As used in this title, the following terms shall have the following meanings. The present tense shall include the past and future tense, and the future the present. Each gender shall include all genders. The singular number shall include the plural, and the plural the singular.
A. 
17.01.010.A.
“Adult”
means any animal over the age of 21 weeks.
"Adequate care"
means providing the following to animals:
1. 
Food that is sufficient to sustain the animal in containers designed and situated to allow the animal easy access to the food;
2. 
Clean water of sufficient quantity for the animal in containers that cannot spill; and
3. 
Proper shelter that is maintained in good repair and in an upright position at all times, and in a manner to minimize the accumulation of any waste, other debris, precipitation, or other moisture inside, surrounding and underneath the shelter, and providing reasonable protection from flooding and wind.
"Adverse environmental conditions"
means (1) when the ambient temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below in the immediate vicinity of an animal, domestic companion animal, or service animal, or there are other cold weather or precipitation-related environmental conditions, including, but not limited to, wind, rain, snow, ice, sleet, or hail that a person should reasonably know would pose an adverse risk to the health or safety of an animal, domestic companion animal, or service animal, based on the animal's size, age, physical condition, or thickness of the animal's hair or fur; or (2) when the ambient temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above in the immediate vicinity of a dog, domestic companion animal, or service animal, or a dog, domestic companion animal, or service animal is exposed to direct sunlight or hot pavement or any other hot surfaces that a person should reasonably know would pose an adverse risk to the health or safety of the animal, based on the animal's size, age, physical condition, or thickness of the animal's hair or fur.
“Altered”
means an animal which has been spayed or neutered. To qualify as an altered animal, an individual must provide either proof of alteration from a licensed veterinarian or a written statement from a licensed veterinarian that the spay/neuter procedure would be harmful to the animal.
“Animal”
means any nonhuman mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian.
“Animal control” or “animal control authority”
means a City department or division designated by the City Manager to implement and enforce the provisions of this title.
“Animal control officer”
means any Tacoma police officer or an employee of the City authorized by the City and specially commissioned by the Chief of Police to enforce Tacoma Municipal Code (“TMC”) Title 17.
“Animal shelter”
means a facility operated by the Humane Society or another facility that contracts with the City to provide for the care of animals impounded or detained by an animal control officer or released to an animal control officer under this title.
“Animal welfare facility”
means any indoor or outdoor facility where pets are routinely housed or maintained by or for an animal welfare organization.
“Animal welfare organization”
means any public or private charitable organization, whether called a kennel, cattery, animal shelter, society, or rescue, and includes the organization’s officers, agents, and representatives when acting in the name or on behalf of the organization that controls, rescues, animal shelters, cares for, or disposes of pets as all or part of the purpose of the organization.
“At large”
means off the premises of the owner or keeper of the animal, and not under restraint by leash or chain eight feet in length or shorter.
B. 
17.01.010.B.
C. 
17.01.010.C.
“Cat”
a member of the species Felis catus and commonly known as the domestic cat.
“Charitable organization”
means any organization recognized as a nonprofit corporation under the provisions of Chapter 24.03 of the Revised Code of Washington (“RCW”) and exempt from the Washington State business and occupation tax pursuant to RCW 82.04.3651.
“Commercial pet facility”
means any place, premises, or entity where pets are boarded, kept, or bred for hire, or where pets are housed for resale, such as pet shops, but not including a veterinary hospital where boarding is incidental to treatment. Animal daycare operations are included in the definition of commercial pet facility.
“Community cat”
refers to an unowned, free-roaming cat that may be receiving care from a community member or may be stable without intervention in its resident area. These cats are generally feral and may or may not be reproductively sterilized. Community cats are not defined as stray cats, and they do not have a legal owner and are not routinely microchipped.
“Companion animal”
means and refers to a domesticated or domestic-bred animal whose physical, emotional, behavioral, and social needs can be readily met as companions in the home or in close daily relationships with humans, but excluding indoor pigs which are defined as livestock under Title 17.
“Competent person”
means a person who is able to sufficiently care for, control, and restrain an animal and who has the capacity to exercise sound judgment regarding the rights and safety of others.
“Court”
means Tacoma Municipal Court or the Superior Court of Pierce County, which courts shall have concurrent jurisdiction hereunder.
D. 
17.01.010.D.
“Dangerous dog”
means any dog that, according to the records of the appropriate authority:
1. 
Unprovoked, inflicts severe injury on or kills a human being on public or private property; or
2. 
Unprovoked, inflicts injuries requiring a domestic animal to be euthanized or kills a domestic animal while the dog is off the owner’s property; or
3. 
While under quarantine for rabies bites a person or domestic animal; or
4. 
Was previously declared to be a potentially dangerous dog, the owner having received notice of such declaration, and the dog is again found to have engaged in potentially dangerous behavior; or
5. 
Is owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting or is a dog trained for dog fighting; or
6. 
Unprovoked, attacks a “dog guide” or “service animal” as defined in Chapter 70.84 RCW and inflicts injuries that render the dog guide or service animal to be permanently unable to perform its guide or service duties.
“Dog”
means a member of the species Canis lupus familiaris and commonly known as the domestic dog.
E. 
17.01.010.E.
F. 
17.01.010.F.
G. 
17.01.010.G.
“Gross misdemeanor”
means a crime with a maximum penalty of one year in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both such fine and imprisonment.
H. 
17.01.010.H.
“Harboring”
means knowingly providing food or shelter to an animal.
“Humane trap”
means a live animal box enclosure trap designed to capture and hold an animal without injury.
I. 
17.01.010.I.
“Impound”
means to receive into the custody of the animal shelter or into the custody of the City animal control officer.
“Infraction”
means a civil infraction pursuant to Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (“IRLJ”) and any local rule adopted thereto by the Tacoma Municipal Court.
J. 
17.01.010.J.
K. 
17.01.010.K.
L. 
17.01.010.L.
“Livestock”
means all cattle, sheep, goats, or animals of the bovidae family; all horses, mules, llamas, alpacas, other hoof animals, or animals of the equidae family; all pigs, swine, or animals of the suidae family; and ostriches, rhea, and emu.
M. 
17.01.010.M.
“Misdemeanor”
means a crime with a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both such fine and imprisonment.
N. 
17.01.010.N.
O. 
17.01.010.O.
“Owner”
means any person, firm, corporation, organization, trust, or partnership possessing, harboring, keeping, having an interest in, or having control, custody, or possession of an animal.
P. 
17.01.010.P.
“Person”
shall include any person, partnership, corporation, trust, or association of persons.
“Police dog.”
The definition of “police dog” in RCW 4.24.410, including all future amendments, additions, or deletions, is adopted by reference.
“Potentially dangerous dog”
means any dog which:
1. 
Unprovoked, bites or injures a human or domestic animal on public or private property; or
2. 
Unprovoked, chases or approaches a person or domestic animal upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public or private property in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack; or
3. 
Has a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack unprovoked, to cause injury, or to otherwise threaten the safety of humans or domestic animals.
“Poultry”
means domestic fowl normally raised for eggs or meat, and includes chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese.
“Proper enclosure”
means a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure, suitable to prevent the entry of young children and designed to prevent the animal from escaping. Such pen or structure shall have secure sides and a secure top, and shall also provide protection from the elements for the animal. An animal that is securely confined indoors is also within a “proper enclosure.”
"Proper shelter"
means a structure or other type of protection that shall keep the animal in a healthful, sanitary, dry, ventilated, and safe condition, and allow the animal to turn around freely, sit, stand, and lie without restriction, and by application does not cause injury, disfigurement, or physical impairment to the animal, and that is soundly constructed or assembled to prevent the sagging or collapse of any part of the structure or protection with no exposed sharp points or edges, and must have a solid bottom, with no exposure of the animal to the ground, allowing the animal to be able to lay freely from cage wires and kennel bar.
Q. 
17.01.010.Q.
R. 
17.01.010.R.
S. 
17.01.010.S.
“Securely enclosed and locked”
means a pen or structure which has secure sides and a secure top suitable to prevent the entry of young children and designed to prevent the animal from escaping. If the pen or structure has no bottom secured to the sides, then the sides must be embedded in the ground no less than one foot.
“Severe injury”
means any physical injury that results in (a) broken bones, (b) muscle, ligament, or tendon tears, (c) skin lacerations or puncture wounds which require sutures or surgery, or (d) transmission of an infectious or contagious disease.
T. 
17.01.010.T.
"Tether"
means to fasten an animal with a cable, chain, rope, or other similar object to a stationary object, including, but not limited to, an outdoor shelter, tree, stake, pole, fence, or wall, or to a device that is mobile, including, but not limited to, a trolley or pulley, in order to restrict the animal's movement.
"Tether" also means the cable, chain, rope, or other similar object used to fasten an animal, as applicable.
U. 
17.01.010.U.
“Unconfined”
means not securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure upon the premises of the person owning, harboring, or having the care of the animal.
V. 
17.01.010.V.
W. 
17.01.010.W.
X. 
17.01.010.X.
Y. 
17.01.010.Y.
Z. 
17.01.010.Z.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16; Ord. 27447 § 2, 2005-12-13; Ord. 27672 Ex. A, 2007-12-11; Ord. 28271 Ex. A, 2014-12-16; Ord. 29040 Ex. A, 2025-06-10; Ord. 29104, 2026-05-05)
Wherever a power is granted to or a duty imposed upon the Tacoma Police Department, the power may be exercised or the duty may be performed by any law enforcement officer authorized by the Chief of Police or by an animal control officer.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16)
Those authorized under Section 17.01.020 may pursue animals running at large onto City-owned property, vacant property, and unenclosed private property and seize, remove, and impound the same.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16)
Any law enforcement or animal control officer having probable cause to believe that any person has violated any provision of this title by reason of his or her animal’s misconduct may impound or cause to be impounded any such animal. Such impoundment shall be subject to all other sections of this title and all other municipal laws, including, but not limited to, Chapter 17.04, “Potentially Dangerous Dog,” and Chapter 5.36, “Rabies Control.” When a law enforcement or animal control officer has probable cause to believe a dog is a dangerous dog, he or she shall impound the dog. Such dog shall be held in the animal shelter or a secure veterinary hospital until a hearing is held to determine the dog’s status or the deadline for requesting such a hearing has passed. When a law enforcement or animal control officer has probable cause to believe a dog is a potentially dangerous dog, he or she may impound the animal. The law enforcement or animal control officer may require that such dog be held in the animal shelter or a secure veterinary hospital until a hearing is held to determine the animal’s status or the deadline for requesting such a hearing has passed.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16; Ord. 27558 § 1, 2006-12-05; Ord. 28271 Ex. A, 2014-12-16)
Upon the impoundment of any animal under the provisions of this title, the animal control officer or animal shelter shall notify the owner, if the owner is known, of the impounding of such animal and the terms upon which said animal can be redeemed. The notifying of any person over the age of 18 who resides at the owner’s domicile or mailing the notice to the address given to the Finance Department at the time the animal was licensed shall constitute actual notice to the owner. If the owner of said animal so impounded is unknown, then the Animal Control officer or animal shelter shall make a reasonable effort to locate and notify the owner of the animal.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16; Ord. 27447 § 3, 2005-12-13; Ord. 27558 § 2, 2006-12-05; Ord. 28271 Ex. A, 2014-12-16)
(Hindering an officer – Gross misdemeanor. Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16; Ord. 27447 § 4, 2005-12-13; repealed by Ord. 27672 Ex. A, 2007-12-11)
It is unlawful for any person to willfully prevent or hinder the impounding of any animal, or to by force or otherwise remove any animal from the animal shelter without authority of the person in charge of the animal shelter, or without payment of all lawful charges against such animal. Violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16; Ord. 27672 Ex. A, 2007-12-11)
Unless otherwise specifically provided in this title, the owner of any dog impounded under this title may redeem said dog within 48 hours from time of impounding by paying the appropriate redemption fee to the animal shelter, if the animal is in the animal shelter; otherwise, to the City. For the first impound within a one-year period, the redemption fee is $50 and the dog will be microchipped by the animal shelter as a condition of release; for the second impound within a one-year period, the redemption fee is $75; for the third and subsequent impounds within a one-year period, the redemption fee is $100.
In addition to the redemption fee, the redeemer shall pay as a boarding charge for the caring and keeping of such dog the boarding fees as established in the City’s agreement with the animal shelter which fees shall include the first and last days that the dog is retained by the animal shelter and any licensing fees and penalties related to licensing. All fees and charges must be paid prior to redeeming the dog. A dog may not be redeemed unless it is properly licensed. If an impounded dog is not redeemed by the owner within 72 hours, then any person may purchase it within the next 72 hours by complying with the animal shelter’s purchase provisions.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16; Ord. 27447 § 5, 2005-12-13; Ord. 27558 § 3, 2006-12-05; Ord. 27672 Ex. A, 2007-12-11; Ord. 28271 Ex. A, 2014-12-16; Ord. 29040 Ex. A, 2025-06-10)
The owner of livestock impounded under this title may redeem said livestock within 48 hours from time of impounding by paying a redemption fee of $75 per animal for small livestock (i.e., goats, sheep, swine, ostriches, rhea, emu, etc.) and a redemption fee of $150 per animal for large livestock (i.e., cattle, horses, mules, llamas, etc.) to the animal shelter, if the animal is in the animal shelter; otherwise, to the City. In addition, the cost of a private livestock hauler, if one is used, is to be paid at the time of redemption. In addition to the redemption fee, the redeemer shall pay as a boarding charge for the caring and keeping of such animal the boarding fees as established in the City’s agreement with the animal shelter for each day, which fees shall include the first and last days that the animal is cared for at the animal shelter. The livestock may be cared for by a private boarding facility, in which case that facility’s boarding fees shall be paid by the redeemer to the City at the time of redemption.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16; Ord. 27447 § 6, 2005-12-13; Ord. 28271 Ex. A, 2014-12-16; Ord. 29040 Ex. A, 2025-06-10)
The owner of any animal other than a dog or livestock impounded under the provisions of this title may redeem it within 72 hours from the time of impounding by paying a redemption fee of $25 to the animal shelter, if the animal is in the animal shelter; otherwise, to the City. In addition to the redemption fee, the redeemer shall pay as a boarding charge for the caring and keeping of such animal the boarding fees as established in the City’s agreement with the animal shelter. All fees and charges as established in the City’s agreement with the animal shelter must be paid prior to redeeming a cat at the discretion of the animal shelter. A cat may not be redeemed unless it is properly licensed and microchipped by the animal shelter.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16; Ord. 27447 § 7, 2005-12-13; Ord. 27672 Ex. A, 2007-12-11; Ord. 28271 Ex. A, 2014-12-16; Ord. 29040 Ex. A, 2025-06-10)
A. 
No unaltered dog or cat that is impounded may be redeemed by any person until the animal is spayed or neutered. The alteration shall be accomplished by the animal shelter or by any duly licensed veterinarian in Pierce County authorized by the animal shelter. In all cases, the veterinarian fees shall be paid at the time of redemption by the animal’s owner.
B. 
Exceptions. The alteration shall not be required upon a showing of proof of alteration from a licensed veterinarian. The alteration shall not be required if the owner or other person redeeming the animal provides a written statement from a licensed veterinarian stating that the spay or neuter procedure would be harmful to the animal. An unaltered animal must have an unaltered animal license with the City of Tacoma.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16; Ord. 27447 § 8, 2005-12-13; Ord. 27672 Ex. A, 2007-12-11; Ord. 27854 Ex. A, 2009-12-01; Ord. 28271 Ex. A, 2014-12-16; Ord. 29040 Ex. A, 2025-06-10)
A. 
No unaltered dog or cat that is otherwise eligible to be adopted from the Humane Society may be adopted by any person unless the animal is spayed or neutered. In all cases, the veterinarian fees shall be paid by the prospective owner. Any adopted, unaltered dog or cat shall be subject to impoundment.
B. 
Exceptions. The alteration shall not be required upon a showing of proof of alteration from a licensed veterinarian. The alteration shall not be required if the owner or other person adopting the animal provides a written statement from a licensed veterinarian stating that the spay or neuter procedure would be harmful to the animal.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16)
The animal control authority may refuse to release to its owner any animal that has been impounded more than once in a 12-month period unless the owner demonstrates that they have taken steps to reasonably ensure that the violation will not occur again, and the animal has been spayed or neutered. The animal shelter or the animal control authority may impose reasonable conditions that must be satisfied by the owner before release of the animal, including conditions assuring that the animal will be confined. Failure to comply with the conditions of release is a violation.
Exceptions. The alteration shall not be required upon a showing of proof of alteration from a licensed veterinarian. The alteration shall not be required if the owner or other person redeeming the animal provides a written statement from a licensed veterinarian stating that the spay or neuter procedure would be harmful to the animal. An unaltered animal must have an unaltered animal license with the City of Tacoma.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16; Ord. 27447 § 9, 2005-12-13; Ord. 27672 Ex. A, 2007-12-11; Ord. 28271 Ex. A, 2014-12-16; Ord. 29040 Ex. A, 2025-06-10)
Any animal suffering from serious injury or disease may be humanely euthanized by the animal shelter or City; provided, that the animal shelter or City shall immediately notify the owner if the owner is known. The animal shelter and City have no obligation to determine the owner of such animal if the animal is not wearing a license or other identification or is not microchipped.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16; Ord. 27447 § 10, 2005-12-13; Ord. 27672 Ex. A, 2007-12-11; Ord. 27854 Ex. A, 2009-12-01; Ord. 28271 Ex. A, 2014-12-16)
The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to a cat, dog, or livestock shall immediately stop the vehicle at or as near to the scene of the accident as possible and return thereto, and shall give to the owner or other competent person having custody of the animal the name and address of the operator of the vehicle and the registration number of the vehicle involved in the accident. If the owner or other competent person is not the person at the scene of the accident, the operator shall take reasonable steps to locate the owner or custodian of the animal and shall supply the information hereinabove required. If the animal is injured to the extent that it requires immediate medical attention and there is no owner or custodian present to look after it, the operator of said vehicle shall immediately report the situation to the Tacoma Police Department. A person who violates this shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16; Ord. 27447 § 11, 2005-12-13)
RCW 16.52, “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,” as now enacted or hereinafter amended, is hereby adopted by reference as if fully set forth herein, including penalties; except that conduct constituting a felony, as determined by the prosecutor, is excluded. A complete copy of RCW 16.52, “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,” is on file with the City Clerk.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16)
A. 
It is a violation of this chapter for any person to cause, or any person who owns or controls an animal to permit through act or omission, the use of any tether to restrain an animal in a manner that is not in compliance with the following requirements:
1. 
The links in chains used as a tether must be 5/16 of an inch or smaller.
2. 
The use of chains or choke chains as collars is prohibited. This subsection does not apply to choke chains used for training purposes when a person is present at all times and actively engaged in training the animal.
3. 
The tether must be connected to a collar or harness on a swivel or in a manner that prevents the chain from tangling.
4. 
The tether may be connected to the animal only by a buckle-type or snap-on collar or a body harness made of nylon or leather. Any collar or harness must fit the animal properly.
5. 
The tether must be at least 10 feet in length, and the animal must have access to water and shelter while tethered. The shelter and water vessel must be constructed or attached in such a way that the animal cannot knock over the shelter or water vessel.
6. 
If there are multiple tethered animals, each animal must be tethered separately.
B. 
It is a violation of this chapter for any person to cause, or any person who owns or controls an animal to permit through act or omission, any of the following:
1. 
Tethering of any animal in such a manner as to permit the animal to leave the property of the owner of the animal; or
2. 
Tethering of any animal in such a manner that the animal can become entangled with any obstruction or any other tethered animal or be able to partially or totally jump over any fence; or
3. 
When occupied by an animal, failing to remove waste from the tethered area on a reasonable basis to ensure a healthful environment for the animal; or
4. 
Tethering of any animal outdoors while exposed to adverse environmental conditions; or
5. 
Tethering of any animal to a vehicle while the animal is unsupervised; or
6. 
Tethering of any animal in a manner that endangers the health, safety, or well-being of the animal.
(Ord. 27854 Ex. A, 2009-12-01; Ord. 29104, 2026-05-05)
It is a violation of this chapter for a person who owns or is in control of an animal to fail to provide adequate care for such animal.
(Ord. 28271 Ex. A, 2014-12-16; Ord. 29104, 2026-05-05)
Unless specifically designated in this chapter as a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor or is specified to be enforced pursuant to other law, including, but not limited to, other chapters or titles of this Code, any violation of this chapter shall constitute a Class 1 infraction, not to exceed $250, not including statutory assessments. Such penalty is in addition to any other remedies or penalties specifically provided by law. For each act herein prohibited of a continuing nature, each day shall be considered a separate offense.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16; Ord. 27558 § 8, 2006-12-05)
Should any part of this title be adjudged invalid for any reason, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of this title as a whole or any part thereof.
(Ord. 26949 § 6, 2002-07-16)