Kennewick, WA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Unlike many Washington cities that leave pet limits to nuisance enforcement, Kennewick imposes a hard numeric cap in KMC 18.12.040. In Residential, Highway Mixed-Use, and Urban Mixed-Use districts, no more than three of each kind of small animal, and no more than six small animals in total, may be kept per parcel. Counted species include dogs and cats over ten weeks old, rabbits, guinea pigs, fowl, pigeons, chickens (hens only), and similar small animals. Roosters are excluded entirely. Animals under ten weeks old (new litters) and animals grandfathered through an annexation agreement from Benton County are statutory exceptions. A property owner who needs more than the standard allotment must obtain a Land Use Permit under KMC 18.42, which is discretionary and considers parcel size, neighborhood compatibility, and nuisance potential. Cages, pens, and runs must be kept clean and sanitary, meet yard setbacks, and prevent off-property roaming or fly-overs. The City of Kennewick does not maintain a general dog license, so each individual dog is identified through rabies vaccination records and Tri-City Animal Services impound records. HOA covenants, condominium bylaws, and lease provisions may impose stricter caps and are enforceable as private contracts.