Renton, WA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Renton follows Washington State's dangerous wild animal law in RCW 16.30, which prohibits private ownership, breeding, and importation of a defined list of dangerous animals. Banned species include all members of the cat family weighing more than 15 pounds (lions, tigers, cougars, leopards), wolves and wolf hybrids, bears, non-human primates, elephants, rhinoceroses, hyenas, hippopotamuses, crocodilians, and venomous reptiles including coral snakes, cobras, mambas, vipers, and Gila monsters. Constrictor snakes over a specified length may also be restricted. Individuals who lawfully owned listed animals before the state ban took effect may keep them under grandfather provisions with registration and containment standards. Permitted exotic pets include most small reptiles, non-venomous snakes, amphibians, tropical birds, ferrets, and aquarium fish. Renton Municipal Code Title 6 reinforces these prohibitions and authorizes impoundment of illegally kept dangerous animals. USDA-licensed facilities such as zoos and research institutions are exempt.