Animal Ordinances in Yakima, WA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Yakima, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Yakima allows up to four hen chickens as accessory pets on residential lots under the Yakima Municipal Code; roosters are prohibited. Coops, chicken tractors, and rabbit hutches must be set back at least 10 feet from any residence or property line and 5 feet from other structures, and must be confined to the backyard area.
Yakima Backyard Chickens (Hens Only, No Roosters)
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
All dogs in the City of Yakima must be on leash and not running at large; designated off-leash dog parks (e.g., Randall Park) are exempt. All adult dogs must be licensed within 30 days of acquisition; license requires current rabies vaccination. Fees are $25/year altered or $75/year unaltered ($60/$180 for three years).
Yakima Dog Leash Law & License
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Yakima has no active breed-specific dog legislation. The city's longstanding pit bull ban (YMC Chapter 6.18, enacted 1987) was repealed by the City Council in 2018, effective Sept. 23, 2018. Washington state law (RCW 16.08.110, from HB 1026, eff. Jan. 1, 2020) now preempts most local breed-specific bans.
Yakima Breed Restrictions (Pit Bull Ban Repealed 2018)
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Yakima Municipal Code does not contain a dedicated city beekeeping chapter. Beekeeping is regulated as an accessory residential use under YMC Title 15 nuisance and animal-husbandry rules. Every Washington beekeeper must register their hives annually with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) by April 1 under RCW Chapter 15.60 (Apiaries).
Yakima Beekeeping (State WSDA Registration)
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Washington RCW Chapter 16.30 (Dangerous Wild Animals, eff. July 22, 2007) prohibits ownership, possession, breeding, or importation of potentially dangerous wild animals statewide - including big cats, bears, wolves, hyenas, non-human primates, elephants, rhinoceroses, certain reptiles, and venomous snakes. Yakima enforces the state ban locally through YMC Chapter 6.20 nuisance/dangerous-animal provisions.
Yakima Exotic Pets (WA Dangerous Wild Animal Ban)
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Effective May 17, 2025, the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) made it illegal statewide to intentionally feed deer, elk, or moose, or to place feed (bird feeders, grain, salt, fruit, hay) that causes those species to congregate. Feeding bears and other carnivores was already prohibited. The rule applies in Yakima. WDFW's long-running Oak Creek elk feeding program northwest of Yakima is an agency-managed exception.
Yakima Wildlife Feeding (WDFW Statewide Ban)
Heavy RestrictionsLivestock
Yakima allows traditional livestock - cattle, horses, ponies, mules, llamas, goats, sheep, swine, rabbits, and poultry - under the 'animal husbandry' rules of YMC 15.09.070, which require a minimum lot size of one-half acre within the urban area. Smaller residential lots are limited to 'pet' animals (up to 4 hen chickens or rabbits). Yakima's Suburban Residential (SR) zone is designed for small farms and scattered low-density development.
Yakima Livestock (YMC 15.09.070 Animal Husbandry, 0.5-Acre Minimum)
Some RestrictionsLooking for Yakima County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Yakima city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Yakima County →