Edmonds, WA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Wild animals
- state/federal wildlife permit required
- Inherently dangerous animals
- possession banned outright
- Injured native wildlife
- temporary care allowed pending permits
- Penalty
- misdemeanor, up to 90 days jail, $1,000 fine
- Governing chapter
- ECC 5.05, Animal Control
Summary
Edmonds bans keeping any inherently dangerous animal outright and requires a state or federal wildlife permit for every other wild animal. Animal control may authorize only short-term care of an injured or orphaned native wild animal while permits are obtained. Both offenses are misdemeanors carrying up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
5.05.131 Wild animals. ... No person shall own any wild animal unless he has obtained a permit from the State Game Department and/or Federal Fish and Wildlife Service; provided, that the animal control authority may allow a person to temporarily care for an infant or injured wild animal native to this area which is homeless while the person acquires the necessary state and/or federal permits. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine or both. ... 5.05.132 Inherently dangerous animal. It is unlawful for any person to possess or maintain an inherently dangerous animal within the city of Edmonds. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine or both.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4444, passed August 3, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Edmonds City Code splits wild-animal ownership into two separate offenses. 131 covers wild animals generally: no one may own a wild animal without first obtaining a permit from the State Game Department and/or the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service. The only carve-out is narrow and temporary: the city's animal control authority may let a resident temporarily care for an infant or injured wild animal that is native to the area and homeless, but only while that person is actively acquiring the required state and/or federal permits.
132 goes further for any 'inherently dangerous animal,' making possession or maintenance of one within city limits unlawful outright, with no permit path available at all. Both sections carry identical penalties: a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, or both. 130), which are regulated instead through open-space, fencing and setback standards rather than a possession ban. 132's outright ban does not reach them.
Violations & Fines
Violating either ECC 5.05.131 (unpermitted wild animal) or ECC 5.05.132 (inherently dangerous animal) is charged as a misdemeanor in Edmonds Municipal Court, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine for each section, or both penalties combined. Animal control officers and police enforce the chapter; a wild animal kept without the required state or federal permit, or any inherently dangerous animal, is not entitled to a grace period once its unlawful status is confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an exotic pet like a big cat or venomous snake in Edmonds?
What if I find an injured wild animal in Edmonds?
Does the wild-animal ban apply to farm animals like goats or chickens?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Edmonds
Compare Edmonds 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.
Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle exotic pets.