Tacoma caps how many dogs and cats can be kept at one residence and requires a kennel or hobby permit when residents exceed the standard household limit, helping prevent hoarding and nuisance situations.
Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 4 and zoning rules limit single-family households to a small number of dogs and cats above four months old, typically a combined total of three to four animals. Households exceeding the limit must apply for a hobby kennel or kennel license, which involves an inspection of the property, sanitation review, and notice to neighbors. The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County, contracted by the city, enforces licensing and responds to complaints about overcrowding, odors, and animal welfare. Repeated violations can result in fines, license revocation, and removal of animals to a shelter for evaluation and care.
Exceeding the household pet limit without a kennel permit, ignoring sanitation requirements, or allowing nuisance odors and noise can result in citations, license denial, daily fines, and possible animal removal.
Tacoma, WA
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Tacoma, WA
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See how Tacoma's pet limits rules stack up against other locations.
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