Pet Limits: Portland vs Seattle
How do pet limits rules compare between Portland, OR and Seattle, WA?
Portland and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Portland and Multnomah County do not impose a hard numerical cap on dogs or cats per household, but MCC 13.05.015 caps 'specified animals' (chickens, ducks, rabbits, miniature goats, pot-bellied pigs) at three per residential lot without a permit. Keeping unusually large numbers of dogs or cats can trigger kennel-licensing requirements under MCC 13.301, nuisance enforcement under PCC Title 29, and zoning rules barring commercial kennels in residential zones (PCC 33.110.030).
View full Portland rules →Seattle, WA
King County
SMC 9.25.082 caps each Seattle household at three small animals (dogs/cats over eight weeks) without an SAS kennel license. Larger numbers require zoning approval and inspection. Hobby breeders need a separate permit.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Portland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Dog/Cat Numerical Cap | None (no fixed limit) | - |
| Other Pets (Chickens, etc.) | 3 specified animals per lot (MCC 13.05.015) | - |
| Kennel License Threshold | Breeding/boarding operations (MCC 13.301) | - |
| Zoning Limit | PCC 33.110.030 — no commercial kennel in residential | - |
| Felony Hoarding | 11+ animals in violation (ORS 167.330) | - |
| Code | - | SMC 9.25.082 |
| Limit | - | 3 small animals |
| Age threshold | - | Over 8 weeks |
| License needed | - | Kennel for 4+ |
| Fee | - | $50-100 annual |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Portland FAQ
How many dogs can I have in Portland?
There is no specific numeric cap on dogs or cats per household in Portland Municipal Code or Multnomah County Code. Practical limits come from nuisance rules (noise/odor), kennel-licensing thresholds for breeding or boarding, and minimum-care standards under MCC 13.601.
When do I need a kennel license?
MCC 13.301 requires a kennel license when you are keeping animals for commercial purposes — breeding, boarding, training for fee, or sale. Operating a commercial kennel in a single-family residential zone also violates PCC 33.110.030 zoning rules.
Seattle FAQ
Can I keep four cats in my Seattle house?
Only with an SAS kennel license. Without it, the limit is three. Apply through Seattle Animal Shelter and expect a property inspection before approval.
Do puppies count toward the three-pet limit?
Only after eight weeks old. Litters under eight weeks are exempt, recognizing weaning and adoption timelines for nursing puppies and kittens.
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