Dogs in unincorporated King County must be on leash or under physical control when off the owner's property under KCC 11.04.230. Off-leash is prohibited in all public spaces except designated off-leash dog areas.
King County Code 11.04.230 requires every dog owner to keep the dog under restraint when off the owner's premises. Restraint means on a leash under control of a competent person, or confined within a vehicle, or securely controlled in an enclosed area. The leash law applies throughout unincorporated King County including county roads, parks, trails, and adjacent commercial areas. King County Parks operates designated off-leash areas (OLAs) including Marymoor Park (largest OLA in the region), Grandview Off-Leash Park, and others where dogs may be off-leash if under voice control. Seattle has separate off-leash parks under Seattle Municipal Code. Even in off-leash areas, aggressive or nuisance dogs may be ordered back on leash by park staff. Livestock chasing is a separate offense under RCW 16.08.020. Service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act are generally exempt from leash requirements when necessary for the handler's disability.
Civil infraction under KCC 11.04.430. First offense 50 dollars, second offense within 2 years 100 dollars, third offense 250 dollars. Impoundment fees apply if dog is picked up by animal control.
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, fences 6 feet or less in height may be built on or within property lines without a building permit. Fences over 6 feet require...
King County, WA
Unincorporated King County's marine shoreline along Puget Sound and Vashon-Maury Island is regulated under the Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58), the King...
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, an above-ground pool that can hold water more than 24 inches deep is regulated as a swimming pool under the Washington State R...
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, a one-story detached storage shed of 200 square feet or less, accessory to a residential or agricultural use, is exempt from a...
King County, WA
Unincorporated King County requires private swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least five feet high under K.C.C. 16.70.020, with self-closing/self...
King County, WA
King County Ordinance 18467 (2017) limits county cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and Washington's Keep Washington Working Act (RCW 10.93.16...
See how King County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.