Animal Ordinances in Thurston County, WA (2026)

Thurston County Code § 21.21A.020(B)(4), (C)(2)

4. Cows, horses, sheep, non-miniature goats, swine (other than potbelly pigs), and other similar large farm animals are not allowed as an accessory use on lots less than one acre in size. ... 2. On lots or parcels of one acre or more, livestock or large farm animals may be kept; provided, that the number of head of livestock shall not exceed one for each half acre of lot area; and further that ...

Thurston County Code § 9.10.030 (see also § 9.10.050(A))

"At large" means any pet animal that is not in the physical presence or control of an owner or keeper or is under the following circumstances: 1. When a dog, licensed or not, is found off the premises or outside the vehicle of the owner and not under control of a person by means of a leash, carrier or demonstrated voice command; or 2. ...the dog is presumed not to have been under control and to...

Thurston County Code § 9.10.070(B)(1)

A dog shall be declared potentially dangerous if, unprovoked, it: a. Inflicts bites on a human or a pet or domestic animal either on public or private property; or b. Chases or approaches a person upon the streets, sidewalks or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack; or c. Has a known propensity to attack unprovoked, or to cause injury or otherwise to threaten t...

Thurston County Code § 21.21A.020(B)(2)(c)

Beekeeping is allowed outright as an accessory use, when registered with the State Department of Agriculture according to provisions of RCW 15.60.021, provided that: i. Beekeeping may include honey bees, mason bees, cutter bees, cavity nesting bees or similar bees used for honey or pollination purposes. ii. A maximum of four hives, each with only one swarm, are allowed on lots of less than ten ...

Thurston County Code §§ 9.10.030, 9.10.040(J), 9.10.056

"Exotic animal" means an animal, such as, but not limited to, venomous or constrictor type reptiles, or primates. ... J.Exotic Animals. Owners of constrictor type reptiles over eight feet in length, venomous reptiles, and primates are required to annually register such animals with animal services by completing a form provided by animal services. Failure to register such animals shall be a misd...

Thurston County Code § 9.10.030

"Hobby kennel" means a noncommercial kennel at or adjoining a private residence where four or more adult dogs are bred and/or kept for hunting, training and exhibit for organized shows, field working and/or obedience trials or for enjoyment of the species. "Leash" means a cord, thong or chain by which a dog is controlled by the person accompanying it. "License" means the dog, cat or other p...

Thurston County Code §§ 9.10.030, 9.10.040

Annual license for cats which are not sterilized 18.00 Annual license for cats which are sterilized or are under six months of age 10.00 Annual license for cats which are not sterilized and whose owners are low income senior citizens as identified in RCW 84.36.381(5)(b)(ii) 16.00 Annual license for cats which are sterilized and whose owners are low income senior citizens as identified in RCW 84...

Thurston County Code § 9.10.050(E)

E. Failure to Sterilize an Adopted Pet Animal. Such person, when adopting a pet animal from the animal services shelter, fails to have the pet sterilized within the time period specified in the written agreement, unless specifically recommended by a veterinarian in writing, or in cases of verifiable placement within a governmental law enforcement agency. Failure to sterilize an adopted pet anim...

Thurston County Code § 9.10.040(C), (H)

C.Supplemental Identification. Tattooing or microchip implantation are acceptable auxiliary means of identification but do not replace the license. ... H.Tag Removal Unlawful. It is unlawful for any person to remove a tag from any pet animal, or to obliterate any tattoo or microchip registered under this section without the permission of the owner or issuing authority other than in a medical em...

Thurston County Code § 6.80.020

(1)No person, firm partnership, corporation or other entity shall own, maintain or operate a pet shop without first obtaining a pet shop license issued pursuant to this chapter. (2)Applications for pet shop licenses shall be made to the Thurston County Auditor. An application for a pet shop license shall contain the following information: ...(e)The name and address of a licensed veterinarian wh...

TCC § 23.02.180 (Personal services); Tables 6.01 (§ 23.06.040) and 5.01 (§ 23.05.040)

"Personal services" means a business primarily engaged in providing services generally involving the maintenance of the human body, or other services to one's person or household pets. Such businesses include, but are not limited to, barber and beauty shops, photographic studios, tanning parlors, massage practitioners, pet grooming, and obedience training. This does not include medical offices,...

TCC §§ 23.06.040 (Table 6.01), 23.05.040 (Table 5.01), 23.02.180

Prohibited and Unspecified Uses. Land uses which are not listed as permitted or special uses are prohibited unless authorized by the director (or the hearing examiner on appeal) consistent with Section 23.02.080 , Interpretations. ... Table 6.01 Permitted and Conditional Uses ... Commercial District NR PO/RM GC MS AC ... Veterinary offices/clinics P P ... Prohibited and Unspecified Uses. Land u...