Get an Animal Permit

A person may apply for a permit for the keeping of certain animals within the jurisdiction of the City of Columbus Board of Health, per Columbus City Health Code 221.05. An animal permit application is available from the office of the Public Health Veterinarian. The number and type of animals is regulated, so it may be limited. Public safety, public health, animal confinement, animal cruelty, and animal welfare and other factors are considered in the application process.

“Domestic Animal(s) Requiring a Permit” shall mean a domestic animal included in, but not limited to, the following list:

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

• Domestic and Farm Animal Permits - Fact Sheet(PDF, 141KB)
• Domestic and Farm Animal Permit Application Form(PDF, 2MB)
• Poultry-Wild Bird-Pet Bird Biosecurity and Avian Influenza

New Domestic Farm Animal Regulations

Revisions to Columbus City Health Code 221.05 AND 221.06 became effective December 13, 2016.

• Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 261KB)