15 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in King County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated King County allows up to 8 chickens on lots under 20,000 sq ft in RA and R zones per KCC 21A.30.020, more on larger parcels. Roosters are effectively restricted via noise complaints in dense areas.
Dogs in unincorporated King County must be on leash or under physical control when off the owner's property under KCC 11.04.230. Off-leash is prohibited in all public spaces except designated off-leash dog areas.
King County has no breed-specific dog restrictions. Dangerous dog designation under KCC 11.04 and RCW 16.08 is behavior-based. Washington state (RCW 16.08.090) preempts any municipal breed ban.
Beekeeping is permitted on residential lots in unincorporated King County under KCC 21A.30. Hives need setback from property lines, and hobbyist beekeepers must register with WSDA under RCW 15.60.
Exotic animals are prohibited in unincorporated King County under KCC 11.04.234 and Chapter 11.28, consistent with Washington State law RCW 16.30. Prohibited species include nondomesticated felines, canines (wolf hybrids), primates, dangerous snakes, and crocodilians. Violations result in impoundment.
Feeding wildlife (deer, raccoons, coyotes, bears) in unincorporated King County is prohibited under WAC 232-12-271 and KCC 11.04. Bird feeders are allowed but must not become bear attractants.
Livestock (horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs) are permitted in rural and agricultural zones under KCC 21A.30. Density is typically 1 large animal per acre in RA zones; A zones allow full agricultural use.
King County prosecutes animal hoarding under Washington's animal-cruelty statutes RCW 16.52, with Regional Animal Services investigating hoarding complaints and KCSO or city police filing first- or second-degree cruelty charges.
King County Code Title 11 limits residential households to a small number of dogs and cats; exceeding the cap requires a kennel, cattery, or hobby license issued by Regional Animal Services of King County.
King County Code Title 11 requires cats over eight weeks old to be licensed with Regional Animal Services, but unlike dogs, cats are not required to be leashed; chronic nuisance cats can still trigger civil enforcement.
King County does not mandate spay/neuter for owned pets, but KCC 11.04 charges substantially lower annual license fees for altered dogs and cats to encourage sterilization and reduce shelter intake.
King County Code Title 11 requires every dog and cat over eight weeks old to be licensed annually with Regional Animal Services; microchips are strongly encouraged and used by RASKC to reunite lost pets with owners.
King County does not regulate coyotes directly; the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife handles non-domestic wildlife under RCW Title 77, while RASKC and KCSO respond only to immediate public-safety threats from coyotes.
King County does not impose a countywide retail puppy-mill sourcing ban, but RCW 16.52 cruelty laws apply to pet stores; some cities like Seattle restrict retail dog and cat sales to rescue and shelter sources only.
Veterinary clinics in unincorporated King County are permitted in commercial and some mixed-use zones under KCC Title 21A, with overnight boarding subject to additional kennel standards and noise, odor, and waste-control conditions.
8 cities in King County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
11 verified rules • Animal Hoarding, Beekeeping
7 verified rules • Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
7 verified rules • Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
7 verified rules • Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
7 verified rules • Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
7 verified rules • Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
7 verified rules • Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
7 verified rules • Beekeeping, Breed Restrictions
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