Animal Ordinances in Kent, WA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Kent, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Kent allows up to 3 hens on lots of at least 5,000 square feet, plus 1 additional hen per extra 1,000 square feet. Coops must sit 10 feet from property lines. Roosters are discouraged under the noise ordinance.
Kent Chickens and Backyard Poultry
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Kent requires dogs to be leashed or under competent voice control off private property. Dogs running at large are a public nuisance. Fines start at $100 and escalate to $500 for repeat violations.
Kent Dog Leash and Running At Large Rules
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Kent does not ban any dog breed. Dangerous and potentially dangerous dog designations are behavior-based under RCW 16.08 and KCC 8.03, enforced by Regional Animal Services of King County.
Kent Dog Breed and Dangerous Dog Rules
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Kent allows residential beekeeping as an accessory use with setbacks and hive-count limits. All apiaries in Washington must be registered with WSDA by April 1 each year under RCW 15.60.
Kent Beekeeping and Backyard Hives
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Kent follows RCW 16.30 which prohibits private possession of dangerous wild animals including big cats, bears, wolves, primates, elephants, and venomous reptiles. Legal pre-2007 owners grandfathered for life of animal.
Kent Exotic and Dangerous Wild Animal Ban
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Kent prohibits feeding wildlife that creates a public nuisance, attracts predators, or habituates animals. WDFW also bans feeding deer, elk, and carnivores statewide under WAC 220-440-200.
Kent Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Livestock including goats, pigs, horses, cattle, and sheep are generally limited to AG-zoned and SR-1 rural parcels in Kent. Urban single-family lots do not permit livestock beyond chickens and small fowl.
Kent Livestock and Farm Animals
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kent city rules.
Animal Ordinances in King County →