How Many Pets (Dogs/Cats) Can You Own in Ohio?

The number of pets allowed per household in Ohio varies from one municipality to another. That's because, Ohio, like many other states, has no statewide law that dictates the number of dogs or cats you can have. Instead, each municipality within the Buckeye State is tasked with enacting its own pet ownership laws. In most Ohio cities, you can own 4 dogs or 4 cats without a permit. Make sure to research your local pet ownership laws if you're in the process of adding more furry friends to your household. Meanwhile, I've listed below some Ohio municipalities that have pet limit laws.

1. Canton, OH

In Canton, Ohio, no more than 5 dogs or 5 cats are allowed per dwelling unit. This restriction applies only to cats and dogs over four months of age, per the city's municipal code. If you wish to own more than 5 dogs or cats in the city, you need to obtain an annual $20 permit from the City License Bureau. Except for guide dogs, all dogs 3 months of age in the city of Canton are required to be registered. There is no registration requirement for cats in the city.

2. Lorain, OH

A maximum of 5 domestic animals are allowed per household in Lorain, Ohio. According to the city's municipal code, this restriction does not apply to kittens, puppies, hamsters, gerbils, or other small pets. The restriction applies to domestic animals, except small pets, in single-family dwellings, multiple-family dwellings, or apartments, within the City. There is an annual registration requirement for all dogs, except guide dogs, in the city. Cat owners in the city aren't required to register their felines. However, the city code requires that all cats and dogs over 4 months of age be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed vet.

3. Euclid, OH

In Euclid, Ohio, the pet ownership limit is 4 dogs or 4 cats per household. According to the city's municipal code, if you own more than 4 dogs or cats, you'll be allowed to continue such ownership. However, whenever any of your pets die, you won't be allowed to replace them if such replacement would bring the total number of animals in your household to more than 4. Furthermore, the city code allows no more than one pet in any dwelling unit in the City.

4. Mentor, OH

In residential districts within the city of Mentor, OH, each household is limited to 3 dogs over the age of four months. There is no limit on cats in the city, according to the city's website. All dogs are required to be leashed at all times when in public places within the city. In addition, the city's animal ordinance makes it unlawful for pet owners to permit their dogs to bark or howl to the extent that it disturbs the peace. All dogs in the city are required to wear valid license tags. Furthermore, both dog and cat owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets, both on public and private property within the city.

5. Delaware, OH

In the city of Delaware, Ohio, no household is allowed to own more than 3 dogs over ten weeks of age or older. There is no restriction on cats in the city, according to the city's animal ordinances. Whoever owns more than 3 adult dogs in the city is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. When off the premises of their owner, dogs are required to be on a leash not to exceed six feet in length.

6. Cleveland Heights, OH

The city of Cleveland Heights' municipal code allows a maximum of 2 dogs or cats, or a combination of one each, to be kept in any dwelling unit within the City. Violating this restriction is deemed a minor misdemeanor. Per Cleveland Heights' Animal Services, animals, except service animals, are not permitted in stores or malls within the city.

7. Grove City, OH

You may keep a maximum of 3 pets on the premises of any dwelling unit within the limits of Grove City, OH. For example, a dwelling unit can have 3 dogs, or 3 cats, or 2 dogs and 1 cat, or 2 cats and 1 dog. Puppies and kittens under three months old are excluded from this restriction, according to the city's animal ordinances.

8. Upper Arlington, OH

According to Upper Arlington's municipal code, you may keep a maximum of 4 cats, 4 dogs, or any combination of cats and dogs not exceeding 4 in any single- or multi-family dwelling within this city. This restriction, according to the city code, does not apply to puppies and kittens under 4 months of age.

9. Brunswick, OH

Not more than 4 dogs or 4 cats, except puppies and kittens under 3 months old, may be kept in any single-family dwelling in the City of Brunswick, OH. According to the city's municipal code, any person who violates this restriction is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

10. Fairborn, OH

In Fairborn, OH, you can not keep more than 4 dogs, 4 cats, or a combination of dogs and cats exceeding more than 4 on a residentially used or zoned premises. According to the city's municipal code, dogs and cats 3 months of age or younger are not subject to this restriction. Keeping 5 or more dogs or cats in a residential district within the city constitutes a kennel, which requires a kennel license.

Are there any dog breeds banned or restricted in Ohio?

While Ohio doesn’t have a statewide law that bans or restricts particular dog breeds, some municipalities in the state have Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) around pit bulls. In the city of Fairfield, OH, for example, Pit bulls are banned by the city's municipal code. In Upper Arlington, OH, Pit bulls are declared "Vicious dogs" and restricted accordingly. If you're considering keeping a pit bull, make sure to research the pet ownership laws in your city.