Parma, OH Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed Ban
- None
- State Law
- ORC 955.11 (2012 HB 14)
- Dangerous Dog Insurance
- 100,000 dollars
- Approach
- Behavior-based
- Code
- Parma CO Ch 505
Summary
Parma does not impose breed-specific legislation; the city follows Ohio's behavior-based dangerous dog framework under ORC 955.11 (amended by HB 14 in 2012). Pit bulls and other breeds are legal, but any dog deemed dangerous or vicious faces containment, insurance, and registration requirements.
Section 955.11 | Transfer of ownership. [...] (C) Within ten days after the transfer of ownership or possession of any dog, if the seller or other transferor of the dog has knowledge that the dog is a dangerous dog or vicious dog, the seller or other transferor shall give to the buyer or other transferee, the board of health for the district in which the buyer or other transferee resides, and the dog warden of the county in which the buyer or other transferee resides, a completed copy of a written form on which the seller shall furnish the following information: (1) The name and address of the buyer or other transferee of the dog; (2) The age, sex, color, breed, and current registration number of the dog. In addition, the seller shall answer the following questions, which shall be specifically stated on the form as follows: 'Has the dog ever chased or attempted to attack or bite a person? If yes, describe the incident(s) in which the behavior occurred.' 'Has the dog ever bitten a person? If yes, describe the incident(s) in which the behavior occurred.' 'Has the dog ever seriously injured or killed a person? If yes, describe the incident(s) in which the behavior occurred.' 'Has the dog previously been designated a nuisance, dangerous, or vicious dog? If yes, indicate the designation that was assigned, the date of designation, and in which county or city the designation was made.' The seller or other transferor shall obtain the signature of the buyer or other transferee after a statement on the form that the buyer or other transferee understands that such person is acquiring a dangerous or vicious dog.
Full Breakdown
Following Ohio's 2012 repeal of breed-specific language in ORC 955.11, Parma regulates dogs based on individual behavior rather than breed. A dog classified as dangerous must be kept confined, muzzled in public, and the owner must carry 100,000 dollar liability insurance per ORC 955.22. Vicious dogs (those causing serious injury) face stricter requirements. Parma CO 505 adopts these state definitions.
Violations & Fines
Failure to comply with dangerous dog rules: 4th-degree misdemeanor. Vicious dog violations: 1st-degree misdemeanor, up to 1,000 dollars and 180 days jail. Dog may be euthanized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls legal in Parma?
Sources & Official References
- [1]ORC 955.11
Other rules in Parma
How Parma compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Parma to another location·View the Ohio animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cuyahoga County handle breed restrictions.