Bellingham, WA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Cure period
- 5 days to fix
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine, 90 days jail
- Enforced by
- Bellingham-Whatcom County Humane Society
- Uncorrected cases
- Abated as a public nuisance
Summary
Bellingham has no numeric pet cap, but BMC 7.16.010(B) makes it unlawful to keep animals or fowl anywhere in the city unless the premises stay sanitary, with a five-day cure window before nuisance abatement.
It is unlawful to keep any fowls or animals within the city unless the places where they are kept are at all times maintained in a sanitary condition. If the animal control authority determines that the condition of the place where the fowls or animals are kept is unsanitary, the party so keeping the same shall have a period not to exceed five days in which to place the same in a sanitary condition in accordance with the direction of the animal control authority. If the unsanitary condition is not abated within the five days, the premises may be abated as a nuisance.
C. Castration. It is unlawful for any person other than an accredited veterinarian to castrate or spay any animal.
D. Abandonment. It is unlawful for any person to transport any animal within the city limits for the purpose of abandoning it either within or without the city limits, or to place any animal on public or private property for the purpose of abandonment.
E. Transporting or Confining in an Unsafe Manner. It is unlawful for any person to willfully transport or confine or cause to be transported or confined any domestic animal or animals in a manner, posture, or confinement that will jeopardize the safety of the animal or the public.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The Bellingham-Whatcom County Humane Society, acting under the police chief's supervision per BMC 7.04.010, enforces animal-keeping conditions rather than a headcount limit. Under BMC 7.16.010(B), any location housing animals or fowl must stay sanitary at all times; if an inspection finds unsanitary conditions, the keeper gets up to five days to correct them. Cases left uncorrected can be abated as a public nuisance. Violating this chapter is a misdemeanor under BMC 7.16.110, punishable by up to $1,000, 90 days in jail, and restitution for the animals' care, rehabilitation, transport and boarding.
Violations & Fines
Violating BMC 7.16.010(B) is a misdemeanor under BMC 7.16.110: up to $1,000, 90 days jail, plus restitution for the animals' care, rehab, transport and boarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a maximum number of pets allowed in Bellingham?
Who handles animal hoarding complaints in Bellingham?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
Compare Bellingham to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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