Spokane County, WA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- License
- Annual county license required
- Minimum age to keep
- 18 years
- Covered animals
- Wild cats, bears, wild canids, reptiles
- Governing code
- SCC Chapter 5.12
- Unlicensed keeping
- Misdemeanor
Summary
Unincorporated Spokane County requires an annual license to harbor or own an 'inherently dangerous mammal' (wild cats, bears, wild canids) or dangerous reptile, and only adults 18+ may keep them. Keeping such an animal without a license is a misdemeanor.
It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person to harbor and/or own an inherently dangerous mammal and/or any inherently dangerous reptile unless such person has achieved the age of eighteen years and obtained and maintained an annual license allowing that person to harbor and own such inherently dangerous mammal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 63).
Full Breakdown
Spokane County Code Chapter 5.12 governs inherently dangerous mammals and reptiles. Under SCC 5.12.040 it is unlawful for anyone to harbor or own an inherently dangerous mammal (members of the canidae, felidae, or ursidae families, not including domestic dogs or licensed wolf hybrids) or an inherently dangerous reptile unless the person is at least 18 and holds a current annual county license. The zoning code (SCC 14.616.230) additionally caps such keeping at four animals, requires a five-acre minimum lot in agricultural zones, and bars the facility within one-half mile of any school, daycare, or public park. Licensed housing and care standards apply under Chapter 5.12.
Violations & Fines
Harboring or owning an inherently dangerous mammal or reptile by a person under 18, or without an annual license, is a misdemeanor under SCC 5.12.040.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a wild cat or bear as a pet?
What happens if I keep one without a license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane County
Compare Spokane County to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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