Federal Way, WA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed-specific ban
- None; breed is one factor only
- Dangerous dog possession
- Unlawful once finally declared
- Penalty
- Gross misdemeanor (FWRC 9.25.010)
- State law adopted
- Chapter 16.08 RCW, in full
- Vicious-animal factors
- Breed, size, fencing, incident severity
Summary
Federal Way has no breed-specific ban; instead FWRC 9.25.010 makes it unlawful to own or possess a dog once it is declared dangerous, a gross misdemeanor forcing the owner to surrender or remove the dog, and breed is only one factor weighed in a separate vicious animal designation under FWRC 9.25.110.
It is unlawful to own or possess a dangerous dog within the city limits of the city of Federal Way. Upon final designation of a dog as a dangerous dog, the dog must either be surrendered to the animal services authority or be removed from the city limits of Federal Way by the owner or keeper of the dog. Any violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor. Owners or keepers of dangerous dogs shall be strictly liable for any damage caused by the dangerous dogs. ... In prescribing requirements to be observed in compliance with this chapter, the director shall take into consideration the following factors: (1) The breed of the animal and its characteristics;
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Federal Way does not ban any dog breed by name. 08 RCW, Washington's statewide dangerous dog statute, in its entirety, and the city's own chapter controls only where it conflicts with that state law. 010 makes it unlawful to own or possess that dog within city limits at all: the owner must either surrender it to the animal services authority or physically remove it from Federal Way, and owners are strictly liable for any damage the dog causes. Violating the possession ban is a gross misdemeanor.
020 exempts a dog from a dangerous designation if the injured person was trespassing, committing a tort or a crime, or had previously tormented, abused or assaulted the dog. 030 is held at the owner's expense pending any appeal, and once the designation is final the dog is humanely destroyed unless the animal services authority allows its release for removal from the city. 120.
Violations & Fines
Owning or possessing a dog after a final dangerous-dog designation is a gross misdemeanor under FWRC 9.25.010(3). Failing to comply with conditions the director imposes on a vicious animal is a separate misdemeanor under FWRC 9.25.130, and any animal kept in violation can be impounded by the animal services authority with no right of redemption to the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Federal Way ban pit bulls or other specific breeds?
What happens once my dog is officially declared dangerous?
Can I get my dog back after it's confiscated as dangerous?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
How Federal Way compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Federal Way to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle breed restrictions.