Shoreline, WA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SMC § 6.05.040
- Leash presumed sufficient
- 8 feet or less
- Exempt species
- cats and birds
- First violation penalty
- $25.00
- Repeat violation penalty
- $50.00 within one year
- Enforcement agency
- Regional Animal Services of King County
Summary
In the City of Shoreline, SMC § 6.05.040 makes it unlawful to let a dog run at large on public or private land, whether by day or night, unless it's on a leash, cord or chain of sufficient length, with an eight-foot leash presumed adequate. Cats and birds are exempt, and Regional Animal Services of King County enforces the rule alongside city officers.
A. It is unlawful for any person having charge, care, custody, or control of a domesticated animal, with the exception of cats or birds, to cause, permit, or allow such animal to be at large during any hours of the day or night, whether on public or private land, unless such animal is controlled by a leash, cord, or chain held or otherwise secured by the owner, custodian, or person in possession and of a length sufficient to restrain the dog from approaching any bystander or other animal, or from causing or being the cause of physical property damage. A leash of eight feet in length or smaller is presumed to be a leash of sufficient length for the purpose of this section. ... ... D. Violation. ... A civil penalty shall be imposed on the owner of the domesticated animal for violation of this section as follows: 1. First violation: $25.00. 2. Each additional violation within one year: $50.00.
Full Breakdown
SMC § 6.05.040(A) bars any person having charge or control of a domesticated animal, other than a cat or bird, from allowing that animal to be at large during any hours of the day or night on public or private land in the City of Shoreline, unless it is controlled by a leash, cord or chain long enough to keep it from reaching a bystander, another animal, or causing property damage; a leash of eight feet or less is presumed sufficient. Subsection B exempts dogs inside a posted off-leash area, on private property with the owner's permission, engaged in sanctioned obedience training, hunting or competition, riding in a vehicle, herding livestock, doing search and rescue, working as a law enforcement dog, or serving as a dog guide or service animal under RCW 49.60.040.
The city has an interlocal agreement making Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) the designated agency for animal control, sheltering and licensing in Shoreline under SMC § 6.05.020, though city police and code enforcement officers may also enforce leash violations. Shoreline otherwise adopts King County Code Chapters 11.01 and 11.04 by reference as its animal care and control regulations under SMC § 6.05.030, substituting "city" for "county" throughout, with King County's fee schedule controlling for licensing fees even though city law otherwise controls in a conflict.
Violations & Fines
A civil penalty applies to the animal's owner for each leash-law violation under SMC § 6.05.040(D): $25 for a first violation and $50 for each additional violation within one year. RASKC or any city law enforcement or code enforcement officer may issue the citation, and the leash requirement applies at all hours, on both public and private land, unless one of the section's specific exemptions applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shoreline require dogs to be on a leash?
Are cats subject to Shoreline's leash law?
What is the fine for an unleashed dog in Shoreline?
Who enforces Shoreline's animal control rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shoreline
Compare Shoreline to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle dog leash laws.