Everett, WA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold
- 2 adult dogs or cats
- Above limit
- Facilities license required
- Enforced by
- Everett Animal Control
- Unlicensed penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine, 90 days jail
Summary
Everett lets households keep up to two adult dogs or cats without a license; keeping more requires an animal-control facility license under Chapter 6.04.
Facilities housing at any time more than two adult dogs or cats, or a combination thereof, in excess of two dogs and two cats, or when the keeping of such animals produces more than one litter each year from all such animals housed, or an animal kennel or cattery, hobby kennel, or commercial kennel or cattery, or the keeping of any livestock or exotic, wild or dangerous animal, or the offering of any service for gain in connection with such facility, shall obtain a license in accordance with procedures, standards and limitations provided in this chapter; and no such facility may lawfully operate except upon application and payment of prescribed fees for such license. Issuance of such license shall not constitute approval of the land use, nor evidence of compliance with zoning regulations which may apply to the proposed facility operation.
B. Exceptions to subsection (A) of this section shall be as follows:
1. Licensed veterinary hospitals and clinics are not required to obtain a facilities license. Any personal pets kept at the facility must be registered per EMC 6.04.030(A).
2. Visiting animal exhibitions in the city limits for fifteen days or less must conform to facility standards, but are exempt from normal license fees.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Everett Municipal Code § 6.04.040 doesn't set a flat household pet cap by name, but it draws the operative line at two: any facility housing more than two adult dogs or cats, or producing more than one litter a year, must obtain a facilities license from Everett Animal Control, subject to inspection, fees and revocation for violations. Licensed veterinary hospitals and short-term animal exhibitions are exempt. This same two-animal threshold defines a 'private kennel or cattery' under EMC 6.04.020, so a resident inside Everett city limits, Snohomish County, can keep up to two dogs, two cats, or a mix without extra permitting.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed facility, or a kennel/cattery without a permit or after revocation, is a misdemeanor: a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both, per EMC 6.04.060(H).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep three dogs at my Everett home?
Does this two-pet threshold apply outside Everett?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
Compare Everett to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle pet limits.