Exotic Pets: Portland vs Seattle
How do exotic pets rules compare between Portland, OR and Seattle, WA?
Portland and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Oregon ORS 609.305-609.335 bans private possession of 'exotic animals' — non-human primates, non-domesticated felines (lions, tigers, leopards), wolves, bears, and crocodilians — unless the owner held a permit before January 1, 2010 (grandfathered). Multnomah County Code 13.001 reiterates the prohibition and authorizes MCAS to impound illegally kept exotic animals. Reptiles, parrots, ferrets, and pot-bellied pigs are generally allowed in Portland subject to the specified-animal permit rules (MCC 13.05).
View full Portland rules →Seattle, 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 →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Portland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| State Ban Statute | ORS 609.305-609.335 | - |
| Banned Categories | Primates, big cats, bears, wolves, crocodilians | - |
| Grandfather Cutoff | Permit held before Jan 1, 2010 | - |
| Allowed 'Unusual' Pets | Ferrets, pot-bellies, non-venomous reptiles, parrots | - |
| Enforcement | MCAS + Oregon Dept. of Agriculture | - |
| 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.
Portland FAQ
Can I keep a ferret or pot-bellied pig in Portland?
Yes. Ferrets are legal under Oregon law, and pot-bellied pigs are expressly allowed as pets under MCC 13.05.015(D). Both count toward Portland's three-animal limit for specified animals on residential lots.
Are exotic cats like servals or bobcats legal in Portland?
No. ORS 609.305 bans all non-domestic felines for private possession statewide. Only owners who held a valid permit before January 1, 2010 may continue under ORS 609.319. New possession is a Class A misdemeanor with forfeiture.
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.
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