Everett, WA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed bans
- None: no restricted-breed list
- Declaration basis
- Documented behavior, not breed
- Old breed rule
- Repealed by Ord. 3705-19 (2019)
- Burden of proof
- Can't rest on breed alone
Summary
Everett's dangerous-dog ordinance evaluates dogs on documented behavior, not breed: the code bars declaring a dog dangerous based solely on breed, and Everett repealed its old breed-specific criteria in 2019.
The state may not meet its burden of proof that the owner should have known the dog was potentially dangerous solely by showing the dog to be a particular breed or breeds. ... 'All Potentially Dangerous Dog designations which were entered solely based on the breed-specific criteria of former Section 2 of Ordinance No. 1228-86 ... and not based on the dog's behavior, shall be removed ...'
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Everett has no breed-specific ban or restricted-breed list. Dogs are declared 'potentially dangerous' or 'dangerous' under EMC 6.08.030 only on probable cause tied to documented behavior, a named witness's complaint, a filed bite report, conduct an officer personally witnessed, or other substantial evidence, with no breed criterion listed anywhere in that process. EMC 6.08.045(E) further bars the city from meeting its burden of proof in a severe-injury prosecution solely by showing the dog to be a particular breed. A reviser's note to EMC 6.08.050 confirms Everett repealed its earlier breed-specific designations from 1986's Ord. 1228-86 via Ord. 3705-19 § 11, removing any designation based solely on breed rather than behavior.
Violations & Fines
There's no breed-based violation to cite: a dog is only restricted after an individualized dangerous-dog declaration under EMC 6.08.030, based on documented conduct rather than breed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Everett ban pit bulls or other breeds?
Did Everett ever have breed restrictions?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
How Everett compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Everett to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle breed restrictions.