Lynnwood, WA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Max leash length
- 8 feet
- First offense fine
- $25.00
- Second offense fine
- $50.00
- Repeat violation
- Misdemeanor, up to 90 days/$1,000
- Exception
- Posted dog training areas
Summary
Lynnwood bars dogs and other domestic animals from running at large citywide, defining "at large" as off the owner's property and not on a leash, cord or chain of eight feet or less, with fines starting at $25 for a first offense.
No domestic animal, or exotic animal or livestock of any kind, shall be permitted to run at large during any hours of the day or night. Domestic cats shall be exempt from this code. ... Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a civil infraction and shall pay a monetary fine as follows: first offense, $25.00; second offense, $50.00.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 3512, passed May 26, 2026).
Full Breakdown
070(A) provides that no domestic animal, exotic animal or livestock of any kind shall be permitted to run at large during any hours of the day or night, and it applies around the clock, not just at night. 015(E) as off the premises of the owner and not under the immediate control of the owner, a family member, or an authorized person, by means of a leash, cord or chain not longer than eight feet in length. The section carves out one exception: dogs in special areas designated and posted by the chief of police as dog training areas, so long as the trainer's rules are followed and the dogs remain under the trainer's custody and control.
070(B) also obligates anyone who takes in a stray found in the city to release it to a city officer or animal shelter on demand, at no charge. 104 LMC, covering impound, boarding, transport and apprehension costs regardless of whether the owner later redeems the animal.
Violations & Fines
A first at-large violation is a civil infraction carrying a $25.00 fine and a second offense $50.00 under LMC 6.02.070(C). An owner who ignores a civil infraction notice, or who racks up two infractions within 12 months and offends again, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days confinement and a fine not to exceed $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my dog's leash be in Lynnwood?
What is the fine for a dog running loose in Lynnwood?
Are cats allowed to roam free in Lynnwood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lynnwood
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Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle dog leash laws.