Exotic Pets: Redmond vs Seattle
How do exotic pets rules compare between Redmond, WA and Seattle, WA?
Redmond and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Redmond, WA
King County
Redmond follows RCW 16.30 and King County Code 11.04, which prohibit potentially dangerous wild animals including big cats, primates, venomous snakes, and bears without state permit.
View full Redmond 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 | Redmond | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | RCW 16.30 | - |
| Prohibited | Big cats, primates, bears | - |
| Allowed | Hedgehogs, ferrets, chinchillas | - |
| Grandfather | Pre-July 2007 only | - |
| 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.
Redmond FAQ
Can I own a ferret in Redmond?
Yes. Ferrets are allowed under Washington state law and Redmond municipal code. Some HOAs restrict them, so check CC&Rs.
Are wolf hybrids legal in Redmond?
Only lower-generation wolf hybrids (F4 or later) are generally allowed. Higher hybrid content is regulated as a dangerous wild animal.
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 Redmond 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