Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Hamilton County

Hamilton 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 (statewide)
Ban effective
January 1, 2014
Banned animals
Big cats, bears, primates, etc.
Permits from
Ohio Dept. of Agriculture
County ordinance
None separate

Summary

Ohio's Dangerous Wild Animals Act (ORC Chapter 935) bans possessing a dangerous wild animal - big cats, bears, primates, large constricting and venomous snakes, and more - as of January 1, 2014, unless grandfathered with an ODA permit. This applies in Hamilton County; the county itself sets no separate exotic-pet

City-specific rules exist: Cincinnati has its own exotic pets rules that differ from Hamilton County's county-level regulations. If you live in Cincinnati, check the city-specific page instead.

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

View official code

Full Breakdown

After the 2011 Zanesville exotic-animal release, Ohio enacted the Dangerous Wild Animals and Restricted Snakes Act (ORC Chapter 935). ORC 935.02 prohibits possessing a dangerous wild animal on or after January 1, 2014, with narrow exceptions for facilities and owners who obtained permits or wildlife-shelter/propagation authorization from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. 'Dangerous wild animals' include lions, tigers, bears, elephants, primates (except some monkeys), alligators, and large constricting/venomous snakes are 'restricted snakes' needing a permit. This statewide ban applies to residents throughout Hamilton County; ODA, not the county, administers permits and enforcement. Common pets (dogs, cats, ferrets, most reptiles and birds) are unaffected. Cities may add further limits under home rule.

Violations & Fines

Illegal possession of a dangerous wild animal is a misdemeanor escalating to a felony for repeat offenses under ORC 935.99, and the Ohio Department of Agriculture may seize the animal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own a big cat or monkey in Hamilton County?
No. Ohio's Dangerous Wild Animals Act (ORC 935.02) bans possessing big cats, bears, primates, and similar species statewide since 2014, except for permitted grandfathered owners. This applies throughout Hamilton County.
Are large snakes restricted?
Yes. Large constricting and venomous 'restricted snakes' require a permit from the Ohio Department of Agriculture under ORC Chapter 935, regardless of where in Hamilton County you live.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hamilton County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome Restrictions

All Hamilton County rules

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

Get notified when Exotic Pets in Hamilton County, OH changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Exotic Pets in Cities Across Hamilton County

Cincinnati, OH