Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, and the content of this article is for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice. If you have specific legal questions or concerns, please consult with a licensed attorney in Ohio.

Ohio is a fabulous state with so many great things. From the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to the Home of the Buckeyes, the state just screams fun. But among the revelry exists a pervasive and important problem that’s too often overlooked: stray dogs in Ohio. Local shelters across the state are inundated with strays, and, when met with the trusting, hopeful eyes of a stray dog, it can be tempting to try to spare the dog the stay at the pound and just bring them home. But what are you supposed to do, legally, when you find a stray dog? And how long before a stay dog is legally yours in Ohio?

How Long Before A Stray Dog Is Legally Yours in Ohio?

How Long Before A Stray Dog Is Legally Yours in Ohio?

Animal Control impounds stray dogs in Ohio whose owners cannot be identified for a minimum of three days. Dogs with identifiable owners are held for 14 days. After that, they can be legally adopted or euthanized. 

These rules are outlined in Ohio Revised Code Section 955.16.

This holding period is intended to give the rightful owners a chance to find and be reunited with their dog. It also gives animal control the opportunity to vet the dog and ensure that it is fully vaccinated, microchipped, and rabies-free.

This is a pretty short holding period compared to other states in the region. For example, stray dogs in Indiana, one of Ohio’s neighbor states, are held for a minimum of 10 days.

However, it’s important to note that Ohio, like many states, gives its local municipalities the authority to govern stray dogs. So you can’t just look at the state-level laws to determine if you’re legally the owner of a stray dog that you find.

You also need to examine your local laws before you make any brash decisions. Otherwise, you may not just be separating that dog from their owner. You may be breaking the law. 

Luckily, the laws at the state level in Ohio align with the local laws in some of its biggest cities.

This is a refreshing difference than many other states. For instance, stray dogs in South Carolina can be seized and impounded by citizens, according to state law. However, the city of Columbia’s municipal code specifically states that citizens MUST surrender stray dogs to animal services, a straight forward contradiction.

These are complications that residents of Ohio’s major cities don’t need to worry about.

Stray Dogs In Columbus, Ohio

Stray dogs in Columbus that are impounded by animal services without ID are held for at least 3 days. Dogs found with IDs are held for 14 days. After that, you can adopt that dog and make it legally yours.

These laws (Title 23, Chapter 27 of the Columbus Municipal Code) align with the ordinances at the state level, making it easier for residents of Ohio to comply with laws regarding stray dogs. 

Stray Dogs in Cleveland, Ohio

Stray dogs found without licenses in Cleveland will be impounded by animal control and held for at least 3 days. Dogs found with licenses will be held for 14 days after contacting the owner. After these holding periods, those dogs can be legally adopted.

These laws are governed by Cleveland County Ordinance Section 603.03.

Stray Dogs In Ohio

These laws strike a balance between the rights of owners and the necessity of efficiently dealing with stray dogs in Ohio. They also highlight the importance of microchipping and properly registering your dog.

Otherwise, if they get lost, you may never see them again. 

Residents of Ohio who find stray dogs need to familiarize themselves with these laws as well as the ones at the state level to ensure they don’t accidentally break the law. But more than just keeping yourself covered, it’s about doing the right thing for the dog you found and the owner who lost them. Ohio has LOTS of dogs out there, you just need to find the right one.

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