t allow them to run free at any time. They are easy prey, and fences do not guarantee your pet’s safety.
  • Use a short leash when walking your pet. Never let a coyote get between you and your pet.
  • Dogs should be brought inside after dark and never allowed to run loose.

Wild Turkeys

Wild turkeys usually live in wooded areas, but they will enter residential neighborhoods occasionally, especially if they find easy access to food sources. If habituated, the birds may identify residential areas as sources of food and view humans as part of their pecking order, increasing the likelihood they will attempt to intimidate people they encounter.

To deter wild turkeys:

  • Do not feed wild turkeys. Both direct and indirect feeding can reduce the animals’ fear of people, making them more likely to return to residential areas. Wild turkeys can survive well on natural food sources and don’t need food from people.
  • Do not let turkeys intimidate you. Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten an aggressive turkey with loud noises, swatting with a broom, water sprayed from a hose, or opening and closing an umbrella.
  • Cover problem windows and shiny objects. Turkeys may respond aggressively to their reflection or shiny objects. If a window or object frequently attracts wild turkeys, covering or disguising the object can address the issue.
  • Protect your garden and crops. Polypropylene bird netting can be an effective way to protect garden plants. Strategically placed reflective tape, predator decoys, or mylar ribbons can also deter turkeys.
  • Keep bird feeder areas clean or remove feeders if necessary. Spilled seed from bird feeders can attract wild turkeys.

Please note, because wild turkeys are protected by the Illinois Wildlife Code, it is illegal to kill or remove wild turkeys or to destroy their nests or eggs without specific permits and licenses.