Kirkland, WA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

518(a) makes it "unlawful for any person to possess or maintain an inherently dangerous animal within the city of Kirkland," with a violation charged as a misdemeanor carrying up to 90 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. 120(20) as "any live member of the listed species, including hybrids thereof, which, due to its inherent nature, may be considered dangerous to humans," and it names non-domesticated Canidae and Felidae (wild dogs and cats, excluding domestic dogs, cats, and wolf hybrids), Ursidae (bears), venomous Reptilia including gila monsters, pit vipers, rattlesnakes, mole vipers, sea snakes, and cobras, rear-fanged Colubridae such as boomslangs and twig snakes, Colubridae reaching ten feet or more (anacondas, reticulated and Burmese pythons), and Crocodilia (crocodiles, alligators, caimans).

518(b) exempts government-run facilities, including public zoos, plus museums, scientific/educational research facilities, and privately regulated circuses, fairs, and zoological parks. S. Fish and Wildlife Service first, with a temporary carve-out letting the animal control officer allow short-term care of an injured or orphaned native wild animal while permits are obtained; violating that permit requirement is also a misdemeanor with the same 90-day/$1,000 penalty ceiling.