Columbus, IN Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Chapter 6.04 of the Columbus Municipal Code defines wild animals (Class 1) as fish, nonvenomous snake, nonvenomous reptile, nonvenomous amphibian, degu, sugar glider, hedgehog, and birds not normally kept as cage birds. Wild animals (Class 2) are any animal or hybrid that is neither a domestic animal nor Class 1, any mammal the United States government or the state of Indiana lists as endangered, and any venomous snake, reptile or amphibian. The domestic animal definition covers dogs, cats, parakeets, finches, spiders, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, rabbits, aquarium fish, ferrets and snakes if cared for in the manner it describes.

Section 6.08.190 requires anyone who keeps, owns, harbors, boards, sells or lets for hire a Class 1 animal to obtain the appropriate permit or permits from the State of Indiana and to report to Animal Care Services both the acquisition of the animal and the acquisition of, or application for, the state permit. Section 6.08.200 requires both classes to be kept in conditions that do not violate United States, Indiana or City of Columbus law, and section 6.08.210 subjects keepers of either class to inspection by the State of Indiana or Animal Care Services at any time.

Section 6.08.220 forbids keeping, owning, harboring, boarding, selling or letting for hire any Class 2 animal in the city. The City Board of Public Works and Safety can grant a temporary variance for an exhibition if a formal written request reaches Animal Care Services not less than fourteen days before the start date. It can also issue a general variance for up to one year to applicants whose earlier approved program ran without incident. Class 2 animals are not to be handled by the public, and the city is not liable for damages caused by a permitted exhibit.