Animal Hoarding: San Francisco vs Seattle
How do animal hoarding rules compare between San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA?
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco County
No data available yet for San Francisco.
Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle SMC 9.25 limits households to a small number of pets and prohibits neglect. Washington RCW 16.52 makes animal cruelty, including hoarding-related neglect, a gross misdemeanor or felony when injury or death results.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Francisco | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| City code | - | SMC 9.25.081-082 |
| State felony | - | RCW 16.52.205 |
| Pet cap | - | 3 without kennel |
| Enforcer | - | Seattle Animal Shelter |
| Ownership ban | - | Up to 5 years |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Francisco FAQ
No FAQs available.
Seattle FAQ
How do I report a suspected hoarder?
Call Seattle Animal Shelter at 206-386-PETS or use the Find It Fix It app. Reports can be anonymous; SAS officers conduct welfare checks.
Can hoarded animals be seized?
Yes. Under RCW 16.52.085, officers may seize animals in distress with probable cause. Court forfeiture follows; owners are billed boarding costs.
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