Barking dog rules in Spokane, 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.
Spokane treats chronic barking as a public nuisance under SMC 10.08 and SMC 10.04 (animal control). SpokAnimal, under contract with the city, handles enforcement with warnings escalating to fines.
Spokane contracts animal control services to SpokAnimal C.A.R.E., which responds to barking complaints alongside Spokane Police. A dog whose barking, howling, or whining is audible beyond the property line for extended periods (typically 10 minutes continuous or 30 minutes intermittent) is considered a public nuisance under SMC 10.04. Complaints usually start with a written warning, followed by citations if the behavior continues. Owners may be required to take corrective action such as bark collars, training, or bringing the dog indoors at night. Multiple verified complaints can result in the dog being declared a public nuisance, with escalating fines and potential removal orders in extreme cases.
Initial warning, followed by infractions typically starting at 100 to 250 dollars. Repeat violations can exceed 500 dollars and may result in nuisance animal designation.
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See how Spokane's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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