Seattle, WA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

SMC 9.25.053(A) states flatly: "It is unlawful for any person to procure or keep an exotic animal," subject only to a short list of exceptions, a city, county, state, or federal agency; a school, college, university, or similar educational facility; a licensed veterinary hospital temporarily treating the animal; or a licensed commercial animal dealer holding the animal briefly for sale to a zoo. The Director of Finance and Administrative Services may also issue a special permit, capped at 30 days, letting a circus or exhibit keep exotic animals temporarily, but SMC 9.25.053(B) requires the permit holder to keep the animal under control at all times.

SMC 9.25.020(M) defines "exotic animal" broadly as any species that is not a domestic animal and is capable of killing or seriously injuring a human being, then lists examples by taxonomic family: all primates except humans; all Canidae (wolves, jackals, foxes and their hybrids) except the domestic dog; all Felidae (lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cougars, cheetahs) except the domestic cat; all Ursidae (bears); all Hyaenidae (hyenas); all Crocodylia (alligators, crocodiles, gavials, caimans); all Elephantidae; all Perissodactyla (horses, rhinoceroses, tapirs); all Artiodactyla (camels, cattle, deer, giraffes, goats, hippos, llamas, pigs, sheep); plus every venomous reptile or amphibian and any snake eight feet or longer.

Keeping a prohibited exotic animal is a gross misdemeanor under SMC 9.25.100(A), the same penalty tier as animal cruelty and unlawful sale of a dangerous animal, and SMC 9.25.030(A)(4) lets the Director order the animal's immediate humane disposal once alternatives such as placement in a zoo or transfer outside the City have been exhausted.