Through its adoption of King County Code Title 11 (SMC 11.05), Sammamish prohibits harboring exotic animals such as dangerous snakes, nonhuman primates, bears, non-domesticated cats and dogs (including wolf hybrids), and crocodilians, unless an exception under RCW 16.30.020 applies. Such animals are subject to impoundment.
Sammamish does not maintain its own exotic-pet list; instead it adopts King County Code Title 11 by reference through SMC 11.05, with enforcement by Regional Animal Services of King County. KCC 11.04.234 provides that a person may not harbor, keep, or maintain an exotic animal unless an exception in RCW 16.30.020 applies, and an exotic animal kept in violation is subject to impoundment. The King County definition of 'exotic animal' (KCC 11.01.160) includes dangerous snakes; nonhuman primates; bears; non-domesticated felines (large and wild cats); non-domesticated canines and their hybrids, including wolf and coyote hybrids; and Crocodylia (alligators, crocodiles, and similar species). Washington's state dangerous-wild-animal law (RCW 16.30) backs this up by restricting private possession of many of the same animals, with limited grandfathering and institutional exceptions. The practical effect for Sammamish residents is that keeping these species as pets is prohibited, and ordinary domesticated pets (dogs, cats) plus typical small companion animals are unaffected. Anyone considering an unusual animal should verify both the King County code and RCW 16.30 before acquiring it.
Harboring a prohibited exotic animal is a violation of the adopted King County animal code; the animal is subject to impoundment, and penalties follow the King County enforcement and bail/bond schedule referenced in the Sammamish code, in addition to any state penalties under RCW 16.30.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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