Animal Ordinances in Olympia, WA (2026)
12 verified animal ordinances for Olympia, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
In the City of Olympia, Washington, a lot of one-quarter acre or smaller can keep up to five ducks or female chickens, with larger lots allowed more by a printed lot-size scale. Roosters, geese, peacocks, and similar loud fowl are prohibited, and animal enclosures must sit at least 10 feet from all property lines under OMC § 18.04.060(KK).
Olympia WA Backyard Chickens and Livestock Limits
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 18.04.060
KK. AGRICULTURE. ... Agricultural uses, as defined in OMC 18.02.180, are allowed as a primary or accessory use in all zoning districts except Auto Services and Industrial zones, pursuant to the following: ... 2. Lots one-quarter acre and smaller are allowed up to five ducks or female chickens. Lots between one-quarter acre and one acre are allowed up to nine ducks or female chickens. Lots one a...
Dog Leash Laws
In the City of Olympia, Washington, a dog found off the premises or outside the owner's vehicle and not under control by leash, carrier, or demonstrated voice command is at large under OMC 6.04.030(D). In a public park, beach, or school ground a dog must be on a leash held by a person able to maintain physical control.
Dog Leash and At-Large Rules in Olympia, Washington
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code §§ 6.04.030(D)(1), 6.04.050(A), 6.04.050(C)
1. When a dog, licensed or not, is found off the premises or outside the vehicle of the owner and not under control of a person by means of a leash, carrier, or demonstrated voice command. ... A. Pet animal at large. ... Such person’s pet animal, except cats, is at large as defined in Section 6.04.030(D); provided, however, this section shall not prohibit the owner and pet animal from participa...
Breed Restrictions
In the City of Olympia, Washington, dogs are classified by conduct, not breed. Under OMC 6.04.110 the Animal Services Director can declare a dog potentially dangerous or dangerous after a written complaint and supporting evidence. A dangerous dog needs a certificate of registration, a $250,000 bond or insurance policy and a $125.00 annual fee.
Dangerous Dog Declarations in Olympia, Washington
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 6.04.110(A), (B)
A. Classification. ... The Animal Services Director or designee shall have authority to classify potentially dangerous dogs and dangerous dogs. ... 1. A dog shall be declared potentially dangerous if, unprovoked, it: a. Inflicts a bite or bites on a human or a pet or domestic animal either on public or private property; or b. Chases or approaches a person upon the streets, sidewalks, or any pub...
Beekeeping
In the City of Olympia, Washington, beekeeping is allowed outright as an agricultural use when the keeper is registered with the State Department of Agriculture. Lots under ten thousand square feet are limited to four hives, and hives sit at least 25 feet from any lot line unless OMC § 18.04.060(KK)(5) conditions reduce that to 10 feet.
Olympia WA Beekeeping Hive Limits
Light RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 18.04.060
5. Beekeeping is allowed outright as an agricultural use, when registered with the State Department of Agriculture according to provisions of RCW 15.60.021, provided that: ... b. A maximum of four hives, each with only one swarm, are allowed on lots of less than ten thousand square feet. c. Hives may not be located within 25 feet of any lot line, provided this distance may be reduced to 10 feet...
Exotic Pets
In the City of Olympia, Washington, owners of constrictor type reptiles over eight feet in length, venomous reptiles, and primates must follow all state and federal laws and register the animals annually with Animal Services under OMC 6.04.040(J). Failure to register is a misdemeanor and subjects the animal to immediate impoundment.
Exotic and Venomous Reptile Rules in Olympia, WA
Significant RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code §§ 6.04.030(L), 6.04.040(J), 6.04.080
L. “Exotic animal” means an animal, such as, but not limited to, venomous or constrictor type reptiles, or primates. ... J. Exotic Animals. Owners of constrictor type reptiles over eight feet in length, venomous reptiles, and primates, that are not otherwise prohibited, are required to comply with all state and federal laws for the keeping of such animals, and are also required to annually regi...
Wildlife Feeding
In the City of Olympia, Washington, Olympia Municipal Code § 12.60.040 makes it unlawful to feed any fowl, fish or animal within any park, and to tease, annoy, disturb, harass, catch, injure or kill any animal, bird, fowl or fish there. Violations are civil infractions starting at Class 3 ($50), enforced by the Park Ranger.
Olympia, WA Park Rules: No Feeding or Harassing Animals
Light RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code §§ 12.60.001, 12.60.040, 12.60.300
The Park Ranger is hereby authorized to enforce this code, including the issuance of notices of infraction. ... It is unlawful in any manner to purposely tease, annoy, disturb, harass, catch, injure or kill or to throw anything at or strike any animal, bird, fowl or fish within a park, or to feed any fowl, fish or animal within any park. ... A. Unless stated otherwise, it shall be a civil infra...
Pet Limits
In the City of Olympia, Washington, residential districts allow no more than six pet animals per dwelling unit. Animals under four months old and small pets kept in enclosures inside the home, such as aquarium fish and reptiles, do not count toward the limit.
Olympia WA Pet Limit: Six Per Dwelling Unit
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 18.04.060(C)
Animals are allowed in all residential districts subject to the following requirements: No more than six pet animals are permitted per dwelling unit. Pet animals under four months of age are not subject to, and do not count towards, this limitation on the number of pet animals. Small pet animals, such as small mammals, aquarium fish, reptiles, spiders, and insects, that are kept in enclosures, ...
Cat Rules
In the City of Olympia, Washington, a cat considered a pet animal must be licensed, and failing to license it is a Class 3 civil infraction under OMC 6.04.040(A). Community cats, free roaming cats cared for by residents, are not pet animals, and the at-large rule in OMC 6.04.050(A) does not apply to cats.
Cat Licensing and Community Cat Rules in Olympia, WA
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code §§ 6.04.030(D)(3), 6.04.030(F), 6.04.040(A), 6.04.050(A)
3. When a cat, licensed or not, is on property where the property owner or tenant objects to the presence of the cat and has humanely trapped or otherwise contained the cat. ... F. ... “Community cat” means any free roaming cat that may be cared for by one or more residents in the area, known or unknown. Community cats with ears-tipped were sterilized and vaccinated against rabies at least one ...
Mandatory Spay/Neuter
In the City of Olympia, Washington, a person who adopts a pet animal from the Animal Services Shelter must have the pet sterilized within the time period in the written adoption agreement, under OMC 6.04.050(F). Failure is a Class 4 civil infraction. A veterinarian's written recommendation is an exception.
Adopted Pet Spay and Neuter Rule in Olympia, WA
Light RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code §§ 6.04.030(DD), 6.04.050(F)
DD. “Sterilized” means the animal is surgically rendered incapable of reproduction by means of castration or an ovarian hysterectomy. ... Any person who harbors, keeps, possesses, maintains, or has temporary custody of a pet animal shall be responsible for the behavior of such animal whether the owner knowingly permits the behavior or not. Such person shall violate the terms of this chapter if:...
Microchipping
In the City of Olympia, Washington, tattooing or microchip implantation are acceptable auxiliary means of identification for a dog or cat but do not replace the license, under OMC 6.04.040(C). For cats only, a microchip can substitute for a collar when a collar is considered a hazard. Tampering with a registered chip is a misdemeanor.
Pet Microchip and Tattoo Rules in Olympia, WA
Light RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 6.04.040(B), (C), (H)
B. Issuance of license tag. Animal Services or agents thereof shall provide an appropriate identification tag for each dog or cat licensed to persons applying, upon payment of the appropriate license fee. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of a dog to keep a collar or harness on the animal with the license tag attached if the animal is off the owner’s property. For cats only a microchi...
Pet Store Rules
In the City of Olympia, Washington, no pet store can display, sell, deliver, offer for sale, barter, auction, give away or otherwise transfer dogs or cats. OMC 6.01.020 makes retail dog and cat sales unlawful, while stores can host animals from shelters and rescues for adoption as long as the store takes no compensation.
Pet Store Dog and Cat Sale Ban in Olympia, Washington
Heavy RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code §§ 6.01.020, 6.01.040, 6.01.050
Notwithstanding any provision in the Olympia Municipal Code to the contrary, no pet store shall display, sell, deliver, offer for sale, barter, auction, give away, or otherwise transfer or dispose of dogs or cats in the City of Olympia on or after the effective date of this Chapter. ... This Chapter does not apply to: A ... person or establishment that sells, delivers, offers for sale, barters,...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
In the City of Olympia, Washington, a veterinary clinic is a defined land use that is only boarding-limited, and in the Downtown Business, Medical Services, High Density Corridor-1 and PO/RM districts the animals must stay indoors except for very brief periods needed for the animal's health. Veterinary clinics are barred as home occupations.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning in Olympia, Washington
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 18.06.060
II. Veterinary Clinic and Office, Veterinary Clinic. Downtown Business (DB), Medical Services (MS), High Density Corridor-1 (HDC-1), and Professional Office/Residential Multifamily District (PO/RM) Requirements. Animals shall be kept indoors except for very brief periods of time as necessary for the animal’s health.
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