Lacey, WA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

The Lacey Municipal Code handles exotic animals through registration and containment. Section 7.04.030(L) defines an exotic animal as an animal, such as, but not limited to, venomous or constrictor type reptiles, or primates. Section 7.04.040(J) then requires owners of constrictor type reptiles over eight feet in length, venomous reptiles and primates that are not otherwise prohibited to comply with all state and federal laws for keeping those animals and to register them annually with Animal Services by completing a form provided by Animal Services. The subsection itself names no prohibited species; it refers to animals not otherwise prohibited.

Section 7.04.056 adds a containment duty in the City of Lacey. A humane and secure facility must be provided for constrictor type reptiles over eight feet in length and for all venomous reptiles. An escape of any venomous reptile, or of a constrictor type reptile over eight feet in length, must be reported immediately to Animal Services. Failure to comply is a misdemeanor.

Other provisions in chapter 7.04 reach exotic animals too. Section 7.04.050(D) makes it a misdemeanor when a person's pet animal, domestic animal or exotic animal causes injury to a person or animal. Section 7.04.070(G) gives the animal services director authority to classify other pet animals as dangerous under the same criteria used for dogs and to require the owner or keeper to take certain actions to control or confine the animal. Violations after such a declaration are handled the same way as dangerous dog violations. Enforcement belongs to the Animal Services Director, designees and officers under section 7.04.020, and an officer can impound a pet animal when the animal or its keeper violates section 7.04.050 or 7.04.070.