Animal Ordinances in Columbus, OH (2026)
5 verified animal ordinances for Columbus, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
Columbus dogs must stay leashed or under direct control off their owner's property, and can never run at large under City Code 2327.11.
Columbus Dog Leash & Control Law
Some RestrictionsColumbus City Codes § 2327.11
No owner of any animal, shall permit the animal to enter upon any property not that of the animal's owner, when it is not securely leashed or under direct control. It shall be prima-facie evidence that a dog is not under direct control if it chases, injures or kills any person or domestic animal or damages or commits any nuisance upon property other than that of its owner.(C)Whoever violates th...
Breed Restrictions
Ohio removed statewide breed-specific language in 2012 (HB 14). However, home-rule cities may still enact local breed restrictions. Check Columbus code.
Columbus Dog Breed Restrictions
Some RestrictionsOhio Rev. Code Section 955.11 (Dog Definitions - Dangerous, Vicious, Nuisance)
(A) Upon the transfer of ownership of any dog, the seller of the dog shall give the buyer a transfer of ownership certificate that shall be signed by the seller. The certificate shall contain the registration number of the dog, the name of the seller, and a brief description of the dog. Blank forms of the certificate may be obtained from the county auditor. A transfer of ownership shall be reco...
Exotic Pets
Columbus prohibits keeping any venomous reptile or arthropod, and any constrictor snake over twelve feet long, as pets: the only exemptions are public zoos and research institutions.
Columbus Bans Venomous Reptiles, Constrictors
Heavy RestrictionsColumbus City Codes § 2327.09
(C)No person shall keep or harbor any venomous reptile or arthropod, except public zoos and research institutions.(D)No person shall keep or harbor any or constrictor type snake larger than twelve (12) feet long, except in a public zoo or research institution.(E)Whoever violates this section is guilty of keeping a dangerous animal, a misdemeanor of the third degree. If the animal previously has...
Pet Groomer Rules
Columbus zoning lists pet grooming as a permitted commercial use in C-3 districts, but only with no outside runs or boarding on site.
Columbus Pet Groomer Zoning Rules
Light RestrictionsColumbus City Codes § 3355.03
Pet Day Care, Grooming, Pets and Supplies (No outside runs or boarding) Shoe Stores Tobacconist Window Treatment Stores C.Commercial uses, subject to the additional provisions of C.C. 3355.05, including: Adult and Child Day Care Centers Crematory D.Dwelling units, as allowed under C.C. 3355.05. (Ord. 236-03 § 3; Ord. 1014-2008 § 1.) C-3 Community Commercial Development St...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Columbus permits veterinary clinics as a commercial use, but small-animal vets in C-1 and C-2 districts cannot offer long-term boarding, kenneling, or outside runs and stables under the Zoning Code's district development standards.
Columbus Veterinary Clinic Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsColumbus City Codes § 3351.05(D)
Veterinarians in this zoning district are limited to small animal practice and may not provide long-term boarding or have outside runs or stables. (Also see the C-4 district)E.Solar energy collection may be conducted, subject to the following:1.Equipment directly related to the gathering of solar energy shall be exempt from screening requirements.2.Electricity collected on-site may be distribut...
Looking for Franklin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Columbus city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Franklin County →