03/21/2026
Avery’s Law (House Bill 247)—goes into effect March 20, 2026, bringing significant changes to dog ownership and liability in Ohio. If you own a dog, this matters to you.
What’s changing?
The definition of a “dangerous dog” has expanded. In certain situations, a dog may now be designated dangerous without a traditional bite. Incidents such as:
• Serious injury to a person
• Serious injury or death of another dog
• Repeated nuisance violations
• Other concerning behaviors
can now trigger legal consequences. Some violations may fall under strict liability, meaning intent or prior history may not matter.
Who is responsible?
Liability may extend beyond the owner to anyone considered a “keeper” or “harborer” of a dog. This can include:
• Shelters
• Boarding facilities
• Groomers & trainers
• Anyone temporarily caring for a dog
• Even individuals who take in a stray—even short-term
What this means for pet owners:
• Secure containment is more important than ever
• Licensing and compliance are essential
• Past behavior should be disclosed to service providers
• A single serious, unprovoked incident can carry major consequences
From our shelter’s perspective:
To comply with this law and protect our community:
• We will ask detailed questions about a dog’s behavior and history
• We will thoroughly document all information provided
• We will make placement decisions based on safety, ethics, and liability
If we determine a dog is not safe to adopt out, that decision is made to protect adopters, other pets, our staff, and the community.
As always, we remain committed to:
- Responsible ownership
- Thoughtful placements
-The safest possible outcomes for both people and pets
Please note: This post is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For specific questions, we recommend contacting an attorney or your insurance provider and reviewing official state resources.
Together, we can ensure a safer community for everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike.