Bellingham, WA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Under BMC 7.12.100, anyone who wants to own or maintain a wild or exotic animal in Bellingham needs a permit from the animal control authority, issued only if public safety isn't at risk and the enclosures pass inspection; permits can be revoked for refusing a 24-hour-notice inspection. The section flatly bars owning any lion, tiger, bear, gorilla, lynx, cougar, jaguar, venomous snake, coyote, or other species native to Washington, regardless of permit, except as licensed under state law. Circuses, zoos staying 30 days or less, and state-registered wildlife rehab centers are exempt. The annual permit fee is $20 per location.