Marysville, WA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Base limit (under 1 acre)
- 4 dogs/cats combined
- 1–5 acre lots
- 5 per acre
- 5+ acre lots
- up to 25
- Exceeding without permit
- civil infraction, up to $250
- Enforcing agency
- Marysville Animal Control
Summary
Marysville households on lots under one acre may keep up to four dogs and cats combined without a kennel license; larger lots scale up by acreage.
Limitation on Number of Dogs and Cats Allowed. Any hobby kennel or hobby cattery license shall limit the total number of dogs and cats over three months of age kept by such hobby kennel or hobby cattery based on the following guidelines:
(a) The amount of lot area; provided, that the maximum number shall not exceed 25 where the lot area contains five acres or more; the maximum number shall not exceed five per acre where the lot area contains one acre but less than five acres and the maximum number shall not exceed four where the lot area is less than one acre;
(b) The facility specifications or dimensions in which the dogs and cats are to be maintained;
(c) The zoning classification in which the hobby kennel or hobby cattery would be maintained.
(2) Requirements – Hobby Kennels and Hobby Catteries.
(a)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4922912; v1 updated 2026-06-08; through 06-08-2026).
Full Breakdown
Marysville Municipal Code § 10.04.470(1)(a) caps dogs and cats over three months old at four total on lots under one acre, five per acre on one-to-five-acre lots, and 25 on lots of five acres or more, unless the owner holds a hobby kennel or hobby cattery license. MMC § 10.04.450 makes it unlawful to exceed these maximums without written approval from the animal control officer, and the Chapter 22A.020 definitions classify a property with more than four dogs and/or cats as a "commercial" or "hobby" kennel. Excess above the administrative limit by more than six animals requires a conditional use permit from the hearing examiner and city council.
Violations & Fines
Keeping animals over the limit without approval is a civil infraction up to $250 (up to $500 for repeat violations in 12 months) under MMC § 10.04.490, and can be noticed as a public nuisance under § 10.04.500.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs and cats can I keep in Marysville without a permit?
What if I already own more than the limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marysville
Compare Marysville to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle pet limits.