Lakewood, WA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Lakewood, WA, also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances, define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Habitual howling, yelping or barking
- Step one
- Owner notified of neighbor complaint
- Nuisance declaration appeal
- Hearing Examiner review
- Final remedy
- Confinement or removal from City
- Noncompliance penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to 90 days/$1,000
Summary
Lakewood treats habitual howling, yelping or barking that unreasonably disturbs a neighbor as a code violation under LMC 6.04.090. Before any animal can be seized, an animal control officer must first give the owner notice of the complaint and a chance to fix it; repeated problems can bring a written noise nuisance declaration under LMC 6.04.091.
It is unlawful for the owner or other person having control or custody of any dog, cat, or other animal to allow such dog, cat, or other animal to habitually howl, yelp, bark, or make other noises which unreasonably disturb another person. Any such dog, cat, or other animal may be seized and impounded. Prior to seizure and impound, the following must occur:
A. The owner or other person responsible for the animal shall be notified that other persons are complaining about the noises and/or are being unreasonably disturbed; and
B. An animal control officer shall make reasonable efforts to notify the owner or other person responsible for the animal, in person, by telephone or through the mail, that a noise nuisance complaint has been received, and shall discuss possible corrective measures.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 852, passed June 15, 2026).
Full Breakdown
090 makes it unlawful for an owner or keeper to allow a dog, cat, or other animal to habitually howl, yelp, bark, or make other noises that unreasonably disturb another person, and authorizes seizure and impoundment, but only after two steps: the owner must first be notified that neighbors are complaining, and an animal control officer must make reasonable efforts, in person, by phone, or by mail, to notify the owner of the complaint and discuss corrective measures. 091 lets the officer issue a written notice of animal noise nuisance describing the animal, the owner's name and address, the facts supporting the declaration, the restrictions imposed, and the owner's right to a hearing.
An owner who objects may appeal to the City's Hearing Examiner, and any restrictions in the notice, including confinement, remain in force during the appeal. 092 requires the animal to be confined as the notice or the Hearing Examiner directs, up to and including removal of the animal from the City of Lakewood altogether. 110.
Violations & Fines
Failing to correct a noise complaint can escalate from a notice of animal noise nuisance to a Hearing Examiner order confining or removing the animal from Lakewood under LMC 6.04.092. Disobeying that confinement or removal order is a misdemeanor under LMC 6.04.110, carrying up to 90 days in jail or a $1,000 fine as defined in LMC 6.02.010. Officers may also seize and impound a noisy animal once the required notice-and-opportunity steps have been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lakewood cite me for a barking dog?
What happens if the barking doesn't stop after a warning?
What's the penalty for ignoring a noise nuisance order?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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