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Everett, WA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Leash/tether limit
8 feet, under owner's control
Fine
Up to $250 infraction (EMC 6.04.140)
Licensed-dog hold
144 hours (6 days)
Unlicensed-dog hold
72 hours (3 days)
Shelter
333 Smith Island Road, Everett
Exception
Licensed domestic cats

Summary

Everett bans letting a dog run at large anywhere off its owner's property unless it is on a leash, tether or other physical control device no longer than eight feet, under EMC 6.04.070(B)(1). Animal control officers issue a $250 infraction citation for violations, and the Everett Animal Shelter impounds any dog found at large.

Animal at Large. Any animal off the property of its owner, unless restrained by leash, tether or other physical control device not to exceed eight feet in length and under the physical control of a responsible person, whether or not the owner of such animal, or which enters upon the property of another person without authorization of that person, shall be deemed "at large." ... It shall be unlawful for any person to: 1. Permit any animal to be at large. Exception: licensed domestic cats;

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 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Everett's animal control code defines when a dog counts as loose. 020 states: "Animal at Large. 070(B)(1) makes it unlawful to "[p]ermit any animal to be at large," with the code's only built-in exception for licensed domestic cats. 070(B)(4)). 130. 090(F). 020.

Violations & Fines

Letting a dog run at large is an infraction under EMC 6.04.140(A), punishable by a fine up to $250, unless the conduct also violates Everett's dangerous dog chapter (EMC 6.08), which can bring stiffer, criminal penalties. Animal control impounds any loose dog it catches: a dog with a current license tag is held 144 hours (six days) before disposition, while an unlicensed dog is held only 72 hours (three days), under EMC 6.04.090(F). The owner cannot reclaim an impounded dog until all fines, fees and impoundment costs are paid in full, per EMC 6.04.090(G)(2).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can my dog's leash be in Everett?
EMC 6.04.020 defines "at large" as being off your property unless restrained by "a leash, tether or other physical control device not to exceed eight feet in length" and under a responsible person's control. Anything longer, or a dog you cannot actually control, counts as at large and can draw a citation.
Are cats exempt from Everett's leash law?
Yes. EMC 6.04.070(B)(1) bans letting any animal run at large but carves out an exception for "licensed domestic cats." An unlicensed cat gets no exemption, and any cat that becomes a nuisance by trespassing on someone else's property is separately barred under EMC 6.04.070(B)(2).
What happens if animal control picks up my loose dog?
It goes to the Everett Animal Shelter at 333 Smith Island Road. Under EMC 6.04.090(F), a dog wearing a current license tag is held 144 hours (six days) before disposition, while an unlicensed dog is held only 72 hours (three days). All fines and fees must be paid before the shelter releases the animal.
Can my dog be off leash anywhere in Everett?
Only in areas the parks and recreation director specifically designates as off-leash inside a city park, under the separate rule at EMC 9.06.060. Everywhere else in the city, including sidewalks, streets and undesignated park areas, the citywide at-large ban in EMC 6.04.070(B)(1) applies.

Sources & Official References

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