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Animal Ordinances in Montgomery County, OH (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Montgomery County, Ohio.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Montgomery County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Chickens & Livestock

The county sets no countywide chicken or livestock rule for incorporated areas. In townships, Ohio's agricultural zoning exemption (ORC 519.21) limits regulation of animal husbandry, especially on lots over five acres. Cities and villages set their own backyard-chicken rules.

Keeping Chickens and Livestock in Montgomery County

Some Restrictions

ORC 519.21(B)

Division (B) of this section confers no power on any township zoning commission, board of township trustees, or board of zoning appeals to prohibit... agriculture, buildings or structures, and dairying and animal and poultry husbandry on lots greater than five acres.

Dog Leash Laws

Ohio law (ORC 955.22(C)) requires dogs to be kept confined on the owner's premises or under reasonable control at all times. The Montgomery County Animal Resource Center enforces at-large complaints countywide; municipalities may add stricter leash rules.

Dog Confinement and Leash Rules in Montgomery County

Some Restrictions

ORC 955.22(C)

no owner, keeper, or harborer of any dog shall fail at any time to do either of the following: (1) Keep the dog physically confined or restrained upon the premises... by a leash, tether, adequate fence, supervision, or secure enclosure; (2) Keep the dog under the reasonable control of some person.

Exotic Pets

Ohio's Dangerous Wild Animal Act (ORC Chapter 935) bans private possession of dangerous wild animals - big cats, bears, primates, large constrictors and more - statewide. No new permits are issued. This state ban applies throughout Montgomery County.

Exotic and Dangerous Wild Animals in Montgomery County

Some Restrictions

ORC 935.02(A)

No person shall possess a dangerous wild animal on or after January 1, 2014.

Animal Ordinances by City in Montgomery County

1 cities in Montgomery County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

All Montgomery County ordinances

See every category we cover for Montgomery County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Montgomery County Ordinance Hub →