Lakewood, OH Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- ORC 935 DWA Act
- Banned
- Big cats, bears, primates
- Snake Limit
- 12 feet constrictors
- Code
- LCO 505
Summary
Dangerous wild animals (big cats, bears, primates, venomous snakes, large constrictors) are banned in Lakewood under ORC 935. Common exotic pets (ferrets, reptiles under thresholds, parrots) are allowed under LCO 505.
(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.
Full Breakdown
Ohio passed ORC 935 (Dangerous Wild Animal Act) after the 2011 Zanesville incident. It bans possession of lions, tigers, bears, wolves, primates, crocodilians over certain sizes, and pythons over 12 feet without a state permit. Lakewood enforces through LCO 505 animal control and defers to state law for exotic classifications. Standard pets allowed without permit: ferrets, domestic rabbits, rodents, non-venomous snakes under 12 feet, most lizards, birds, fish. Livestock (goats, pigs, chickens) have separate rules.
Violations & Fines
ORC 935 violation: M1 up to 1,000 dollars first offense. Felony if animal escapes or injures someone. Animal seized and transferred to state facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own an exotic pet in Lakewood?
What exotic animals are prohibited in Lakewood?
Sources & Official References
- [1]ORC 935
Other rules in Lakewood
Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Ohio animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cuyahoga County handle exotic pets.