Animal Ordinances in Vancouver, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Vancouver or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Vancouver has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Chickens & Livestock

Vancouver allows hens, ducks, geese, rabbits, and similar domestic animals in all zoning districts for hobby use with no minimum lot size. Roosters, turkeys, and peacocks are prohibited. Coops must be located in the rear yard.

Key details: Roosters allowed: No — prohibited citywide. Minimum lot size: None required. Coop location: Rear yard only. Commercial keeping: Prohibited.

Violations enforced under VMC 8.20 (Nuisances) and VMC 8.24 (Animals); code compliance officers may issue notices of violation and civil penalties.

Wildlife Feeding

Vancouver has no dedicated local ordinance banning wildlife feeding. Washington state law prohibits feeding large wild carnivores and, since May 2025, feeding deer, elk, and moose statewide. The city's general nuisance code may apply if feeding creates a public hazard.

Key details: Local ordinance: None specific to wildlife feeding. Carnivore feeding law: RCW 77.15.790 / 77.15.792. Deer/elk/moose feeding: Banned statewide since May 2025. Enforcing agency: WDFW; city animal control.

Negligent carnivore feeding: civil infraction. Intentional carnivore feeding: misdemeanor. Deer/elk/moose feeding: state WAC penalty up to $1,000.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Vancouver gives residents more flexibility on wildlife feeding.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is allowed in Vancouver. Washington state supports urban beekeeping and does not prohibit it. Hives should be managed to avoid nuisance to neighbors.

Key details: Allowed: Yes, in residential areas. Flyway Barriers: 6 ft barriers recommended. Water Source: Should be provided on site. Registration: WA Dept. of Agriculture.

Bee colonies that become a public nuisance may be subject to code compliance action. Unmanaged swarms may result in emergency response.

Exotic Pets

Exotic pet ownership in Vancouver is governed by Washington state law. The city excludes swine, roosters, and peacocks from residential areas. Dangerous wild animals are restricted under state law.

Key details: Excluded in City: Swine, roosters, peacocks. State Law: WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Restricted: Large cats, bears, wolves, venomous snakes. Allowed: Non-venomous reptiles, birds, fish.

Keeping prohibited animals results in code compliance action and animal removal. Violation of state dangerous animal laws carries criminal penalties.

Dog Leash Laws

Vancouver requires dogs to be on a leash or under restraint when off the owner's property. Dogs at large may be impounded by Clark County Animal Protection and Control.

Key details: Leash Required: Yes, off owner's property. Licensing: Clark County license required. Off-Leash Areas: Designated dog parks available. Enforcement: Clark County Animal Protection & Control.

Dogs at large may be impounded. Owners face fines and impound fees. Unlicensed dogs face additional penalties.

Breed Restrictions

Vancouver does not have breed-specific legislation. Washington state does not ban any dog breeds. All dogs are evaluated based on individual behavior.

Key details: Breed Bans: None. State Law: WA does not restrict breeds. Dangerous Dogs: Individual behavior under RCW 16.08. All Dogs: Must be licensed and vaccinated.

No breed-specific penalties exist. Owners of dangerous dogs face strict requirements under Washington state law.

The rules around breed restrictions in Vancouver lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Vancouver gives residents more room on animal ordinances. 2 of the 6 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Vancouver's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.