Puyallup, WA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Puyallup, 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
- Standard
- Habitual barking that unreasonably disturbs neighbors
- Enforcement basis
- Complaint-only, from an identified affected owner or renter
- Max penalty
- $250 civil infraction per day
- Repeat violator
- Dog may be impounded under Chapter 8.04 PMC
- Kennel exemption
- Licensed shelters and kennels are exempt
Summary
A dog whose frequent, repetitive or continuous barking unreasonably disturbs a neighbor's peace, comfort or repose is a "public disturbance noise" under PMC § 6.16.050(2)(a), enforceable only after a complaint from an identified affected property owner or renter. Repeat violators, or dogs whose owners can't be located, may be impounded under Chapter 8.04 PMC.
The following source of sound shall be public disturbance noises: ... Frequent, repetitive, or continuous noise made by any animal which unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace, comfort, and repose of property owners or possessors, except that such sounds made by animal shelters, or commercial kennels, veterinary hospitals, pet shops, or pet kennels licensed under and in compliance with applicable regulations shall be exempt from this subsection. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if the owner or other person having custody of the animal cannot, with reasonable inquiry, be located by the investigating officer, or if the animal is a repeat violator of this subsection, the animal shall be impounded by the animal control officer or his designee, subject to redemption in the manner provided by Chapter 8.04 PMC ... Any violation of the provisions of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be punishable as a civil infraction with a maximum penalty of $250.00.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4985225; v6 updated 2026-07-21; through 07-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
16, Noise Control, lists frequent, repetitive or continuous animal noise as one of several defined "public disturbance noises," alongside things like blaring vehicle audio and unpermitted sound amplifiers. Licensed animal shelters, commercial kennels, veterinary hospitals, pet shops and pet kennels are carved out of the rule entirely, so a barking complaint against a licensed kennel does not violate this section. 080(1) puts the chapter on a complaint-only basis, meaning a civil infraction can issue only after a complaint from an identified person who owns, rents or leases property affected by the noise, and each 24-hour period in which the barking continues counts as a separate violation.
04 PMC. 150, separately declares the keeping or harboring of any dog that habitually howls or barks so as to unreasonably annoy, disturb or interfere with another person's comfort, health or safety to be a nuisance in its own right, giving the city a second, independent hook against the same conduct.
Violations & Fines
A substantiated public disturbance noise complaint under § 6.16.050(2)(a) is punishable as a civil infraction with a maximum penalty of $250.00, and each day the barking continues is a separate violation (PMC § 6.16.100). A dog that is a repeat violator, or whose owner cannot be located, may be impounded by the animal control officer under Chapter 8.04 PMC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud does a dog have to be to violate Puyallup's noise code?
Who can file a barking dog complaint in Puyallup?
Can Puyallup take my dog away for barking too much?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Puyallup
Compare Puyallup to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Barking Dogs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle barking dogs.