Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Skagit County

Skagit County, WA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Covered animals: Canidae hybrids, cougars, RCW 16.30.010(2) species
Rule: Ownership/possession prohibited countywide
Penalty: $2,000 civil fine per animal, per day
Grandfather deadline: December 31, 2014 (expired)
Appeal window: 15 days to request Sheriff review
Enforcing agency: Skagit County Animal Control Authority

Summary

Skagit County bans owning, possessing or bringing into the county any potentially dangerous wild animal, a category that under SCC 7.04.010 covers all Canidae hybrids besides domestic dogs, all cougars and every species listed in RCW 16.30.010(2). Violators face a $2,000 civil penalty per animal for each day the violation continues.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Skagit County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(1) “Potentially dangerous wild animal” means: (a) All animals listed in RCW 16.30.010(2); (b) All animals of the family Canidae (as dogs, wolves, jackals, or foxes) and their hybrids, except for the domestic dog Canis lupus familiaris; and (c) All cougars. ... (1) A person may not own, possess, keep, harbor, bring into the County, or have custody or control of any potentially dangerous wild animal within the unincorporated area of Skagit County.

View official code

Full Breakdown

030(1) makes it unlawful for anyone to own, possess, keep, harbor, bring into the County, or have custody or control of any potentially dangerous wild animal within unincorporated Skagit County. 010(2), all animals of the family Canidae (dogs, wolves, jackals, foxes) and their hybrids other than the domestic dog Canis lupus familiaris, and all cougars. 020; that window has long since closed. 010. 050. 040(5) only when no other placement option is available within a reasonable time. 060 declares any violation a public nuisance and sets a civil penalty of $2,000 per animal for each day the violation continues, collectible by the Prosecuting Attorney.

Violations & Fines

Owning or keeping a potentially dangerous wild animal in unincorporated Skagit County is a public nuisance under SCC 7.04.060, carrying a civil penalty of $2,000 per animal for every day the violation continues. The Animal Control Authority may confiscate the animal immediately under SCC 7.04.040, and the owner is billed for its care during confiscation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a potentially dangerous wild animal in Skagit County?

SCC 7.04.010 defines it as every animal listed in RCW 16.30.010(2), all members of the Canidae family and their hybrids other than domestic dogs (so wolves, wolf-hybrids, jackals and foxes), and all cougars. Domestic dogs, Canis lupus familiaris, are specifically excluded from the ban.

Can I still own a wolf-hybrid I already had in Skagit County?

No. SCC 7.04.030(2) only let existing owners keep their animal through December 31, 2014, while pursuing one of the licensing or land-use exceptions listed in RCW 16.30.020. That grace period has expired, so possession today is a violation regardless of when you acquired the animal.

What happens if Animal Control confiscates my animal under this chapter?

Under SCC 7.04.040 the Animal Control Authority or a law enforcement officer can confiscate the animal immediately and must notify you of your right to an administrative review. SCC 7.04.050 gives you 15 days from confiscation to request a meeting with the Sheriff to contest the determination.

Sources & Official References

[1]Skagit County Code

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