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Toledo, OH Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Breed Ban
None in Toledo or Ohio
2012 Law
Ohio HB 14 repealed BSL
Framework
Behavior-based ORC 955.11
Vicious Insurance
$100,000 minimum
HOA Note
May still restrict breeds

Summary

Toledo does not enforce breed-specific restrictions. Ohio repealed statewide breed-specific language in 2012 under HB 14, and Toledo follows the behavior-based dangerous-dog framework in ORC 955.11 rather than targeting any breed.

(A) Upon the transfer of ownership of any dog, the seller of the dog shall give the buyer a transfer of ownership certificate that shall be signed by the seller. The certificate shall contain the registration number of the dog, the name of the seller, and a brief description of the dog. Blank forms of the certificate may be obtained from the county auditor. A transfer of ownership shall be recorded by the auditor upon presentation of a transfer of ownership certificate that is signed by the former owner of a dog and that is accompanied by a fee of five dollars. (B) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, prior to the transfer of ownership or possession of a dog, upon the buyer's or other transferee's request, the seller or other transferor of the dog shall give to the person a written notice relative to the behavior and propensities of the dog. (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.

Source: ORC 955.11 Dangerous Dog DefinitionsView official code

Full Breakdown

Before 2012, Ohio Revised Code 955.11 automatically classified pit bulls as vicious dogs, and Toledo had additional local restrictions layered on top of that state framework. Ohio House Bill 14, signed in 2012, struck breed-specific language from state law and replaced it with a three-tier behavior-based system: nuisance dog, dangerous dog, and vicious dog. Toledo aligned its local ordinance with the amended state law, and no breed is automatically restricted within city limits. An individual dog of any breed can still be designated dangerous or vicious based on its actual behavior, such as biting without provocation, chasing people off the owner property, or killing another dog. Designated dangerous or vicious dogs must be registered, kept behind a secure enclosure, muzzled in public, and covered by liability insurance of at least $100,000. Toledo residents should also check HOA, condo association, and rental property pet policies, which may still impose breed limits independently.

Violations & Fines

Failing to properly confine or muzzle a designated dangerous dog: fourth-degree misdemeanor; vicious dog violations: first-degree misdemeanor with jail exposure and potential dog seizure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pit bulls legal in Toledo?
Yes. Since Ohio HB 14 passed in 2012, no breed is automatically restricted. Any individual dog can still be designated dangerous or vicious based on behavior.
Does my insurance have to cover my dog?
Only if the dog is legally designated dangerous or vicious. Then ORC 955.22 requires at least $100,000 liability coverage specifically for the dog.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Toledo

All Toledo rules

How Toledo compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Toledo to another location·View the Ohio animal ordinances overview

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