Washington Dog Poop Laws by County
Owning a dog in Washington State is a joy, but with that joy comes responsibility—especially when it comes to cleaning up after your pet. While Washington doesn’t have a statewide dog poop law, most counties and cities have local ordinances that require pet owners to pick up dog waste promptly.
This article breaks down dog poop laws county by county across Washington, helping you stay informed, avoid fines, and be a respectful member of your community.
Is There a Statewide Dog Poop Law in Washington?
No, there’s no single Washington State law that requires dog owners to pick up poop. However, nearly all local governments regulate pet waste as part of public nuisance or sanitation laws. So, while the state leaves it up to counties and cities, the message is the same: clean up after your dog—or pay the price.
Dog Poop Laws by County in Washington
1. King County (Seattle, Bellevue, Kent)
Seattle has a strong pooper scooper law under Seattle Municipal Code § 9.25.082. Pet owners must clean up any feces left by their dog on public or private property they don’t own.
Fines: $54 for the first offense, increasing with repeat violations.
Seattle parks are strictly monitored, and dog waste left behind can lead to citations. Want to understand your dog’s aging better? Use this dog age calculator to check your dog’s age in human years.
2. Pierce County (Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup)
In Tacoma, dog owners are required by law to clean up pet waste immediately. Tacoma Municipal Code treats animal waste left on public property as a health and sanitation violation.
Fine: $50–$100 depending on the situation
3. Snohomish County (Everett, Lynnwood, Marysville)
Most cities in Snohomish County, including Everett, have municipal codes requiring immediate cleanup of pet feces. Waste must be disposed of in trash bins—not left on trails, sidewalks, or parks.
Fines: Begin at $50 and may rise for second and third violations
4. Spokane County (Spokane, Spokane Valley)
Spokane Code § 10.03.030 requires all dog owners to remove feces left in public or private areas they do not own. The law is enforced by animal control and applies to sidewalks, trails, parks, and yards.
- First offense: $103
- Repeat offenses: Up to $250
Have a senior dog? Check their age in human years here.
5. Clark County (Vancouver, Camas)
In Vancouver, pet waste laws are covered under animal control regulations. Pet owners must clean up dog poop right away and carry waste bags during walks.
Fines: Start at $50, with increased penalties for additional violations
6. Thurston County (Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater)
Olympia city code includes pet waste regulations, making it mandatory for dog owners to clean up feces and dispose of it properly. Local parks have signs and bag dispensers, but bringing your own is advised.
Violators may receive citations or warnings, especially in parks and on walking trails.
7. Kitsap County (Bremerton, Silverdale)
In Kitsap County, dog owners are required to remove pet waste from any public place or private property they don’t own. This includes sidewalks, schoolyards, and parks.
Fines: Range from $50 to $100 depending on severity and history
8. Whatcom County (Bellingham)
Bellingham mandates pet owners to pick up after their dogs and dispose of the waste in a sanitary manner. Waste left behind in public places is treated as a nuisance and a health hazard.
City officials may issue citations or warnings based on resident complaints.
9. Yakima County
Yakima requires dog owners to clean up waste immediately on both public and private land. Enforcement is common near parks and trails, and residents are encouraged to report violators.
Typical Dog Poop Fines Across Washington Counties
| County/City | First Offense | Repeat Offense |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle (King County) | $54 | $100+ |
| Spokane | $103 | $250+ |
| Everett (Snohomish) | $50 | $100+ |
| Vancouver (Clark) | $50 | $100+ |
| Olympia (Thurston) | $25–$50 | $100+ |
Tips for Staying Compliant (and Being a Good Neighbor)
- Always carry 2–3 poop bags when walking your dog
- Use biodegradable bags for eco-friendly disposal
- Never leave waste behind “just this once”—it can still get you fined
- Teach your dog to go before reaching high-traffic areas
Want to learn more about your dog’s health and lifespan? Use this dog age calculator to find out how old they are in human years—it’s quick and helpful.
Do the Rules Still Apply If There’s No Sign?
Yes. Even without a “clean up after your dog” sign, you’re still legally responsible. In most Washington counties, the ordinance is enforced with or without signage. Residents may report offenders through neighborhood apps or directly to animal control.
Why Picking Up Dog Poop Is So Important
Besides being gross, dog poop carries harmful bacteria and parasites that can affect other pets, wildlife, and even people. Leftover waste can pollute waterways and damage local ecosystems, especially in a state like Washington with so many natural areas and trails.
Cleaning up is a small task that makes a big difference in keeping your community clean, safe, and pet-friendly.
Conclusion: Do Your Part in Washington
Washington may not have a statewide poop law, but every county expects dog owners to do the right thing. Whether you’re exploring a Seattle park or walking your dog in Spokane, it’s your job to bring a bag and scoop the poop.
Stay courteous, follow local ordinances, and help keep Washington clean for everyone. And while you’re being a responsible pet owner, check your dog’s age in human years to make sure their care matches their needs.
Let’s keep the Evergreen State clean—one bag at a time.