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

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Individually licensed max: 5 dogs/cats
6 or more: Kennel license required
Rescue-group exemption: 501(c)(3) only
Licensing agency: Pierce County Auditor
Kennel license chapter: PCC 5.24

Summary

No more than five dogs and/or cats may be individually licensed at a residence in unincorporated Pierce County under PCC 6.04.010. Keeping six or more dogs and/or cats requires a kennel or cattery license, and licenses are issued by the Pierce County Auditor.

City-specific rules exist: Lakewood has its own pet limits rules that differ from Pierce County's county-level regulations. If you live in Lakewood, check the city-specific page instead.

No more than five dogs and/or cats may be individually licensed at a residence in Pierce County. Dogs and cats are exempt from the above licensing provisions when they are in the custody of a recognized animal rescue group or in a kennel licensed by the Pierce County Auditor.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-515, and legislation passed through May 26, 2026).

Full Breakdown

The household pet cap is tied to licensing. PCC 6.04.010.B states: 'No more than five dogs and/or cats may be individually licensed at a residence in Pierce County.' Dogs and cats held by a recognized IRS 501(c)(3) rescue group, or in a kennel licensed by the Pierce County Auditor, are exempt from that limit. The threshold above five is set by the misdemeanor code: PCC 6.03.020.I makes it unlawful 'to own, maintain, or have six or more dogs and/or cats', or operate a kennel, cattery, boarding facility, or pet shop, 'within the unincorporated areas of Pierce County without an applicable license' under Chapter 5.24 PCC, so six or more animals crosses into kennel/cattery licensing.

Violations & Fines

Individually licensing more than five dogs and cats is not permitted under PCC 6.04.010.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pets can I have in Pierce County?

No more than five dogs and/or cats may be individually licensed at a residence under PCC 6.04.010. Six or more requires a kennel or cattery license from the Pierce County Auditor.

What if I foster or rescue animals?

Dogs and cats held by a recognized IRS 501(c)(3) rescue group, or in a kennel licensed by the Auditor, are exempt from the five-animal individual-licensing cap under PCC 6.04.010.B.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pierce County

Dog Leash LawsSome Restrictions Chickens & LivestockSome Restrictions Cat RulesSome Restrictions BeekeepingSome Restrictions Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions Mandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant Restrictions MicrochippingSignificant Restrictions Pet Store RulesHeavy Restrictions Breed RestrictionsFew Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingLight Restrictions Building Safety: Fire Sprinkler RequirementsHeavy Restrictions Building Safety: Plumbing PermitsSome Restrictions Building Safety: Green Building CodeLight Restrictions

All Pierce County rules

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Pet Limits in Cities Across Pierce County

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