Animal Ordinances in Akron, OH (2026)
5 verified animal ordinances for Akron, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Akron allows up to 5 hens on residential lots with a conditional use permit. No roosters allowed. Coops must be 25 feet from neighboring structures and inspected by code enforcement.
Akron Chickens & Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Akron requires dogs to be on a leash or under direct control when off the owner's property. Dogs running at large violate city ordinance. All dogs over 3 months must be licensed with Summit County.
Akron Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsOhio Rev. Code § 955.22 (Vicious, Dangerous, and Nuisance Dog Acts)
(3) "Nuisance dog act" means one of the following actions committed by a dog without provocation and while off the premises of its owner, keeper, or harborer, other than by a police dog that is being used to assist one or more law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties: (a) Chasing or approaching a person in either a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack; ...
Breed Restrictions
Akron does not enforce breed-specific legislation. Ohio repealed its statewide pit bull designation in 2012. Dogs are regulated based on individual behavior. Dogs declared dangerous or vicious face additional requirements regardless of breed.
Akron Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsOhio Revised Code Section 955.22 — Vicious, dangerous, and nuisance dog acts
(1) "Vicious dog act" means one of the following actions committed by a dog without provocation, other than by a police dog that is being used to assist one or more law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties: (a) The killing of any person; (b) Causing serious injury to any person by physical contact; (c) Engaging in a dangerous dog act after the dog has been designated...
Beekeeping
Akron allows residential beekeeping subject to registration with the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Hives should maintain setbacks from property lines and a water source must be provided. Colony management must prevent nuisance conditions.
Akron Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Akron follows Ohio's exotic animal laws (ORC Chapter 935), which require a dangerous wild animal permit for species like big cats, bears, large constricting snakes, and venomous reptiles. Common exotic pets like hedgehogs and certain reptiles may be kept without permits.
Akron Exotic & Wild Animal Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsOhio Revised Code Section 935.02 — Possession of dangerous wild animal prohibited
Section 935.02 | Possession of dangerous wild animal prohibited. Effective: September 5, 2012 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 310 - 129th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (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, ...