Federal Way, WA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitting agency
- Seattle-King Co. Dept. of Public Health
- Authority
- Ch. 8.03 King Co. Board of Health Code
- Plus
- city business registration, Ch. 12.05 FWRC
- Sale reporting
- quarterly list to animal services
- Sick-animal sale
- unlawful under FWRC 9.18.160(9)
Summary
Federal Way does not ban pet stores from selling dogs and cats, but every pet shop, kennel, cattery, pet daycare or shelter must hold a valid Seattle-King County Department of Public Health permit and post it conspicuously before operating.
It is unlawful for a person to keep, maintain, or operate a kennel, pet shop, pet daycare, cattery, or shelter within the city without first obtaining a valid permit from Seattle-King County Department of Public Health pursuant to Chapter 8.03 of the King County Board of Health Code. Each permit and certificate of inspection issued pursuant to this chapter shall be in addition to any business registration required pursuant to Chapter 12.05 FWRC and shall be conspicuously displayed at the establishment to which such permit was issued.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
03 of the King County Board of Health Code. 05 FWRC, and both the health permit and its certificate of inspection must be conspicuously displayed at the establishment. 180: it must report to the animal services authority quarterly on every dog and cat given away or sold, admit health and animal services inspectors on reasonable request, keep an employee on duty whenever the shop is open to care for animals on display, never knowingly sell a sick or injured animal, and give every purchaser written care and feeding instructions. Facilities must have sound, injury-resistant housing, adequate heating/cooling and ventilation, moisture-resistant interior surfaces, and outdoor enclosures built to contain animals and drain properly. 150(3).
Violations & Fines
Operating a pet shop without the King County health permit, or failing to keep it in full compliance with FWRC 9.18.140 through 9.18.180, constitutes a public nuisance subject to the abatement procedures of Chapter 1.15 FWRC under FWRC 9.18.130, and can result in revocation of the establishment's license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Federal Way ban pet stores from selling dogs and cats?
What records must a Federal Way pet shop keep?
Can inspectors enter a pet shop unannounced?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
Compare Federal Way to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Pet Store Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle pet store rules.