Bothell, WA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Core rule
- No dog at large or off leash outside a kennel or fenced area
- Off leash exception
- City-designated off leash dog access areas
- Park leash limit
- Leash, tether or chain not to exceed eight feet
- First violation
- $100.00 civil infraction
- Repeat violation
- $250.00 each in any 12-month period
- Impound hold
- 10 days if licensed, 72 hours otherwise
Summary
In the City of Bothell, Washington, any dog running at large, including any dog not controlled by leash, is a nuisance under BMC 6.16.010(B) unless securely contained by a kennel, private fenced area or a city-designated off leash dog access area. In parks, a leash, tether or chain cannot exceed eight feet. First violations cost $100.00.
Nuisances are violations of this title and shall be defined as follows: ... B. Any dog running at large within the city including any dog which is not controlled by leash unless securely contained by a kennel, private fenced area, or public area designated by the city as an off leash dog access area; C. Any domesticated animal, whether licensed or not, which runs at large in any park, or enters any public beach, pond, fountain, or stream therein, or upon any public playground or school ground. This section shall not prohibit a person from walking or exercising an animal in a public park or on any public beach when such animal is on a leash, tether, or chain not to exceed eight feet in length.
Full Breakdown
BMC 6.16.010 defines nuisances under the animal code, and subsection B covers dogs: any dog running at large within the city, including any dog which is not controlled by leash, unless securely contained by a kennel, private fenced area, or public area designated by the city as an off leash dog access area. BMC 6.04.020 defines running at large as being off the premises of the owner and not under the immediate control of the owner or a competent person authorized by the owner. Police dogs, search and rescue dogs and other working dogs training or working under their handler's control are presumed not to be running at large.
Subsection C extends the rule to parks. A domesticated animal, licensed or not, that runs at large in any park, or enters any public beach, pond, fountain or stream there, or goes onto any public playground or school ground, is a nuisance. Walking or exercising an animal in a public park or on a public beach is allowed when the animal is on a leash, tether or chain not to exceed eight feet in length. Exceptions cover disabled persons using a trained animal, veterinary offices or hospitals, and animal shows, exhibitions or organized dog training classes where at least 24 hours' advance notice was given to the animal control authority.
"Under control" means on a leash or under physical control so the animal cannot approach, intimidate or injure anyone. An animal that charges, chases, jumps on or displays aggression toward people or animals is not under control. Related nuisances include animals running in packs, animals staked or tethered on public property without prior written consent of the animal control authority, and a domesticated animal entering another person's property without permission (BMC 6.16.010(K), (L), (O)). Owners also have to remove feces their animal deposits on public property or another person's private property before leaving the area (BMC 6.16.020(B)).
Impounded licensed animals are held at least 10 days, other animals at least 72 hours (BMC 6.24.120(B)).
Violations & Fines
Violations of Chapter 6.16 are civil infractions under BMC 6.16.030: $100.00 for the first notice of violation and $250.00 for each successive violation in any 12-month period, with second and later penalties not suspended or deferred. Redemption of an impounded dog requires the fee set by city resolution (BMC 6.24.130). After three notices in 12 months, a nuisance animal can be abated and removed from the city (BMC 6.24.060(B)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs have to be on a leash in Bothell?
How long can a leash be in a Bothell park?
What does running at large mean?
What happens if my dog is impounded?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bothell
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