Everett, WA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- No retail sale of dogs/cats/rabbits
- Allowed
- Space for agency/nonprofit adoptions only
- Penalty
- Up to $250 per animal per day
- Applies to
- Retail pet stores in Everett
Summary
Everett prohibits retail pet stores from selling or offering for sale any dog, cat, or rabbit, though stores may still host adoptions of animals from public agencies or nonprofit rescues.
A retail pet store may not sell or offer for sale any dog, cat, or rabbit. A retail pet store may provide space and appropriate care for animals owned by a publicly operated animal control agency or nonprofit animal welfare organization for the purpose of adopting spayed or neutered dogs, cats or rabbits to the public. Violation of this subsection by any person or corporation shall be an infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars per animal per day.
E. Offenses Relating to Misrepresenting an Animal as a Service Animal. It shall be unlawful for any person to:
1. It shall be an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars for any person to misrepresent an animal as a service animal. A violation of this section occurs when a person:
a. Expressly or impliedly represents that an animal is a service animal as defined in EMC 6.04.020 for the purpose of securing the rights or privileges afforded disabled persons accompanied by service animals set forth in this code, state or federal law; and
b. Knew or should have known that the animal in question did not meet the definition of a service animal.
2.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Everett Municipal Code § 6.04.070(D) makes it unlawful for a retail pet store in the city of Everett, Snohomish County, Washington, to sell or offer for sale any dog, cat, or rabbit. Stores may still provide space and appropriate care for animals owned by a publicly operated animal control agency or nonprofit animal welfare organization so the public can adopt spayed or neutered dogs, cats or rabbits: an adoption-only model rather than a store closure. Everett Animal Control enforces the rule as an infraction against the store or its operator.
Violations & Fines
Selling a dog, cat, or rabbit through a retail pet store is an infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $250 per animal, per day of the violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pet store in Everett sell puppies?
Can stores host adoption events?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
Compare Everett to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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Pet Store Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle pet store rules.