Animal Ordinances in Pasco, WA (2026)
10 verified animal ordinances for Pasco, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Pasco allows backyard chicken hens on qualifying residential lots, but roosters are banned citywide. On lots of 5,000 to under 22,000 sq ft, up to three hens are allowed, and coops must sit behind the dwelling and at least 10 feet from property lines.
Pasco Backyard Chickens & Hens
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Pasco prohibits dogs from running at large. Off the owner's premises a dog must be 'at heel' or restrained by a leash no longer than eight feet, held by a competent person. Cars and designated dog-training areas are exempt.
Pasco Dog Leash & At-Large Law
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Pasco repealed its breed-specific 'pit bull' restrictions effective December 2020, and no longer bans dogs by breed. Dangerous-dog rules apply to any dog by behavior, not breed. Washington's RCW 16.08.110 also limits breed-based bans.
Pasco Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Pasco's Animal Control chapter (PMC 6.05) does not set out a dedicated backyard beekeeping ordinance. Hives are treated as a land-use question under PMC Title 25 zoning, and beekeepers also register apiaries with the state under Washington's RCW 15.60.
Pasco Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Pasco adopts Washington's dangerous-wild-animal ban by reference in PMC 6.05.340. Possessing potentially dangerous wild animals (big cats, bears, wolves, primates, venomous snakes, and more) is prohibited under RCW Chapter 16.30, with narrow pre-2007 grandfather and institutional exemptions.
Pasco Exotic & Dangerous Wild Animals
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Pasco makes it unlawful to feed fowl, farm animals, or wildlife except in City-designated areas, a Class 3 civil infraction under PMC 9.100.120. Washington also bans feeding deer, elk, and moose statewide as of May 2025.
Pasco Wildlife & Animal Feeding
Some RestrictionsLivestock
In Pasco, livestock such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and larger flocks of fowl are only allowed in the R-S-20, R-S-12, and R-S-1 suburban zoning districts, which require larger minimum lot sizes. Farm animals are not permitted in other zones.
Pasco Livestock & Farm Animals
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Pasco does not have a standalone 'hoarding' ordinance, but its cruelty and pet-limit rules address it. PMC 6.05.150 makes neglect a gross misdemeanor, four or more dogs or cats is a commercial kennel, and officers may remove neglected animals under PMC 6.05.160.
Pasco Animal Hoarding & Neglect
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
On smaller single-family lots (5,000 to under 22,000 sq ft), Pasco limits residents to three dogs, three cats, three rabbits, and three hens, capped at six animals total. Keeping four or more dogs or cats is treated as a commercial kennel under PMC 6.05.010.
Pasco Pet Limits (Dogs & Cats)
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Pasco does not require cats to be licensed, unlike dogs. Households on smaller single-family lots may keep up to three cats within a six-animal total. Nuisance and cruelty rules in PMC 6.05 still apply to cats.