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

Lakewood Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals) governs dog control. LMC 6.02.010 defines "at large" as off the premises of the owner or keeper of the dog, cat, or animal, and not under restraint by leash or chain by a competent person. LMC 6.04.010 makes it unlawful for an owner to keep or allow animals at large on public property; any dog, cat, or other animal entering or trespassing on public property may be seized and impounded, except in areas of the City designated as off-leash. The primary off-leash area is the Fort Steilacoom Off-Leash Dog Park (8804 Dresden Ln SW), a 22-acre fenced area with a separate small-dog section. Outside that fenced enclosure, including on the paved Waughop Lake trail and the rest of Fort Steilacoom Park, dogs must be leashed. Related Title 6 chapters cover dogs chasing vehicles (LMC 6.04), dogs jumping on or threatening pedestrians, animal waste/owner responsibility (LMC 6.02.086), licensing of dogs and cats over 8 weeks (LMC 6.06), and potentially dangerous and dangerous dogs (LMC 6.10). Statewide, RCW 16.08.040 holds dog owners strictly liable for bites occurring in public places or where the bitten person is lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog's prior behavior, with provocation as a complete defense. RCW 16.08.090 addresses dangerous dog confinement and is incorporated through LMC 6.10. Animal control complaints, including aggressive or unleashed dogs, can be reported to Lakewood Animal Control at (253) 830-5010, and dog/cat licenses are administered through PetData, Inc. ((866) 594-1283), with all licenses expiring December 31 each year.