Auburn, WA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- ACC 6.04.040
- Household pet cap
- 4 dogs, 4 cats, or 4 combined
- Cross-reference
- ACC 18.31.230 (zoning)
- Exempt facilities
- Shelters, vet hospitals, compliant kennels
- Penalty
- $50.00 infraction
Summary
Auburn caps household pets at four dogs, four cats, or any combination totaling four, per ACC 6.04.040. The cap does not apply to humane societies, animal shelters, veterinary hospitals or compliant kennels, and violations draw a $50 infraction.
A. The maximum number of dogs and cats which may be licensed by a resident of the city or kept at a street address or physical location in the city are four dogs or four cats or any combination of dogs and cats totaling four animals pursuant to ACC 18.31.230. B. The maximum limits on dogs and cats at a street address or physical location do not apply to the facilities of a humane society or other animal shelter, veterinary hospitals, or kennel in compliance with this title. C. A person who violates this section shall be punished as set forth in ACC 6.01.210.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 7023, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
230. 040(B) exempts facilities of a humane society, other animal shelter, veterinary hospitals, or a kennel operating in compliance with Title 6 from the four-animal cap, recognizing that these businesses legitimately house more animals than a residential household. 230 and may be processed through code enforcement rather than only through animal control. Because the cap is stated per street address or physical location rather than per owner, it applies even where multiple residents share one address, and combination counts (for example, two dogs and two cats) count fully toward the four-animal ceiling.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the four-animal limit is a Class 1 infraction priced at $50.00 under ACC 6.01.210(B), and the same overage is separately actionable as a violation of the zoning code under ACC 18.31.230 through code enforcement, meaning an over-limit household can face action on two fronts for one violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pets can I have in Auburn?
Does the four-pet limit apply to a boarding kennel?
What is the fine for having too many pets in Auburn?
Is exceeding Auburn's pet limit only an animal control issue?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
Compare Auburn to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle pet limits.