Westerville, OH Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash Required
- Off property
- Max Leash
- 6 feet
- License
- Franklin/Delaware County annually
- License Fee
- $20 (Franklin)
- Max Fine
- $150 off-leash
Summary
Westerville requires all dogs to be leashed or under physical restraint when off owner's property under CO 505.01 and ORC 955.22. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in public areas including Alum Creek Park, Hoff Woods, and Uptown sidewalks. Franklin County dog license required annually.
Section 955.22 | Vicious, dangerous, and nuisance dog acts. (A)(1) "Vicious dog act" means one of the following actions committed by a dog without provocation, other than by a police dog that is being used to assist one or more law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties:
(a) The killing of any person;
(b) Causing serious injury to any person by physical contact;
(c) Engaging in a dangerous dog act after the dog has been designated as a dangerous dog under section 955.23 of the Revised Code.
(2) "Dangerous dog act" means one of the following actions committed by a dog without provocation...:
(a) Causing injury by physical contact, other than killing or serious injury, to any person in either a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack;
(b) Causing serious injury to any person without making physical contact in either a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack;
(c) The killing of another dog;
(d) Causing serious injury to another dog that results in euthanasia of the dog by a person authorized to perform euthanasia under Ohio law.
(3) "Nuisance dog act" means one of the following actions committed by a dog without provocation and while off the premises of its owner, keeper, or harborer...:
(a) Chasing or approaching a person in either a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack;
(b) Attempting to bite or otherwise endanger any person in either a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack;
(c) Causing injury to any person without making physical contact in either a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack;
(d) Chasing, threatening, harassing, or injuring another dog or livestock in either a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack. (B)(1) 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.
Full Breakdown
Westerville Codified Ordinance 505.01 and ORC 955.22 require dogs to be physically confined, leashed, or under reasonable control of a person. Off-leash permitted only at designated dog parks; Westerville does not operate its own off-leash dog park but residents use Three Creeks Metro Park (Franklin County) or Alum Creek State Park dog beach. Franklin County Auditor handles dog licensing for Franklin County residents; Delaware County Auditor handles Delaware County portions. Annual license required by January 31 for all dogs 3 months or older.
Violations & Fines
Off-leash violation: minor misdemeanor, up to $150. Dog at large causing injury: up to $1,000 fine and possible felony charges. Unlicensed dog: $25 plus late penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I license my dog in Westerville?
Is there an off-leash dog park in Westerville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westerville
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Franklin County handle dog leash laws.