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

Stark County, OH Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Countywide limit
None; set by city
Canton cap
5 dogs or cats combined
Age threshold
Over four months old
Canton rule
Cod. Ord. 505.14
Dog license
Required, ORC 955.01

Summary

Stark County sets no countywide pet limit, but the county seat does: Canton Codified Ordinance 505.14 caps a household at a total of five dogs or cats, in any combination, over four months of age. Other cities and townships set their own limits.

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

A person may not keep or harbor in or about any dwelling unit or structure a total of more than five dogs or cats, in any combination, over four months of age, except as provided in Section 505.15.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026-01: Local legislation current through May 18, 2026 | State legislation current through December 31, 2025).

Full Breakdown

There is no single countywide cap; limits are municipal. In Canton, a person may not keep or harbor in or about any dwelling unit or structure a total of more than five dogs or cats, in any combination, over four months of age, except as provided in Section 505.15. To exceed five in a business- or industrial-zoned area, a resident must obtain a city permit (a $20 application, renewable annually for $20). Dogs over three months must also be licensed with the Stark County Auditor under ORC 955.01. Township and other-city limits vary, so check your local code.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding Canton's five-animal limit without a permit is a minor misdemeanor; enforcement is by the Police or Law Department, and excess animals may be impounded.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dogs can I own in Canton?
Canton Codified Ordinance 505.14 limits a household to five dogs or cats total, in any combination, over four months of age, absent a special permit.
Does the limit count cats and dogs together?
Yes. Canton's five-animal cap applies to dogs and cats combined, not five of each, for animals over four months old.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Stark County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Stark County rules

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

Get notified when Pet Limits in Stark 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.