Federal Way, WA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length cap
- 20 feet (FWRC 9.05.010)
- Off-leash exception
- designated park areas, posted times
- Licensed-dog hold
- 120 hrs after phone notice
- Unidentified-dog hold
- 72 hours minimum
- Repeat nuisance
- 3 violations/365 days = removal
Summary
Federal Way declares any dog running at large a public nuisance, and the code defines a leash as a cord, rope, thong or chain no more than 20 feet long. Animal services officers can cite the owner and impound the dog under Chapter 9.05 FWRC.
(2) The following are declared to be public nuisances: (a) Any dog running at large within the city is a public nuisance. This section does not apply when the dog is on the property of another person with the permission of the owner of the property; on public property designated to allow dog competitions sanctioned by national organizations; at animal shows, exhibitions or organized dog-training classes where at least 24 hours' advance notice has been given to the animal services authority; or in an officially designated off-leash area of a city park during the designated times.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
010 defines "running at large" as being off the owner's premises and neither secured by a leash nor under the owner's control, while a "leash" is capped at 20 feet. The nuisance rule does not apply when a dog is on another person's property with permission, at a sanctioned dog competition or show, in an organized training class with 24 hours' advance notice to the animal services authority, or in a city park's officially designated off-leash area during posted hours. "Under control" additionally requires voice or signal control sufficient to keep the dog from approaching bystanders or other animals off-leash.
350, holding a currently licensed dog for at least 120 hours after phone notice or seven days after mailed notice, and unidentified dogs for at least 72 hours. Redemption requires payment of the redemption fee plus a daily boarding charge set by the city's fee resolution. 370, with the cost billed to the owner.
Violations & Fines
Violating the leash/at-large rule is enforced as a civil infraction under Chapter 1.15 FWRC per FWRC 9.05.050, with the director setting the penalty amount based on the nature and gravity of the violation and the owner's compliance history. Three violations of Title 9 within 365 days, or two unprovoked bites within five years, gets the dog declared a public nuisance and it can be ordered removed from the city under FWRC 9.18.110.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash anywhere in Federal Way?
How long is a legal leash in Federal Way?
What happens if animal services picks up my at-large dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle dog leash laws.