Exotic Pet Laws in Ohio

Legal ownership of an exotic pet varies from state to state. While some state laws outright ban the possession of an exotic animal, others enforce partial bans or require permits for ownership of pets such as kangaroos or alligators. In Ohio, permits and certificates do come into play.

  1. Legal Import

    • According to Ohio's laws governing the private ownership of exotic animals, non-domestic animals cannot be imported into the state unless it is in complete compliance with any other state and federal agencies' rules and regulations. The animal also must be free of disease or parasites that are harmful to humans or animals. Legal import of non-domestic animals into Ohio requires that the animal be accompanied by both an entry permit and certification stating that a veterinarian has inspected the animal.

    Negative Disease Testing

    • Animals that test negatively for disease but were exposed to animals that tested positively can enter the state if they carry with them a consignee (the animal's recipient) letter of consent and permission of the division of animal industry's chief. The director of agriculture appoints the chief, who is a state-accredited and licensed veterinarian, to "promote and protect the livestock, poultry and other animal interests of the state, prevent the spread of dangerously contagious or infectious disease, provide for the control and eradication of such disease and cooperate with the United States department of agriculture in such work."

    Legal Documents and Residency

    • Animals must also come with the necessary documents to prove legal residency in their state or country of origin, like license numbers of appropriate state and federal permits or tenure status on certificate of veterinary inspection.

    Disease in Mammals

    • To enter into the state, mammals must first be tested for four diseases, three of which can spread to humans: brucellosis, which causes flu-like symptoms in people; tuberculosis, a disease that primarily harms the lungs but can attack any part of the body; pseudorabies, which starts by attacking the central nervous system and is eventually fatal; and equine infectious anemia, a condition in which the body's healthy red blood cell count is too low. Equine infectious anemia does not effect humans.

    Disease in Birds

    • Birds must be tested for pullorum and fowl typhoid, two similar conditions that cause infection and sudden death in young birds; mycoplasmosis, a respiratory disease; and Newcastle disease, another respiratory problem that leads to paralysis.

    Non-Testing Exceptions

    • In some cases, certifications or statements of the animal's health from the owner or owner's representative can be used in lieu of tests.