Skagit County, WA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

002 defines "dangerous dog" by what the animal actually does. A dog becomes "dangerous" if it inflicts severe injury on an unprovoked human, kills a domestic animal (other than poultry) off the owner's property, kills poultry in five or more separate incidents, is a repeat offender after a prior potentially-dangerous determination, was already declared dangerous by another jurisdiction, or is simply not domesticated. A lesser "potentially dangerous dog" finding covers unprovoked biting, menacing approaches on public property, or a known propensity to attack. 010 lets the County make the determination by a preponderance of the evidence, based on a written complaint, official dog-bite reports, an officer's own observation, or other substantial evidence including reliable hearsay, and requires the written finding to be served on the owner by certified mail, personal service, or newspaper publication if the owner cannot be located.

005 lets the County treat some or all dogs in a household of more than 15 as potentially dangerous or dangerous if one or more meets the criteria, unless the owner can identify the specific animal responsible. 025 imposes restraint conditions, including warning signs, secure confinement or muzzling, and for dangerous dogs a $250,000 bond or liability policy. 015 within 20 days of service.