Leash Law/Animals at Large
All pets, except licensed cats, are required to be leashed or properly contained when off their property.
Licensed cats may be off their owner's property but may be subject to other penalties for nuisance violations.
How we respond
Our Animal Services Officers are available 7 days per week (excluding holidays) to respond to calls and file complaints. All complaints are prioritized depending on the nature of the call.
- Communicate with the pet owner
Often, neighborly discussions can be very helpful. Let the pet owners know that the animal was loose. Sometimes pet owners are not aware of the problem or the impacts on other residents. Try to work out a mutually agreeable and reasonable solution in a neighborly manner. - Submit a complaint
Call the Everett Animal Shelter at 425-257-6000 or submit a comment or non-emergency request for service. With a first complaint, a letter will be sent to the pet owner notifying them that a leash law violation complaint has been filed and that they must take appropriate steps to prevent a second incident. - If the violation continues
If the violation occurs again, please call the Shelter and speak to a representative. A declaration form will be sent to you for you to fill out. At the same time, an Officer will be sent to the residence to investigate. No further enforcement action will be taken without a completed declaration. It is important that you document the nature and the extent of the problem in the declaration. Be thorough and honest in your documentation as you are signing this document under penalty of perjury.
If there is a six month period between complaints regarding leash law issues, the process will return to step two and start over again.