Ohio § 956.03
Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 956.03, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 956.03.
(A) The director of agriculture shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of
the Revised Code establishing all of the following: (1) Requirements and procedures governing high volume breeders, including the licensing
and inspection of and record keeping by high volume breeders, in addition to the requirements
and procedures established in this chapter. The rules shall include a requirement that a high volume breeder keep and maintain
a record of veterinary care for each dog kept, housed, and maintained by the high
volume breeder. The rules shall require the records to be kept and maintained for three years after
the care is provided by a veterinarian. (2) Requirements and procedures for conducting background investigations of each applicant
for a license issued under section 956.04 of the Revised Code in order to determine if the applicant has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to
an offense the director determines is a disqualifying offense under section 9.79 of the Revised Code ; (3) Requirements and procedures governing dog brokers, including the licensing of and
record keeping by dog brokers, in addition to the requirements and procedures established
in this chapter; (4) The form of applications for licenses issued under this chapter and the information
that is required to be submitted in the applications; (5) The form of an application for registration and registration renewal as an animal
rescue for dogs under this chapter and the information that is required to be provided
with a registration or registration renewal, including the name and address of each
foster home that an animal rescue for dogs utilizes; (6) A requirement that each high volume breeder submit to the director, with an application
for a high volume breeder license, evidence of insurance or, in the alternative, evidence
of a surety bond payable to the state to ensure compliance with this chapter and rules
adopted under it. The face value of the insurance coverage or bond shall be in the following amounts: (a) Five thousand dollars for high volume breeders keeping, housing, and maintaining
not more than twenty-five adult dogs; (b) Ten thousand dollars for high volume breeders keeping, housing, and maintaining at
least twenty-six adult dogs, but not more than fifty adult dogs; (c) Fifty thousand dollars for high volume breeders keeping, housing, and maintaining
more than fifty adult dogs. The rules shall require that the insurance be payable to the state or that the surety
bond be subject to redemption by the state, as applicable, upon a suspension or revocation
of a high volume breeder license for the purpose of paying for the maintenance and
care of dogs that are seized or otherwise impounded from the high volume breeder in
accordance with this chapter. (7)(a) For high volume breeders, standards of care governing all of the following: (i) Housing; (ii) Nutrition; (iii) Exercise; (iv) Grooming; (v) Biosecurity and disease control; (vi) Waste management; (vii) Whelping; (viii) Any other general standards of care for dogs. (b) In adopting rules under division (A)(7)(a) of this section, the director shall consider
the following factors, without limitation: (i) Best management practices for the care and well-being of dogs; (ii) Biosecurity; (iii) The prevention of disease; (iv) Morbidity and mortality data; (v) Generally accepted veterinary medical standards and ethical standards established
by the American veterinary medical association; (vi) Standards established by the United States department of agriculture under the federal
animal welfare act as defined in section 959.131 of the Revised Code . (8) Procedures for inspections conducted under section 956.10 of the Revised Code in addition to the procedures established in that section, and procedures for making
records of the inspections; (9)(a) A requirement that an in-state retailer of a puppy or adult dog provide to the purchaser
the complete name, address, and telephone number of all high volume breeders, dog
brokers, and private owners that kept, housed, or maintained the puppy or adult dog
prior to its coming into the possession of the retailer or proof that the puppy or
adult dog was acquired through an animal rescue for dogs, animal shelter for dogs,
or humane society, or a valid health certificate from the state of origin pertaining
to the puppy or adult dog; (b) A requirement that an out-of-state retailer of a puppy or adult dog that is conducting
business in this state provide to the purchaser a valid health certificate from the
state of origin pertaining to the puppy or adult dog and the complete name, address,
and telephone number of all breeders, brokers, and private owners that kept, housed,
or maintained the puppy or adult dog prior to its coming into the possession of the
retailer or proof that the puppy or adult dog was acquired through an animal rescue
for dogs, animal shelter for dogs, or humane society in this state or another state. (10) A requirement that a high volume breeder or a dog broker who advertises the sale
of a puppy or adult dog include with the advertisement the vendor number assigned
by the tax commissioner to the high volume breeder or to the dog broker if the sale
of the puppy or dog is subject to the tax levied under Chapter 5739. of the Revised
Code; (11) A requirement that a licensed high volume breeder and a licensed dog broker comply
with Chapter 5739. of the Revised Code. The rules shall authorize the director to suspend or revoke a license for failure
to comply with that chapter. The director shall work in conjunction with the tax commissioner for the purposes
of rules adopted under this division. (12) Requirements and procedures governing pet stores, including requirements and procedures
governing the initial licensing of pet stores and the renewal of pet store licenses; (13) The application form for a license issued under division (A) of section 956.21 of the Revised Code and the information that is required to be submitted in the application; (14) Requirements governing permanent implanted identification microchips for dogs to
be sold at a pet store and by a dog broker; (15) Any other requirements and procedures that are determined by the director to be necessary
for the administration and enforcement of this chapter and rules adopted under it. However, rules adopted under this division shall not establish additional requirements
and procedures governing animal rescues for dogs other than those adopted under division
(A)(5) of this section. (B) The director of agriculture may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the
Revised Code establishing disease testing protocols and vaccination requirements for
dogs to be sold at a pet store.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 956.03
What does Ohio Revised Code § 956.03 cover?
Section 956.03 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Ohio § 956.03?
A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 956.03" (Ohio). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Ohio law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.
How does Ohio § 956.03 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.