Seattle, WA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Seattle's animal-control code, SMC Chapter 9.25, does not create a dangerous-dog list by breed, it says so directly. SMC 9.25.020(G) defines "dangerous animal" solely by conduct: an unprovoked bite that inflicts severe injury or death, or a repeat violation of the aggressive-behavior offense in SMC 9.25.084(G), and closes with the instruction that "the breed of a dog shall not be considered in any determination whether a dog is a 'dangerous animal' under this section." SMC 9.25.084(G) itself repeats the same breed-neutral line for the underlying biting/menacing offense.

Once the Director investigates and finds an animal dangerous under SMC 9.25.035, the owner must receive written notice of the reasons, the proposed disposition, humane euthanasia, transfer to a secure shelter at the owner's expense, or removal from Seattle, and a meeting date; the final order cannot issue sooner than 20 days after service. SMC 9.25.036 gives the owner ten calendar days from delivery of that order to file a written appeal with the Hearing Examiner, who reviews the case de novo with the City bearing the burden of proof.

Owning a declared dangerous animal, including a guard or attack dog, with knowledge or reckless disregard of its status is unlawful under SMC 9.25.083 and is punished as a gross misdemeanor under SMC 9.25.100(A), with sentencing that can be deferred for a two-year probationary period under RCW 35.20.255. An animal whose owner is convicted under SMC 9.25.083 must be humanely destroyed, and SMC 9.25.110 requires the Director to deny, suspend, or revoke any license for an animal found dangerous in any jurisdiction, not just Seattle.