Washington Pet Limit Laws: How Many Pets Can You Own?

Washington is one of the few states that sets a hard number in state law: no one may keep more than 50 intact dogs over 6 months old. Ordinary household limits still come from cities and counties.

Washington pet limit rules at a glance

What Washington law says

• RCW 16.52.310 limits anyone to 50 intact dogs over 6 months.
• Publicly operated shelters, nonprofit humane societies, vet facilities, retail pet stores, research institutions, boarding and grooming facilities are exempt.
• Cities and counties may limit the number of pets per home by ordinance.

Where pet limits usually come from

• City and county ordinances. Cities can cap household pets or require a kennel or multi-pet permit above a set number.
• Zoning rules. Keeping many animals can turn a home into a "kennel" use that is not allowed in residential zones.
• Leases and HOAs. Landlords and homeowners associations can set lower limits than the law, and many restrict size or breed.
• Nuisance and cruelty laws. Even without a number cap, barking, odor or poor care can lead to enforcement.

How to check the limit for your address

1. Search your city code for "animals" or "dogs" and look for a number limit or a kennel permit section.
2. If you live in an unincorporated area, check the county code instead.
3. Read your lease or HOA covenants.
4. Ask local animal services; they also sell dog licenses and can tell you whether a multi-dog or kennel license is needed.

Thinking about adding another pet? Local shelters and rescues can tell you what the adoption process involves; see how adopting a dog or cat works.

Sources

1. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: Washington dog laws
2. RCW 16.52.310: Limit on the number of dogs
3. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: State commercial pet breeder laws