Exotic Pets: Federal Way vs Seattle
How do exotic pets rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Seattle, WA?
Federal Way and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Federal Way prohibits dangerous exotic animals under RCW 16.30 and KCC Title 11. Large cats, primates, bears, crocodilians, and venomous reptiles are banned. Common reptiles and small mammals are allowed.
View full Federal Way rules βSeattle, WA
King County
Seattle Municipal Code Title 9 and Washington State law (RCW 16.30) restrict exotic animals. Farm animals (cows, horses, full-size goats, swine) are only permitted on lots over 20,000 sq ft. Miniature goats and small potbelly pigs (1 max) are allowed with restrictions on smaller lots.
View full Seattle rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Big Cats | Prohibited | - |
| Primates | Prohibited | - |
| Venomous Reptiles | Prohibited | - |
| State Law | RCW 16.30 | - |
| Code | - | SMC Title 9 / RCW 16.30 |
| Farm Animals | - | Lots > 20,000 sq ft only; no swine except mini potbelly |
| Mini Goats/Pigs | - | Allowed with restrictions; counts toward small animal limit |
| Exotic Wildlife | - | RCW 16.30 prohibits dangerous wild animals |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
Can I own a monkey in Federal Way?
No. Primates are prohibited as pets under Washington State RCW 16.30, which Federal Way enforces.
Are ferrets legal in Federal Way?
Yes. Ferrets are allowed as pets in Federal Way and throughout Washington State, unlike in California where they are banned.
Seattle FAQ
Can I own an exotic pet in Seattle?
Seattle Municipal Code Title 9 and Washington State law (RCW 16.30) restrict exotic animals. Farm animals (cows, horses, full-size goats, swine) are only permitted on lots over 20,000 sq ft. Miniature goats and small potbelly pigs (1 max) are allowed with restrictions on smaller lots.
What exotic animals are prohibited in Seattle?
Code: SMC Title 9 / RCW 16.30. Farm Animals: Lots > 20,000 sq ft only; no swine except mini potbelly. Mini Goats/Pigs: Allowed with restrictions; counts toward small animal limit. Exotic Wildlife: RCW 16.30 prohibits dangerous wild animals.
Compare other topics
See how Federal Way and Seattle compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool