Animal Ordinances in Seattle, WA (2026)

Seattle Municipal Code § 23.42.052(D)

D.Farm Animals. Cows, horses, sheep and other similar farm animals are permitted only on lots of at least 20,000 square feet. The keeping of swine is prohibited, except for miniature potbelly pigs allowed under subsection 23.42.052.B.1.One farm animal for every 10,000 square feet of lot area is permitted.2.Farm animals and structures housing them must be kept at least 50 feet from any other lot...

Seattle Municipal Code § 9.25.084(A)

A.Permit any animal, except cats and pigeons, to be at large or trespass upon the property of another. It is not a violation of this subsection to have a dog off-leash in an area designated pursuant to Section 18.12.080 as an off-leash area provided that the requirements of subsection 18.12.080.B are met;

Seattle Municipal Code § 9.25.020(G)

"Dangerous animal" means any animal:(1)That, when unprovoked, inflicts severe injury on or kills a human being or domestic animal on public or private property;(2)Whose owner has been previously found to have committed a civil violation of 9.25.084.G or has been convicted of a crime under 12A.06.060 of the Seattle Municipal Code and whose owner is found to have committed a violation of either 9...

Seattle Municipal Code § 23.42.052(E)

E.Beekeeping. Beekeeping is permitted outright as an accessory use, when registered with the State Department of Agriculture, provided that:1.No more than four hives, each with only one swarm, are allowed on lots of less than 10,000 square feet.2.Hives shall not be located within 25 feet of any lot line except when situated 8 feet or more above the grade immediately adjacent to the grade of the...

Seattle Municipal Code § 9.25.053(A)

It is unlawful for any person to procure or keep an exotic animal; provided, this prohibition shall not apply to any city, county, state or federal agency, school, college, university or similar educational facility, or to a properly licensed veterinary hospital where an exotic animal may be confined temporarily for treatment, or to the procurement of an exotic animal by a properly licensed com...

Seattle Municipal Code § 23.42.052(A)

A.Small Animals. Up to three small animals may be kept accessory to each business establishment, other than an urban farm, or dwelling unit on a lot, except as follows:1.In no case is more than one miniature potbelly pig allowed per business establishment or dwelling unit (see subsection 23.42.052.B).2.In neighborhood residential zones,a.accessory dwelling units shall not be considered separate...

Seattle Municipal Code § 9.25.051

Any owner of a cat or dog over the age of eight (8) weeks must obtain a valid license for each such animal. Within thirty (30) days of entry of any cat or dog into The City of Seattle, the owner of the cat or dog must obtain a valid license for each such animal.

Seattle Animal Shelter — Spay and Neuter Clinic (Low-cost program)

Spay and Neuter Clinic — Why choose the Seattle Animal Shelter Spay and Neuter Clinic? The Spay and Neuter Clinic at the Seattle Animal Shelter is committed to providing compassionate and quality care to your pet and low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to any dog or cat in need. Our promise is to take good care of both you and your pet. We specialize in spay/neuter surgeries, from the very simpl...

Seattle Municipal Code § 9.25.080(B), (I)

It is unlawful for the owner of any animal to:...B.Fail to display conspicuously the current and valid license identification on the licensed animal provided that cats need not display a license identification tag if the cat is licensed and has been implanted with microchip identification and the microchip number is registered with Seattle Animal Control;...I.Remove a microchip implanted in an ...

Seattle Municipal Code §§ 23.47A.039, 10.72.020

In addition to the development standards of the zone, pet daycare centers are subject to the following:...B.The pet daycare center shall be permitted by Public Health-Seattle & King County, as required by Section 10.72.020.C.Facilities for the boarding of animals may occupy no more than 30 percent of the gross floor area of the pet daycare center. A pet grooming service may provide facilities f...

Seattle Municipal Code §§ 10.72.030(A), 23.74.008(B)(6)

Applications for kennel permits required by this Chapter 10.72 shall be made to the Director and, in the case of applications for new permits only, shall include a determination by the Director of the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections that the proposed use is consistent with Seattle zoning laws.... Notwithstanding the use provisions of the underlying zone, the following use pro...