Cleveland, OH Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- ORC Chapter 935. Dangerous Wild Animal Act
- Enacted
- 2012 after Zanesville incident
- Banned Species
- Big cats, bears, primates, large constrictors, venomous snakes
- Insurance (DWA)
- $200,000 liability
- Enforcement
- Ohio Department of Agriculture
Summary
Ohio's Dangerous Wild Animal Act (Revised Code Chapter 935), enacted in 2012 after the Zanesville incident, bans private ownership of most dangerous wild animals statewide, including big cats, bears, elephants, non-human primates, crocodiles, alligators, and certain venomous snakes. Cleveland residents cannot legally acquire these animals, and owners who had them prior to the law had to register and comply with permit, caging, insurance, and microchipping rules. The state Department of Agriculture enforces Chapter 935.
Section 935.02 | Possession of dangerous wild animal prohibited. Effective: September 5, 2012 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 310 - 129th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF
(A) No person shall possess a dangerous wild animal on or after January 1, 2014. (B)(1) Except as provided in divisions (G)(1) and (2) of section 935.06 of the Revised Code, no person shall acquire, buy, sell, trade, or transfer possession or ownership of a dangerous wild animal on or after the effective date of this section.
(2) Notwithstanding division (B)(1) of this section, a person that operates a rescue facility may acquire, except by purchase, possession or ownership of a dangerous wild animal if one of the following applies:
(a) Prior to January 1, 2014, the person is authorized to do so by the director of agriculture in accordance with procedures adopted by the director.
(b) On or after January 1, 2014, the person has obtained a rescue facility permit under section 935.101 of the Revised Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Restricted snakes under ORC §935.02 include constrictors over 12 feet (pythons, anacondas) and all venomous snakes, requiring a wildlife shelter or propagation permit. Dangerous wild animals listed in ORC §935.01 include lions, tigers, bears, cheetahs, hyenas, Komodo dragons, and non-human primates such as chimpanzees and gorillas. Permits require $200,000 liability insurance for dangerous wild animals, $100,000 for restricted snakes, microchipping, secure caging meeting state standards, and passage of a written exam. No new permits are issued for most dangerous wild animals. Cleveland's city code also prohibits keeping wild or vicious animals as pets under its general animal regulations. Conventional pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles not listed in Chapter 935, and small mammals are permitted subject to licensing and humane care rules.
Violations & Fines
Possession of a dangerous wild animal without a permit is a misdemeanor on the first offense and a felony on subsequent offenses, with animals subject to seizure and forfeiture. Violators face fines up to $10,000 per animal and criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a monkey or big cat in Cleveland?
Are venomous snakes legal in Cleveland?
What pets are legal in Cleveland without a special permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cleveland
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cuyahoga County handle exotic pets.