Animal Ordinances in Bellingham, WA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Bellingham, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
BMC 7.12.060 (Keeping animals in the city - General regulations) allows hens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and other domesticated fowl within Bellingham city limits if the birds are securely confined in a stable, building, fenced enclosure, or staked-out area that prevents them from getting within 50 feet of any dwelling or building where persons work or are accustomed to be. The Bellingham Municipal Code does not impose a numeric hen cap and does not categorically prohibit roosters. All fowl-keeping is subject to the sanitation, food/water, and 24-hour-care provisions of BMC 7.12.060. Violation is an infraction with a fine not to exceed $250.
Bellingham Chickens & Domesticated Fowl (BMC 7.12.060 - 50-Foot Setback)
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 7.08 (Dog Control) requires that dogs be licensed annually and kept 'under control' as defined in BMC 7.04.030. Dogs must not roam, run, stray, or be away from the owner's premises unless physically restrained. BMC 8.04.070 (Restrictions on animals in parks) requires dogs in city parks to be on a leash held by a person, except in designated off-leash areas. Washington state rabies vaccination is required for licensing. Dangerous-dog rules under BMC 7.08.130-7.08.170 layer state Chapter 16.08 RCW requirements on top of the city's leash and control framework.
Bellingham Dog Leash & Control Laws (BMC Ch. 7.08 + Park Code)
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Bellingham has NO breed-specific dog ban. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, and other commonly restricted breeds are legal in Bellingham without breed-specific permits, muzzle, or insurance requirements. Washington state law preempts most local BSL: RCW 16.08.110 (added by HB 1026, effective January 1, 2020) prohibits cities and counties from enacting breed-based regulations unless certain conditions including a process for dog owners to obtain an exemption are met. Bellingham enforces dangerous-dog rules on a conduct basis under BMC 7.08.130-7.08.170, tracking Chapter 16.08 RCW.
Bellingham Breed Restrictions (None - State-Preempted by RCW 16.08.110, eff. Jan 1, 2020)
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
BMC 7.12.060 expressly authorizes urban beekeeping in Bellingham subject to a 25-foot property-line setback (waived if the hive is 8 feet or more above adjacent grade, OR if a 6-foot solid fence or hedge extends parallel to the property line and at least 20 feet beyond the hive in both directions). Hives must be kept inaccessible to the public, and bee movements must not interfere with persons on adjacent properties or the right-of-way. All colonies must be registered with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) under Chapter 15.60 RCW (RCW 15.60.021). The WSDA apiary registration deadline is April 1 each year.
Bellingham Beekeeping (BMC 7.12.060 - 25-Foot Setback + WSDA Registration)
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
BMC 7.12.100 requires a permit from animal control to own or maintain ANY wild or exotic animal in Bellingham; the annual permit fee is $20 per approved location. The permit issues only when public safety is not at risk and proper enclosures exist; facilities are subject to inspection on 24-hour notice. BMC 7.12.100 specifically prohibits private possession of lions, tigers, bears, gorillas, lynx, cougars, jaguars, venomous snakes, coyotes, and other species native to Washington (except as licensed under state law). Washington's statewide Dangerous Wild Animal Act (Chapter 16.30 RCW, effective 2007) independently prohibits new acquisitions of most big cats, bears, wolves, primates, and venomous reptiles.
Bellingham Exotic Pets (BMC 7.12.100 Permit + RCW Ch. 16.30 Statewide Ban)
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
BMC 7.12.130 (adopted by Ordinance 2017-10-024) prohibits the intentional feeding of deer and raccoons within Bellingham city limits. A person is presumed to feed if they place food, or cause food to be placed, on the ground outdoors or in any outdoor area reachable by these animals. Exceptions cover authorized wildlife officials, landscaping/garden vegetation, and food placed for domestic livestock, pets, or wild birds. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) added a STATEWIDE deer, elk, and moose feeding/baiting prohibition effective May 17, 2025 in response to Chronic Wasting Disease detection - layering on top of the Bellingham city ordinance.
Bellingham Wildlife Feeding (BMC 7.12.130 Deer & Raccoon Ban + WDFW CWD Rule May 17, 2025)
Heavy RestrictionsLivestock
BMC 7.12.060 nominally allows the keeping of horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and other animals in Bellingham city limits subject to secure confinement and a 50-foot setback from neighbor dwellings or work buildings. In practice the Bellingham Land Use Code (BMC Title 20) restricts livestock and animal husbandry to a limited number of zoning districts (rural, public, and certain agricultural-overlay areas), with existing animal-husbandry uses grandfathered at their established locations provided the use is not expanded. BMC 7.16.030 imposes specific care standards for cattle including dry stables and storm shelters. RCW 16.06 (dog tethering) and RCW 16.52 (animal cruelty) also apply.
Bellingham Livestock (BMC 7.12.060 + Title 20 Zoning - Restricted to Limited Districts)
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Whatcom County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bellingham city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Whatcom County →