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Kennewick, WA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Kennel threshold
Six or more dogs or cats over 6 months
License required
Commercial kennel license from the Poundmaster
Kennel siting
150 feet from any residential zoning district
First violation fine
$50, rising to $400 for 4th+
Governing sections
KMC 8.02.010(8), 8.02.250, 18.12.110

Summary

Kennewick doesn't cap the number of pets a household may keep outright, but KMC 8.02.010(8) defines a "Commercial Kennel" as any lot or premises where six or more dogs, or six or more cats over six months old, are kept, and KMC 8.02.250 requires a City-issued commercial kennel license before you can lawfully keep that many. Keep five or fewer and no kennel license applies.

Commercial Kennel means any lot, premises, building or structure where six or more dogs or six or more cats over six months of age are kept.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 19 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

060. A household that never reaches six dogs or six cats over six months old is not a commercial kennel and doesn't need this license or siting compliance, regardless of the mix of other animals, puppies, or kittens under six months on the property.

Violations & Fines

Keeping a commercial kennel without the required license, or siting one within 150 feet of a residential zone, is enforced under the Chapter 8.02 penalty schedule at KMC 8.02.360: a civil infraction starting at $50 for a first violation within five years, $100 for a second, $200 for a third, and $400 for four or more, plus a flat $10 court cost and all assessments, with each day of continued violation treated as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dogs can I have in Kennewick before I need a license?
Up to five dogs (or five cats over six months old) without triggering commercial kennel rules. KMC 8.02.010(8) defines a "Commercial Kennel" as six or more dogs or six or more cats over six months of age kept on one lot, and reaching that number requires the commercial kennel license under KMC 8.02.250.
Where can a commercial kennel be located in Kennewick?
At least 150 feet from any residential zoning district, per KMC 18.12.110, with runs, pens, and cages fully enclosed except in the IH industrial zone, three air changes per hour, and compliance with the noise standards at KMC 9.52.060.
What happens if I run an unlicensed kennel in Kennewick?
It's a civil infraction under KMC 8.02.360, starting at a $50 fine for a first offense within five years and climbing to $400 for a fourth or later offense, plus a $10 court cost; each day the unlicensed kennel continues counts as a separate violation.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Kennewick

Trash & Recycling: Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome RestrictionsPublic Health Rules: Food Handler CertificationSome Restrictions

All Kennewick rules

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