Federal Way, WA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Dogs before license needed
- 4 or more adult dogs
- Cats before license needed
- 6 or more adult cats
- License required
- hobby kennel/cattery (FWRC 9.09.040)
- Max on 5+ acres
- 25 animals (FWRC 9.18.140)
- Max on 35,000 sq ft-5 acres
- 10 animals
Summary
Federal Way's zoning code leaves ordinary dog and cat numbers to Title 9, where the code's own kennel definitions set the practical ceiling: four or more adult dogs, or six or more adult cats, kept at a residence becomes a kennel or hobby cattery requiring a license.
"Kennel" means a place where four or more adult dogs are kept, whether by owners of the dogs or by persons providing facilities and care whether or not for compensation, but not including a small animal hospital, clinic or pet shop. "Hobby cattery" means a noncommercial cattery at or adjoining a private residence where six or more adult cats are bred or kept for exhibition for organized shows or for the enjoyment of the species.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
260 sets for other species (household pets, small domestic animals like extra rabbits and fowl, and large domestic animals like horses and cattle). 010: a "kennel" is any place where four or more adult dogs are kept, and a "hobby kennel" is a noncommercial kennel at or adjoining a private residence with four or more adult dogs bred or kept for shows, training or enjoyment; a "hobby cattery" is the feline equivalent at six or more adult cats. 140 lets the director further cap the licensed number based on animal size, breed, lot area (up to 25 animals on five-plus acres, 10 on 35,000 square feet up to five acres) and zoning.
So a Federal Way household can keep up to three adult dogs or five adult cats without any kennel license; reaching four dogs or six cats triggers licensing, inspection and the director's numeric limits.
Violations & Fines
Keeping four or more adult dogs, or six or more adult cats, without the required hobby kennel or hobby cattery license is unlawful under FWRC 9.09.040, and the license may be revoked, suspended or denied renewal for noncompliance under FWRC 9.09.070, subject to a 10-day appeal to the hearing examiner under FWRC 9.09.060.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs or cats can I keep at home in Federal Way without a permit?
Does Federal Way zoning cap the number of dogs and cats per lot?
Can the city limit my hobby kennel to fewer than the maximum?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
Compare Federal Way 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.