Marysville, WA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Basis
- behavior, not breed
- Declared by
- police department
- Appeal to
- Marysville municipal court
- Permit fee
- $100
- No permit
- seizure, up to 5-day hold
Summary
Marysville police can formally declare a dog potentially dangerous or dangerous based on bite reports, witnessed conduct, or a citizen's sworn complaint, triggering registration and restriction requirements under state law.
The department may find and declare an animal potentially dangerous/dangerous if an animal control officer has probable cause to believe that the animal falls within the definitions set forth in MMC § 10.04.390. The finding must be based upon:
(a) The written complaint of a citizen who is willing to testify that the animal has acted in a manner which causes it to fall within the definition of MMC § 10.04.390; or
(b) Dog bite reports filed with the police department; or
(c) Actions of the dog witnessed by any animal control officer or law enforcement officer; or
(d) Other substantial evidence.
(2) The declaration of potentially dangerous/dangerous dog shall be in writing and shall be served on the owner in one of the following methods:
(a) Certified mail to the owner's last known address; or
(b) Personally; or
(c) If the owner cannot be located by one of the first two methods, by publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
(3) The declaration shall state at least:
(a) The description of the animal;
(b) The name and address of the owner, if known;
(c) The location of the animal if not in custody of the owner;
(d) The facts upon which the declaration of potentially dangerous dog is based;
(e) The restrictions placed on the animal; and
(f) The ability and process for appealing the declaration to the Marysville municipal court. (Ord. 2013 § 41, 1995; Ord. 2404 § 1, 2002)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4922912; v1 updated 2026-06-08; through 06-08-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under MMC § 10.04.410, the police department decides whether a dog is potentially dangerous or dangerous by conduct, not breed, using the RCW 16.08.070 definitions incorporated at § 10.04.390. A declaration must rest on a citizen's written, sworn complaint, a filed dog-bite report, an officer's own observation, or other substantial evidence, and it is served on the owner by mail, in person, or publication. Owners may appeal to Marysville municipal court and must then register the dog and pay a $100 permit fee under § 10.04.420.
Violations & Fines
Owners who fail to obtain the required permit or file an appeal for a declared potentially dangerous dog risk seizure and impoundment, with the animal held no more than five days before destruction under MMC § 10.04.420.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Marysville ban specific dog breeds?
What happens if I skip the permit for a declared dangerous dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marysville
How Marysville compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Marysville to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle breed restrictions.