Lakewood, WA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

LMC 6.06.023(B) makes it unlawful for any person to own, maintain, or have six or more dogs and/or cats, or to operate a commercial kennel or cattery, foster shelter/kennel/cattery, hobby kennel, grooming parlor, private kennel/cattery, or pet shop within Lakewood without the applicable license. The section defines a "hobby kennel or cattery" as premises keeping at least six but fewer than 20 adult dogs and/or cats for hunting, breeding, exhibition, organized events, field work, or obedience trials, with anyone keeping more than 10 required to provide kennel facilities; a "private kennel/cattery" covers premises keeping six to 19 altered adult dogs and/or cats solely as companion pets, with all animals required to be altered.

Applicants must submit the facility address, the maximum number of animals it will hold, a written statement from the City's Department of Planning and Public Works confirming zoning compliance, permission for inspection at any reasonable time, a statement or permit from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department addressing sanitary facilities, and the name of the veterinarian caring for the animals, per LMC 6.06.023(G). The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County is exempt from these licensing requirements as the City's designated animal control authority under LMC 6.06.023(C), and license transfers on a change of ownership are deemed approved if not rejected within 30 days under LMC 6.06.023(D), with transfer fees set under LMC 3.20.010.