Animals & Pets

We know your animals are an important part of your lives. That's why the City of Columbus supports the needs of your furry friends. We provide a wide variety of community resources, such as animal rescue, animal shelters, pet adoption, dog parks and more to help keep your current pets happy and healthy - or to help you find a special pet that's waiting for the perfect home.

Farm & Domestic Animal Permits

Per Columbus City Health Code 221.05, you must apply for a permit to keep certain animals in the City of Columbus.  This includes: Alpaca, Bison, Camel, Caribou, Cattle, Deer, Donkey, Elk, Goat, Horse, Llama, Moose, Mule, Ox, Pig, Pony, Reindeer, Sheep, Water Buffalo, a kept outside bird, fowl, and/or any other animal so determined by the Department.

Key Documents

 

Animal Complaints & Concerns

Animal bites
Report a mammal bite or exposure to a bat by completing the Animal Bite Intake Form by printing our Paper form, or calling 614-645-7288. Animal bites can be dangerous. Some animals can even transmit rabies through a bite. A potential rabies exposure is an urgent medical issue.

Dangerous Animals
Report a complaint or service request to (614) 645-3111 or use the 311 online form. A dangerous animal is one that can hurt people, other animals, or property. It may be dangerous because it can spread disease, is aggressive, or is poisonous. 

Report Animal Cruelty
If you know of an animal that has been abandoned, neglected or mistreated, please contact Columbus Humane to investigate or direct you to the proper resource Report Animal Cruelty.

Mosquitoes, Ticks, & Rats
Visit our Vector Control Program for more information on these pests. 

 

Resources and Links

To help you discover how to take excellent care of your pets, consult the links below and learn about the many available resources in our City, including animal shelters, pet adoption, lost pets, pet safety, dog parks and more.

 

Resources

311
(614) 645-3111

Collection Days Lookup

Back to top