Bellevue, WA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Washington state law RCW 16.08.090 (effective January 2020) bars municipalities and counties from enacting or enforcing breed-specific bans or restrictions. Bellevue and King County have therefore repealed any prior breed-specific rules. All dogs regardless of breed are subject to the same licensing, leash, and containment rules. Dangerous dog designations are behavior-based under RCW 16.08.070 and King County Code 11.04: a dog that without provocation inflicts severe injury, kills a pet animal, or has been found to be potentially dangerous and then aggressively attacks can be classified as dangerous. A potentially dangerous dog is one that chases or menaces people or animals. Owners of dangerous dogs must carry liability insurance of at least $250,000, confine the dog in a secure enclosure, post warning signs, and may be required to microchip, muzzle in public, and spay or neuter. Violations can result in seizure and euthanasia orders. Homeowners insurance may still exclude specific breeds independent of municipal law.