Kennewick, WA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Basis for declaration
- conduct, not breed
- Liability coverage
- $250,000 minimum
- Permit renewal
- annual
- Appeal window
- 10 business days
Summary
Kennewick doesn't ban dog breeds by name: instead it requires an annual permit, $250,000 liability coverage, and a secure enclosure for any dog or animal declared dangerous or potentially dangerous based on its conduct.
No person shall have, keep or maintain any dangerous or potentially dangerous animal without first obtaining an annual permit from the Poundmaster. A permit will only be granted if the applicant has provided and maintains adequate and effective safeguards and controls for the animal, and has taken all necessary precautions to ensure that the animal will not become a nuisance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 19 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Kennewick's dangerous-animal program is behavior-based, not breed-based: KMC 8.02.010(10) and (18) define "Dangerous Animal" and "Potentially Dangerous Animal" by what the animal has done, inflicting severe injury, killing livestock, or menacing people, with the sole species-based exception that any bobcat or bobcat hybrid is automatically "dangerous." Once the Poundmaster declares an animal dangerous or potentially dangerous, the owner must get an annual permit, keep the animal in a proper enclosure, post warning signage, and carry a $250,000 surety bond or liability policy (KMC 8.02.320). Owners can appeal a declaration to Benton County District Court within ten business days (KMC 8.02.325).
Violations & Fines
Keeping a declared dangerous or potentially dangerous animal without the permit, enclosure, signage, and $250,000 coverage is a gross misdemeanor; a conviction lets the City seek a Benton County District Court order to destroy the animal (KMC 8.02.320(6)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kennewick ban pit bulls or other specific breeds?
What must an owner do once a dog is declared dangerous?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kennewick
How Kennewick compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Kennewick to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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