Lakewood, OH Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- LCO 505.08
- State Law
- ORC 955.22
- Off-Leash
- Lakewood Dog Park only
- License
- County auditor annual
Summary
Lakewood requires all dogs to be leashed when off owner property under LCO 505.08 and ORC 955.22. Leash must be held by a competent person. Lakewood Park dog park is the only off-leash area.
No owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog that is not an animal shelter for dogs shall negligently, and no animal shelter for dogs that keeps or harbors a dog shall recklessly, fail to prevent the dog from committing a vicious dog act. Whoever violates this division is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree on a first offense and a misdemeanor of the second degree on each subsequent offense. (2) No owner, keeper, or harborer of a dangerous or vicious dog, including an animal shelter for dogs, shall negligently fail to prevent the dog from committing a vicious dog act that involves injuring or killing a person. Whoever violates this division is guilty of a felony of the third degree.
Full Breakdown
Lakewood Codified Ordinances Section 505.08 makes it unlawful for any dog to run at large within the city. Owners must keep dogs under reasonable control on a leash not exceeding commonly accepted lengths. ORC 955.22 establishes the state-level confinement requirement. The city operates a separate fenced, designated off-leash dog park at 1699 Metropark Drive (near the Lakewood Water Treatment Plant), open 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily; outside that fenced area dogs must remain leashed. Dogs at Lakewood Park and other city parks must be kept on a leash. Dogs must be licensed annually through the Cuyahoga County Auditor (around 20 dollars) and display tags.
Violations & Fines
Minor misdemeanor first offense: up to 150 dollars. Second offense within a year: M4 up to 250 dollars. Impoundment fees at Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter: approximately 35 dollars per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to keep my dog on a leash in Lakewood?
What is the maximum leash length in Lakewood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Ohio animal ordinances overview
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cuyahoga County handle dog leash laws.