Animal Codes
See also: Noise Codes
What Is It?
Our codes regulate the number and type of animals you are allowed to keep at home. Our codes also regulate the location of pet daycare centers and animal shelters and kennels, and animal husbandry as an agricultural use.
What It Isn’t
This ordinance does not cover animal behavior, including noise, and pet ownership; contact the Seattle Animal Shelter.
Rules to Follow
Our ordinance limitations are:
- No more than three small animals such as dogs and cats (unless your property is over 20,000 square feet)
- Up to eight domestic fowl (more for lots over 10,000 square feet) are allowed, but no roosters
- Miniature goats and small potbelly pigs are permitted with limitations; they are counted towards the three small animal maximum
- Farm animals (full-size goats, cows, horses, sheep, etc.) are allowed only on lots over 20,000 square feet
- No swine are allowed other than small potbelly pigs; no more than one potbelly pig is allowed
- Beekeeping is permitted subject to code restrictions
Read the Code
Our Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) has several rules about owning animals in Seattle.
Land Use Code
- Keeping of animals, SMC 23.42.052, SMC 23.49.028
- Pet day care centers and kennels, SMC 23.47A.039, SMC 23.48.095, SMC 23.49.028, SMC 23.50.049, SMC 23.84A.002
- Director’s Rule 32-82, Small Animals Regulated by the Land Use Code
- Tip 244, Urban Agriculture
Seattle Animal Control Code
Public Disturbance Noise
Fines
The first-time penalty for violating the limit on the number of animals is $150. The penalty for additional violations is $500. Inspection charges may also apply. Other animal-related violations may be subject to penalties of up to $500 per day.