Tacoma, WA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential zones
- Banned outright
- Other zones
- City Manager permit possible
- Named species
- Lions, bears, wolves, cougars, more
- Also covered
- Any venomous reptile
- First-offense fine
- At least $100
Summary
Tacoma bans keeping lions, tigers, bears, wolves, venomous reptiles, and other dangerous wild animals anywhere zoned residential; outside residential zones, the City Manager can permit them under TMC § 5.23.025.
No person shall have, keep, or maintain, or have in his possession or under his control, within any area of the City of Tacoma which is zoned residential any lion, tiger, bear, chimpanzee, gorilla, cougar, mountain lion, badger, wolf, coyote, fox, lynx, or any venomous reptile, or any other dangerous wild animal or reptile; provided, however, that in those areas zoned other than residential such animals may be permitted on the condition that a permit is obtained from the City Manager or his duly authorized representative. Such permit shall only be granted upon a showing by the applicant that adequate safeguards have been instituted and will be maintained which will effectively control the dangerous or vicious propensities of such animal or reptile, eliminating any danger to individuals or property, and provided that the keeping or maintaining of any such animal will in no way constitute a nuisance to the occupants of any surrounding property.
B. "Dangerous wild animal or reptile" means any animal or reptile not commonly domesticated which, because of its size, vicious nature, or other similar characteristic, would constitute a danger to human life or property. (Ord. 17215, 1962-11-27; Ord. 25920 § 1, 1996-06-18)
Full Breakdown
Tacoma's animal-keeping code names specific dangerous species, lions, tigers, bears, chimpanzees, gorillas, cougars, wolves, coyotes, foxes, lynx, and venomous reptiles, plus a catch-all for any other dangerous wild animal or reptile, and bars keeping any of them in a residentially zoned area outright. In non-residential zones, an owner can apply to the City Manager for a permit, granted only if the animal is adequately safeguarded so it poses no danger to people or property and creates no neighborhood nuisance. Letting a covered animal run at large is a separate violation, and the code exempts circuses, zoos, and animals passing through if police are notified in advance.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a prohibited wild or vicious animal is a misdemeanor: up to $1,000 and 90 days jail, with mandatory minimum fines of $100 for a first conviction rising to $1,000 for a third, per TMC § 5.23.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet wolf or venomous snake in a Tacoma residential neighborhood?
Is there any legal way to keep an exotic animal in Tacoma?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
Compare Tacoma to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle exotic pets.