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King County, WA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Unaltered dogs/cats cap: 3 per dwelling unit
Other household pets cap: 5 per dwelling unit
Altered cats: No numeric limit
Applies to: Unincorporated King County only
Citation: K.C.C. § 21A.30.020

Summary

Unincorporated King County caps unaltered dogs and cats at three per dwelling unit; other household pets are limited to five, but altered (spayed/neutered) cats face no numeric cap under County Code section 21A.30.020.

City-specific rules exist: Auburn, Federal Way, Kent, Kirkland, Renton, and Seattle have their own pet limits rules that differ from King County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

...other small animals, excluding altered cats, kept as household pets in a dwelling unit shall be limited to five. ... Altered cats kept as household pets in a dwelling unit shall not be limited in numbers. ... the total number of unaltered adult cats and dogs per dwelling unit shall not exceed three.

Source: King County Code Title 11View official code

Full Breakdown

King County Code section 21A.30.020 sets the household pet cap for unincorporated county land. Household pets excluding altered cats are limited to five per dwelling unit; altered cats have no numeric limit. Separately, the total number of unaltered adult cats and dogs per dwelling unit cannot exceed three, an incentive tied to spay/neuter status. The rule applies only outside city limits -- Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Federal Way, Auburn, Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish, Burien, Shoreline and Issaquah all enforce their own separate animal codes. Breeding, boarding or hobby-kennel operations trigger separate acreage and setback standards under the same chapter.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding these limits is a zoning code violation; King County's Department of Local Services can issue a correction notice and pursue civil enforcement under K.C.C. chapter 21A.50.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this pet limit apply inside Seattle?

No. Seattle, Bellevue, Kent and other incorporated cities enforce their own animal codes; King County Code Title 21A governs only unincorporated county land.

Are spayed or neutered cats limited in number?

No. Altered cats kept as household pets face no numeric cap under 21A.30.020; only unaltered cats and dogs together are capped at three per dwelling unit.

Sources & Official References

[1]King County Code Title 21A (§ 21A.30.020)

Other rules in King County

Dog Leash LawsSome Restrictions Chickens & LivestockSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSignificant Restrictions Pet Store RulesSome Restrictions Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome Restrictions Bird ProtectionSome Restrictions Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions MicrochippingSome Restrictions Cat RulesSome Restrictions Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions Breed RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions BeekeepingSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew Restrictions Parking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsLight Restrictions

All King County rules

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Pet Limits in Cities Across King County

Seattle, WA Bellevue, WA Kent, WA Renton, WA Federal Way, WA Kirkland, WA Auburn, WA Redmond, WA