Animal Ordinances in Westerville, OH (2026)
4 verified animal ordinances for Westerville, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
Westerville requires all dogs to be leashed or under physical restraint when off owner's property under CO 505.01 and ORC 955.22. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in public areas including Alum Creek Park, Hoff Woods, and Uptown sidewalks. Franklin County dog license required annually.
Animals: Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsORC Section 955.22
Section 955.22 | Vicious, dangerous, and nuisance dog acts. (A)(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) En...
Breed Restrictions
Westerville does not enforce breed-specific legislation. Ohio repealed statewide breed-specific pit bull designation in 2012 via HB 14, and Westerville follows the behavior-based dangerous dog standard under ORC 955.11. Any breed can be declared dangerous or vicious based on individual conduct.
Animals: Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsORC Section 955.11
Section 955.11 | Transfer of ownership. (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 audito...
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is permitted in Westerville residential zones with registration required under Ohio Department of Agriculture rules (ORC 909). Hives must be set back from property lines and registered annually with the State Apiarist. Westerville zoning does not specifically prohibit residential beekeeping.
Animals: Beekeeping
Some RestrictionsOhio Rev. Code § 909.02 (apiary registration)
Any person owning or possessing bees shall on or before the first day of June of each year, or thereafter within thirty days after coming into ownership or possession of bees, or upon moving bees into this state from outside the state, file with the director of agriculture an application for registration setting forth the exact location of the person's apiaries and such other information as is ...
Exotic Pets
Westerville prohibits dangerous wild animals and restricted snakes under CO 505 and ORC 2927.21 (Ohio Dangerous Wild Animals Act). Big cats, bears, primates, crocodilians, and venomous snakes are banned. Common exotic pets like ferrets, rabbits, and small reptiles are allowed.
Animals: Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsOhio Rev. Code Ch. 935 (Possession of Wild Animals and Snakes)
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, trade, or transfer possession or ownership of a dangerous wild animal on or after the effective date of this section. (2) Notwithstanding division (B)(1) of this section, a person that operat...
Looking for Franklin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Westerville city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Franklin County →