Does Pickerington, OH have its own exotic pets ordinance?

No. Pickerington, OH does not appear to have a local exotic pets ordinance, Ohio state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from ORC 2927.21.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Pickerington

Pickerington, OH Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

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

Key Facts

State Law: ORC 2927.21
Effective: 2012
Penalty: Fourth-degree felony
Enforcement: State and local

Summary

Pickerington enforces Ohio's Dangerous Wild Animal Act (ORC 2927.21) which prohibits private ownership of big cats, bears, large primates, and many venomous reptiles. The law followed the 2011 Zanesville incident and is enforced statewide.

Section 935.01 | Definitions. Effective: September 5, 2012 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 310 - 129th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF As used in this chapter: (A) "Board of health" means the board of health of a city or general health district or the authority having the duties of a board of health in any city authorized by section 3709.05 of the Revised Code. (B) "Circus" means a traveling show to which all of the following apply: (1) It is licensed by the United States department of agriculture under the federal animal welfare act. (2) It presents dangerous wild animals, restricted snakes, or both in a public performance as its own event or as part of a fair or carnival.

Source: ORC 2927.21View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

ORC 2927.21 defines restricted species including lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, cheetahs, lynx, bears, elephants, rhinos, hippos, great apes, baboons, macaques, certain constrictors, and venomous snakes. Grandfathered owners prior to 2012 had to register and meet strict housing standards. New acquisitions are banned. Routine pets like dogs, cats, rabbits, and common reptiles remain legal.

Violations & Fines

Illegal possession is a fourth-degree felony carrying significant fines and prison time, plus animal seizure by the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a ball python in Pickerington?

Yes. Ball pythons and other non-venomous, non-giant constrictors are legal. Reticulated pythons, anacondas, and Burmese pythons are restricted.

Sources & Official References

[1]ORC 2927.21

Other rules in Pickerington

BeekeepingSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: Brush ClearanceFew Restrictions Fire Regulations: Outdoor BurningHeavy Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome Restrictions Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk ClearingSome Restrictions Soliciting & Door-to-Door: No-Knock RegistrySome Restrictions Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot MaintenanceSome Restrictions

All Pickerington rules

Compare Pickerington to another location·View the Ohio animal ordinances overview

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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities

How other cities in this county handle exotic pets.

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