Report an Animal Nuisance

All dogs bark. However, when barking becomes a neighborhood nuisance, there are steps you can take to address the problem. Following the steps below will give you the best chances of achieving a quiet, happy neighborhood.

1. Understand the law

A dog that barks for at least 10 minutes during any half hour period is in violation of Snohomish County Code 9.12.060.

2. Start by talking to the pet owner

• Explain what’s happening and ask them to work with you to find a solution. Consider giving them an owner notification letter (PDF) and How to Prevent Nuisance Barking (PDF) tip sheet.
• Many barking dog problems are solved at this step without needed to involve Animal Services at all!

3. Document the ongoing issue

• If speaking with the owner directly does not resolve the issue or the owner is not approachable, document the ongoing issue for at least 7 days using the Barking Dog Complaint Form (PDF).
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• Documentation is essential for Animal Control Officers to find the owner in violation of Snohomish County Code.

4. Share your documentation with Animal Services

• Email the completed Barking Dog Complaint Form (PDF) (keeping a copy for your records) to Snohomish County Animal Services at animalservices@snoco.org. 
• You will be contacted by the Animal Services Coordinator who will provide you with a case number. Please hold on to this case number as you will need it to escalate enforcement should the barking continue.
• Animal Services will issue a warning to the dog owner.