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Lakewood, WA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Declaring authority: Animal control officer, probable cause
Appeal deadline: 20 calendar days, no fee
Potentially dangerous permit fee: $250 initial, $250 annual renewal
Dangerous dog permit fee: $500 initial, $500 annual renewal
Liability coverage (dangerous dog): $250,000 bond or insurance
Governing state law: Chapter 16.08 RCW, adopted by reference
Max penalty: 90 days jail, $1,000 fine

Summary

Lakewood declares a dog dangerous or potentially dangerous under LMC 6.10, incorporating Washington's Chapter 16.08 RCW by reference. An animal control officer with probable cause serves the owner a written declaration describing the dog, the incident and the restrictions imposed. The owner can request a meeting with the City Manager and later appeal the declaration to Lakewood Municipal Court within 20 calendar days.

A. The City of Lakewood may find and declare an animal dangerous or potentially dangerous if an animal control officer has probable cause to believe that the animal falls within the definitions set forth in RCW 16.08.070(1). ... ... D. Upon the issuance of a declaration, the owner shall be notified in writing that he or she is entitled to an opportunity to meet with the City Manager or designee, at which meeting the owner may give, orally or in writing, any reasons or information as to why the dog should not be declared dangerous or potentially dangerous.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 852, passed June 15, 2026).

Full Breakdown

08 RCW in its entirety, so the state definitions of a dangerous dog and a potentially dangerous dog control what an animal control officer may act on. 010, the officer must have probable cause based on a citizen's written complaint, a dog bite report, a witnessed incident, or other substantial evidence before declaring a dog dangerous or potentially dangerous. The written declaration must be served by certified mail, personally, or by newspaper publication if the owner cannot be located, and it must describe the dog, state the facts relied on, list the restrictions imposed, and explain the penalties, including possible destruction of the dog and criminal charges against the owner.

010(D) entitles the owner to meet with the City Manager or a designee to argue against the declaration before it becomes final. 070 definition by a preponderance of the evidence. 00 annual renewal for a dangerous dog. 027(A). 020(C).

Violations & Fines

Violating any provision of LMC Chapter 6.10 is a misdemeanor under LMC 6.10.050(A), punishable under LMC 6.02.010's definition by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, except where Chapter 16.08 RCW sets a different penalty. Animal control must immediately confiscate a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog that commits an act listed in RCW 16.08.100(1). The owner pays all shelter, veterinary, and breed-identification costs from the seizure, and Municipal Court may order the dog destroyed if it finds a continuing threat of serious harm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Lakewood decide a dog is dangerous or potentially dangerous?

An animal control officer must have probable cause under LMC 6.10.010, based on a citizen's written complaint, a dog bite report, a witnessed incident, or other substantial evidence. The officer serves the owner a written declaration by certified mail, in person, or by publication, describing the dog, the facts, the restrictions and the penalties for violating them.

Can I appeal a dangerous dog declaration in Lakewood?

Yes. File a written notice of appeal with the Lakewood Municipal Court clerk within 20 calendar days of being served; there is no filing fee. At the hearing the City must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the dog meets the RCW 16.08.070 definition.

What does a Lakewood dangerous dog permit cost?

A potentially dangerous dog permit costs $250.00 to obtain and $250.00 each year to renew under LMC 6.10.020. A dangerous dog permit costs $500.00 initially and $500.00 annually, and the owner must also carry at least $250,000 in liability insurance or an equivalent surety bond.

What happens if I don't get the required permit?

The animal control agency may seize and impound the dog and hold it for up to five days after notifying the owner before destroying it under LMC 6.10.020(C). Keeping an unpermitted dangerous dog is also a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $1,000 fine.

Sources & Official References

[1]Lakewood Municipal Code

How Lakewood compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview

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