Renton, WA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Under RMC 6-5-4, any "Dog Salesperson," a term covering stores, breeders and brokers acting together to market, deliver or sell a dog in Renton for more than $1,000, must first personally confirm through diligent investigation that the dog was not bred in a Puppy Mill, arrange for the buyer to interview the breeder and inspect the breeding facility (in person or by live video), and obtain and pass along complete veterinary records for the dog and its mother. 7. Before marketing a dog, the seller must obtain a breeder affidavit on a City-preapproved template, retained for at least two years, disclosing the breeder's name, business license numbers, USDA license if applicable, and confirmation of a facility inspection within the prior six months.

That affidavit must be shown to any bona fide prospective buyer before delivery, contract finalization or payment, and any sales contract denying the buyer a no-penalty opt-out after reviewing the affidavit is void. Sellers must also post the price, breeder identity and affidavit availability on the dog's display enclosure. The ordinance exempts sales of trained service or police dogs and government-run or contracted shelters.