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Lorain County, OH Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
ORC Chapter 935
Possession ban date
January 1, 2014
Enforced by
Ohio Department of Agriculture
Restricted
Big cats, bears, primates, venomous snakes
Applies
Statewide, all Lorain County

Summary

Ohio bans private possession of dangerous wild animals such as big cats, bears, large primates, and many venomous snakes. The ban applies statewide, including all of Lorain County. Existing owners had to register and meet strict caging standards.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lorain County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No person shall possess a dangerous wild animal on or after January 1, 2014.

View official code

Full Breakdown

After the 2011 Zanesville incident, Ohio enacted the Dangerous Wild Animals Act (ORC Chapter 935). ORC 935.02 prohibits possessing a dangerous wild animal on or after January 1, 2014, unless the owner held the animal before that date and obtained a state permit under strict insurance, caging, and microchip requirements. Restricted species include lions, tigers, bears, large primates, alligators, and certain venomous snakes. The ban is enforced by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and applies everywhere in Lorain County. Common exotic pets like most reptiles, birds, and small mammals are not covered, but your city or township may add its own restrictions.

Violations & Fines

Illegal possession of a dangerous wild animal is a criminal offense with seizure of the animal and escalating misdemeanor-to-felony penalties under ORC 935.99.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own a tiger or monkey in Lorain County?
No. Ohio's Dangerous Wild Animals Act bans possessing such species since 2014 unless you held a state permit from before the deadline, which is no longer available to new owners.
Are reptiles and small exotics allowed?
Generally yes. Most reptiles, birds, and small mammals are not 'dangerous wild animals' under state law, though your city or township may restrict specific species.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lorain County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Lorain County rules

Compare Lorain County to another location·View the Ohio animal ordinances overview

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