Avery’s Law (Ohio House Bill 247) is designed to improve public safety and encourage responsible dog ownership. The goal isn’t to punish caring pet owners — it’s to help prevent serious incidents before they happen and provide clearer guidance when dangerous situations occur.
Here’s what Ohio pet owners should know and how you can help protect both your dog and your family.
What the Law Focuses On
Avery’s Law is based on a dog’s behavior — not its breed. Dogs are only considered dangerous or vicious when there is documented aggressive behavior or an unprovoked attack. The law is intended to address serious safety concerns while still giving owners due process.
How Pet Owners Can Protect Themselves
Keep Your Dog Secure
Make sure your dog is always safely contained or supervised:
Use secure fencing and gates
Keep dogs leashed when off your property
Avoid leaving dogs unattended around unfamiliar people or animals
Be especially cautious around children and high-stress situations
Good containment and supervision can help prevent misunderstandings and accidents before they occur.
Address Behavior Concerns Early
If your dog shows signs of fear, reactivity, or aggression, don’t wait for the behavior to escalate.
Work with a professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist
Prioritize socialization and obedience training
Learn your dog’s triggers and manage them appropriately
Early intervention protects your dog as much as it protects others.
Be Proactive When Adopting a Pet
Before bringing a new dog into your home, take time to ask questions about the animal’s background, behavior history, and breed characteristics. Whether adopting from a shelter, rescue, or private owner, it’s important to understand:
How the dog behaves around children, strangers, and other animals
Any known history of aggression, fear, or anxiety
Previous bite incidents or behavioral concerns
The dog’s training and socialization experience
The breed’s typical temperament, energy level, and behavioral traits
Every breed has different needs, instincts, and activity levels. Researching and understanding the breed you are considering can help you determine whether the dog is a good fit for your home, lifestyle, and experience level. Some dogs may require more training, exercise, structure, or socialization than others.
A good match between a dog and its new family helps set everyone up for success. Asking thoughtful questions upfront and understanding the responsibilities that come with a particular breed can help prevent future behavioral issues and ensure you’re prepared to meet the dog’s needs responsibly.
Stay Current on Legal Requirements
Responsible ownership also means staying compliant with local and state regulations:
Maintain current licensing and identification
Follow leash laws and confinement requirements
Keep veterinary records up to date
If a dog is ever designated as dangerous or vicious, owners may also need to meet additional requirements such as special registration, stricter confinement standards, and liability insurance coverage.
Understand Seizure and Investigation Procedures
Under Avery’s Law, authorities may temporarily seize a dog after a serious attack while an investigation takes place. This process is intended to protect public safety while facts are reviewed — not to target responsible owners unfairly.
Knowing your rights, maintaining documentation, and demonstrating responsible care can help during any investigation.
Prevention Is the Best Protection
Most dog-related incidents are preventable. Training, supervision, secure containment, and responsible handling all go a long way toward keeping pets and people safe.
Bottom Line
Avery’s Law is ultimately about prevention, accountability, and community safety. Responsible pet owners who stay informed, address behavioral concerns early, ask the right questions before adopting, research breeds carefully, and follow safety guidelines are already taking the right steps to protect themselves and their dogs.
Nicole Laber, Cofounder and Fospice Mom