Walking Your Dog

In the City of Westerville, dog owners are responsible for maintaining control of their dog at all times.  This includes maintaining control of your dog when they are in or around the house and while walking or exercising. If you are going to walk your dog off leash, your dog should be able to respond to a quick recall or automatic sit-stay regardless of distractions. Until your dog is capable of responding to a quick recall or automatic sit-stay, Westerville Animal control recommends keeping your pet on a leash. Ordinance requires 6ft or less. When walking your dog in a public space, pet owners are encouraged to mutually agree with one another that it is okay to allow their dogs to meet. Dogs are required to be leashed in all parks.

Loose Dog

If you happen to see a dog that is either lost or on the loose, Westerville Animal Control recommends you do the following:

• Do not attempt to capture a scared animal if it is running loose in the area. To avoid being bitten, do not grab the dog by the collar.

• Call Westerville Animal Control at (614) 901-6863, ext. 1 and provide a description and location of the dog and direction of travel.

• If the dog has been safely located or retained, call Westerville Animal Control at (614) 901-6863 ext. 1

Cats

Cats that live indoors are known to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. A cat that lives outdoors has an average lifespan of three to five years, while an indoor cat can live from fifteen to twenty years. Providing your cat with scratching posts, toys, and anything that encourages their wild/hunting instincts will be beneficial for your indoor cat.

Outdoor cats are either stray, or their owners have let them outdoors. There is a difference between a stray cat and feral cat. Stray cats once had an owner/home and are able to be reunited with their previous owner. Stray cats can also be adopted and adapt to living in a home again, while feral cats are more than likely too fearful of humans and are unable to adapt to living in a home. Cats that are allowed to be outdoors and roam are more susceptible to acquiring diseases from other animals like raccoons, skunks and unvaccinated cats. Cats are not allowed to free roam within City limits, per ordinance 531.01.

Feral cats are considered to be wildlife in the City of Westerville and should be treated the same as other wildlife.

Feral Cats:

• Do NOT feed feral/stray cats
• Cover window wells
• Keep pet food inside
• Limit food placed out for birds and clean up under bird feeders