Pierce County, WA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Pierce County, 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
- Code section
- PCC 8.72.090.A
- Standard
- Frequent, repetitive, or continuous
- Time of day
- Applies 24/7
- Exempt
- Licensed shelters and kennels
- Repeat violators
- Animal may be impounded
Summary
In unincorporated Pierce County, PCC 8.72.090.A makes it a public disturbance noise for frequent, repetitive, or continuous animal sounds to unreasonably disturb neighbors' peace and repose, at any hour. Licensed shelters and kennels are exempt. Repeat-violator animals may be impounded. Cities have their own animal-noise rules.
Frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds made by any animal which unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace, comfort, and repose of property owners or possessors…
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-515, and legislation passed through May 26, 2026).
Full Breakdown
PCC 8.72.090 lists barking dogs first among 'public disturbance noises.' Subsection A prohibits 'frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds made by any animal which unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace, comfort, and repose of property owners or possessors,' except animals in shelters, kennels, veterinary hospitals, or pet shops licensed under Title 5 PCC. It applies 24 hours a day with no minute threshold; officers weigh whether the barking is frequent, repetitive, or continuous and unreasonable. If the owner cannot be located, or the animal is a repeat violator, it may be impounded (redemption under PCC 6.02.070/6.02.080). Enforcement is complaint-based and Animal Control Officers under RCW 16.52.025 share authority. Cities like Tacoma have separate codes.
Violations & Fines
Barking-dog complaints go to the Sheriff's Office or Pierce County Animal Control, pursued only on a resident's complaint (PCC 8.72.120.B.1). A log of dates and times helps show the barking is frequent. Repeats can lead to impoundment and penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a dog bark before it violates the county code?
Can a barking dog be impounded?
Who handles barking complaints?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pierce County
Compare Pierce County to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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