Dogs in Washington, United States: rules, tax and travel
Washington: Licensing is by county or city. Rabies and bite rules are in the details below.
Many dog rules in Washington are set by counties, cities or towns, so check your local animal control.
The national rules for United States apply here too. National rules
Breed rules
No breed-specific rule found.
Registration and microchip
Licensing is by county or city. County treasurers collect dog licence taxes and the current tag must be on the collar (RCW 36.49.020; 16.10.020). No statewide licence.[1]
Leash and muzzle
No general leash rule. Towns may prohibit running at large (RCW 35.27.370).[2]
Other rules
State rule on rabies vaccination of dogs and cats does not set an age; the vaccine manufacturer and veterinary instructions apply (WAC 246-100-197).[3]
The state limits local breed-specific dog laws (RCW 16.08.110 and 16.08.100 (the dangerous dog provision is narrow)).[4]
Dog bite liability: Strict liability statute (RCW 16.08.040).[5]
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.
Sources
- animallaw.info/statute/wa-dog-consolidated-dog-laws (secondary source)
- animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-leash-laws (secondary source)
- animallaw.info/topic/table-rabies-vaccination-laws (secondary source)
- animallaw.info/article/overview-states-prohibit-bsl (secondary source)
- justia.com/injury/premises-liability/animal-dog-bites/dog-bite-law-50-state-survey (secondary source)