Pet Laws 

SCRAPS is charged with enforcing the animal statutes for the unincorporated areas of Spokane County, the City of Spokane Valley, Cheney, Liberty Lake and Millwood. Spokane city residents along with Airway Heights residents are supported by SpokAnimal Care. They can be reached by calling 534-8133. For City of Medical Lake call 565-5003, City of Deer Park call 276-8802, and the Town of Rockford call 291-4715.

SCRAPS officers are deputized by the Sheriff and carry commissions limited to enforcing animal laws. The majority of these laws concern dogs and cats, but officers are prepared to deal with a wide variety of animals and emergencies. Officers do not carry firearms, but are equipped with leashes, snares and tranquilizer guns. For special situations, live traps and other special equipment are available.

State and local pet laws

For the written laws relating to animal care in the State of Washington go to:  apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx  and click on Title 16. This does not cover county or city ordinances which might also apply - Spokane County Ordinances.

Licensing

Pet licensing (dogs and cats) is mandatory in all areas of Spokane County within 30 days of acquisition of a pet or when the pet reaches 6 months of age. It is recommended that the license be attached to a substantial collar and worn by the pet at all times. SCRAPS offers pet licensing.

Animal at large

Dogs: The county ordinance specifies that all dogs must be kept confined to your property or be on a leash when off your property.

Cats: It is unlawful for a cat to run at large without being spayed or neutered, or to be on private property without permission of the property owner.

Pets must be controlled as a courtesy to others and for their protection.

Vicious animal

Any animal which attacks, bites or physically threatens a person or another animal without provocation could be considered vicious. If a dog is declared to be dangerous by SCRAPS, the owner of the dog will have to meet specific conditions including, but not limited to, liability insurance and a special kennel to house the animal.

Barking

Howling, yelling, whining, barking or making other oral noises in such a manner as to disturb any person or groups of persons to an unreasonable degree is prohibited.

In heat

Any dog or cat accessible to other animals, while in heat, for purposes other than controlled or planned breeding is in violation of the animal ordinance.

Disturbing pedestrians

It is unlawful for an owner to allow their dog to disturb people lawfully on public ways by snarling, barking, growling, or jumping at or toward such people.

Animal bites

Any domestic animal (dog or cat) which bites or otherwise breaks the skin of any person will need to be isolated and quarantined for rabies observation for a period of ten days at the owner's expense. This may be done at the home of the pet if the conditions set forth by the county health department can be met.

Cruelty

It is unlawful to physically mistreat any animal either by deliberate abuse or by neglect, or failure to furnish adequate care, shelter, and medical attention.

Exotic animals

The Inherently Dangerous Mammal and Reptile Ordinance regulates the keeping of certain mammals/reptiles as pets. The owner of the mammal/reptile will have to meet specific conditions including, but not limited to, annual registration and inspection, certain standards of housing and care, and the acquisition of liability insurance. Some of the mammals/reptiles regulated are cats other than domestic, bears, wolves, coyotes and poisonous reptiles. Contact the shelter for the complete list of mammals/reptiles and registration requirements. Any violation of this ordinance is a criminal misdemeanor.

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal disease to pets and humans. It is transferred through saliva in animal bites. All pets 6 months of age or older are required by county ordinance to be currently vaccinated against rabies.

Impoundment

Animals may be impounded when they:

• Are running at large off of the owner's premises and not secured by a leash.
• Have injured or bitten a person or other animal, where the animal poses a continuing threat to people or animals.
• Have been subject to cruel treatment as defined by RCW 16.52.070.

Other violations

• Running in a pack - dogs
• No license
• Damaging property
• Chasing vehicles - dogs
• Not being currently inoculated against rabies
• Illegal kennel - having 5 or more dogs/cats over 6 months old

Penalties

In addition to payment of Impound Fees, Boarding Fees, and Transportation Fees, animal owners may be cited for violations of the Spokane County Code or the Revised Code of Washington and subject to fines and/or appearance in district or municipal courts. If you want to know what is required to be a responsible pet owner - please contact our shelter. We would love to help you avoid an animal related problem.

To top