Thurston County, WA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

030 defines an 'exotic animal' broadly as any animal such as, but not limited to, venomous or constrictor type reptiles or primates, folding those species into the county's general pet-animal licensing and control scheme rather than a separate ban. 040(J) then imposes the county's core control measure: owners of constrictor-type reptiles longer than eight feet, venomous reptiles, and primates must annually register each animal with Thurston County Animal Services on a form the department provides. Registration is not optional and is not a one-time step; it must be renewed every year alongside, but separate from, any dog or cat license the household also carries.

Failure to register any of these animals is charged as a misdemeanor. 056 sets a housing standard: the owner must maintain a humane and secure facility for every constrictor over eight feet and for all venomous reptiles, and must report any escape of a venomous or constrictor-type reptile to Animal Services immediately, not after the fact. 056, stacking on top of any registration violation. 10, is the enforcing agency for both duties, and a citation can be issued by any officer commissioned by the Board of County Commissioners to enforce the chapter.