Seattle Municipal Code Title 9 and Washington State law (RCW 16.30) restrict exotic animals. Farm animals (cows, horses, full-size goats, swine) are only permitted on lots over 20,000 sq ft. Miniature goats and small potbelly pigs (1 max) are allowed with restrictions on smaller lots.
Seattle Municipal Code Sections 9.25.050 through 9.25.080 include licensing provisions and restrictions for exotic animals. Most exotic and wild animals are prohibited within city limits. Washington State law (RCW 16.30, Dangerous Wild Animals Act) prohibits possession of potentially dangerous wild animals including lions, tigers, captive-bred cougars, jaguars, cheetahs, leopards, wolves (excluding wolf-hybrids), bears, hyenas, non-human primates, elephants, rhinoceroses, certain reptiles, and venomous snakes. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates animals that could damage the environment or native wildlife (deleterious exotic wildlife). Seattle does allow some non-traditional pets: miniature goats (pygmy, dwarf, miniature) must be neutered males and dehorned; potbellied pigs are allowed with licensing. All permitted exotic animals require Seattle pet licenses.
Prohibited animal: $150 first, $500 subsequent. State dangerous wild animal violation: criminal penalties under RCW 16.30.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
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