Barking dog rules in Seattle, 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.
SMC 25.08.500 prohibits loud, raucous, frequent, repetitive, or continuous animal noises. No specific time restriction — the standard is whether it disturbs neighbors and is continuous. Animals may be impounded for repeat violations. Report to Seattle Animal Shelter.
Barking dogs are regulated under both the Animal Code (SMC 9.25) and the Noise Control ordinance (SMC 25.08.500, Public Disturbance Noise). Habitual barking that is frequent, repetitive, or continuous and audible beyond the property constitutes a violation. The Seattle Animal Shelter handles complaints at (206) 386-7387. All dogs must be licensed annually with proof of current rabies vaccination. Animal control officers patrol neighborhoods and respond to complaints. Mediation is encouraged before formal enforcement. Repeat offenders may face escalating penalties and potential nuisance abatement.
Animal code violation: $50 to $150 fine. Repeat violations up to $500. Noise disturbance citation: $150 to $1,000.
Seattle, WA
Seattle's Land Use Code allows residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and yard art without permits provided structures do not exceed accessory-structure heigh...
Seattle, WA
Seattle does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Noise Ordinance (SMC 25.08) limits apply to blower-motor noise...
Seattle, WA
Seattle has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance SMC 25.08 applies to any amplified ou...
Seattle, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Seattle require building permits from SDCI when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a structural roof under Se...
Seattle, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Seattle are allowed at single-family homes but are subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section ...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Fire Code Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers larger than 1 lb on combustible balconies of multi-family buildi...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle barking dogs.
See how Seattle's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.