Animal Ordinances in Springfield, OH (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Springfield, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
In the City of Springfield, Ohio, Zoning Code Section 1124.03(b)(2) requires backyard fowl to live in a coop offering at least four square feet per bird, set back five feet from side lines and ten feet from rear lines. Fowl must stay penned overnight, and roosters are banned on lots under an acre and in the R-LD and R-HD districts.
Springfield, Ohio Backyard Chicken Rules
Some RestrictionsSpringfield Codified Ordinances § 1124.03(b)(2)
(2) Fowl A. Lots Less than One Acre. ... The following requirements apply on lots less than one acre: i. Fowl shall be sheltered in a coop and shall not be allowed inside a dwelling. ii. A coop shall provide at least four square feet of space per fowl. iii. Coops shall be located at least five feet from any side property line and at least ten feet from any rear property line. iv. Coops shall be...
Dog Leash Laws
In the City of Springfield, Ohio, no dog owner or keeper may allow a dog to run at large on any street, public place, or another person's property. Every dog must stay confined on its owner's premises or under someone's reasonable control at all times, and a female dog in heat may leave the property only on a leash. Section 505.01 makes running at large prima facie proof of a violation.
Springfield OH Dog At-Large and Leash Law
Some RestrictionsSpringfield Codified Ordinances § 505.01(b), (d)
(b) No person being the owner of or having charge of any dog, whether wearing a registration tag or not, shall permit it to run at large upon any public place or upon the premises of another. No owner, keeper or harborer of any female dog shall permit such dog to go beyond the premises of such owner or keeper at any time such dog is in heat, unless such dog is properly on leash. The owner or ...
Exotic Pets
In the City of Springfield, Ohio, Section 505.13 bars selling dangerous wild animals or restricted snakes at auction, requires warning signs on cages, containers, and transport vehicles, and prohibits letting such an animal roam off the property where it is confined. A first violation is a first-degree misdemeanor, and a repeat offense escalates to a felony under state law.
Springfield OH Dangerous Wild Animal Restrictions
Significant RestrictionsSpringfield Codified Ordinances § 505.13(a), (b)(1), (b)(4), (c)
(a) For purposes of this section, “dangerous wild animal” and “restricted snake” have the same meanings as set forth in Ohio R.C. 935.01. (b) (1) Except for a restricted snake specified in Ohio R.C. 935.01(L)(1), no person shall sell or offer for sale at auction a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake. ... (4) No person shall allow a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake to roam...
Microchipping
In the City of Springfield, Ohio, Section 505.13(b)(2) makes it illegal to knowingly remove a microchip implanted in a dangerous wild animal as required by Ohio R.C. 935.04, unless a qualified veterinarian removes it for a medical emergency. The rule does not require microchipping of ordinary pets; it only protects chips already mandated for state-regulated dangerous wild animals and restricted snakes.
Springfield OH Wild Animal Microchip Tamper Ban
Some RestrictionsSpringfield Codified Ordinances § 505.13(b)(2)
(2) Except for a microchip removed for purposes of a medical emergency by a veterinarian that is qualified to provide veterinary care to the dangerous wild animal, no person shall knowingly remove a microchip that is implanted in a dangerous wild animal as required in Ohio R.C. 935.04.
Pet Groomer Rules
Springfield's Zoning Code defines Kennel to include grooming businesses conducted for pay at § 1105.02(k)(1), and requires any Kennel, including a stand-alone grooming operation, to sit on at least 20,000 square feet, keep 200 feet from residential districts, and run entirely inside an enclosed building under § 1106.02(s).
Pet Grooming Business Zoning in Springfield, Ohio
Some RestrictionsSpringfield Codified Ordinances § 1105.02(k)(1); § 1106.02(s)
Kennel A facility licensed to house dogs, cats, or other household pets or where grooming, breeding, boarding or training or selling of animals is conducted as business. This use includes pet resorts/hotels, pet adoption centers, dog training centers, animal rescue shelters and sanctuaries. ... (s) Kennel (1) A Kennel shall comply with the following requirements: A. A minimum lot...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
In the City of Springfield, Ohio, a veterinarian establishment cannot operate as a Home Occupation. Zoning Code § 1107.05(h)(11)(B) lists animal service, including a veterinarian establishment, animal grooming business, kennel, or animal boarding establishment, among the uses flatly prohibited from being run out of a dwelling, regardless of size, staffing, or floor area.
Veterinary Home Business Ban, Springfield Ohio
Heavy RestrictionsSpringfield Codified Ordinances § 1107.05(h)(11)(B)
(h) Home Occupation (1) A Home Occupation shall be operated solely within the dwelling unit or an accessory building to the dwelling unit. ... (11) The following uses and activities shall be prohibited: A. Ambulance service; B. Animal service, including a veterinarian establishment; animal grooming business; kennel; or establishment for the boarding of animals; ... (12) A zoni...
Bird Protection
In the City of Springfield, Ohio, no one may hunt any bird, quadruped, or other animal with a gun or any other dangerous weapon inside the corporate limits. Section 505.11 protects wildlife, including birds, from being shot anywhere in the city, and a violation is a second-degree misdemeanor, not a minor infraction.
Springfield OH Ban on Hunting Birds in City
Heavy RestrictionsSpringfield Codified Ordinances § 505.11
(a) No person shall hunt with a gun or with any other dangerous weapon any bird or quadruped or any animal within the corporate limits of the City. ... (b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.