Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Snohomish County

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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
RCW chapter 16.30 (state)
Banned animals
Big cats, bears, primates, etc.
Grandfather date
Before July 22, 2007
Penalty
$200-$2,000 per animal/day
Exemptions
Accredited zoos, sanctuaries

Summary

You cannot keep dangerous wild animals such as big cats, bears, wolves, primates, or venomous snakes. Washington's RCW 16.30.030 prohibits owning, possessing, breeding, or importing a potentially dangerous wild animal statewide, with limited grandfathered and institutional exemptions.

City-specific rules exist: Everett, Edmonds, and Lynnwood have their own exotic pets rules that differ from Snohomish County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

A person shall not own, possess, keep, harbor, bring into the state, or have custody or control of a potentially dangerous wild animal, except as provided in subsection (3). A person shall not breed a potentially dangerous wild animal.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Exotic dangerous animals are governed by state law, RCW chapter 16.30, which applies in unincorporated Snohomish County. RCW 16.30.030 bars any person from owning, possessing, keeping, harboring, bringing into the state, or having custody of a potentially dangerous wild animal, and from breeding one. Covered animals include lions, tigers, cougars, jaguars, leopards, wolves (not wolf-hybrids), bears, hyenas, non-human primates, elephants, rhinoceroses, and various venomous or large constrictor reptiles. Someone who legally possessed such an animal before July 22, 2007 may keep it for the animal's life with proper records. Accredited zoos, sanctuaries, and WDFW-authorized institutions are exempt.

Violations & Fines

A violation of RCW 16.30.030 carries a civil penalty of not less than $200 and up to $2,000 per animal and per day the violation continues, plus seizure of the animal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own a monkey or big cat here?
No. Non-human primates and big cats are potentially dangerous wild animals prohibited statewide by RCW 16.30.030, unless grandfathered before July 22, 2007 or held by an exempt institution.
Does the county add its own exotic-pet rules?
The state RCW 16.30 ban governs unincorporated areas. County animal control focuses on dogs, livestock, and nuisance; the exotic-animal prohibition comes from state law.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Snohomish County

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsMicrochippingLight RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Snohomish County rules

Compare Snohomish County to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Exotic Pets in Snohomish County, WA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Exotic Pets in Cities Across Snohomish County

Edmonds, WAEverett, WALynnwood, WAMarysville, WA