Animal Laws in Snohomish County

FAQs

What type of animal complaints does Snohomish County Animal Services respond to?

Snohomish County Animal Control Officers respond to the following complaints associated with dogs, cats and livestock.

Dangerous dogs
Animal welfare or cruelty
Dog bites or attacks
Stray and abandoned animals
Sick or injured animals
Livestock at large
Leash law violations

If you reside in unincorporated Snohomish County, you may file a complaint regarding the following issues here. For complaints regarding barking dogs, please click here.

When should I call 911 with an animal complaint?

Call 911 anytime there is a life-threatening emergency in progress (i.e. livestock in the roadway, injured animal, dog attack in progress, animal left in hot vehicle). If the complaint is not in progress or life threatening, please complete the online animal complaint form or you may call Snohomish County Animal Services at 425-388-3440 Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Calls received after business hours, on weekends or holidays will be returned on the next business day.

How do I file an animal complaint?

For barking dog or other animal noise complaints click here. For all other complaints you may file an on-line complaint or call Snohomish County Animal Services at 425-388-3440 Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Calls received after business hours, on weekends or holidays will be returned the next business day.

Can I file an animal complaint anonymously?

No. Your name and contact information are needed to complete a thorough investigation into the complaint. Under the Public Records Act chapter 42.56 RCW, the information provided on a complaint investigation request form is subject to public disclosure. However, information revealing the identity of persons who are witnesses to crimes or who file complaints with investigative agencies may be withheld from disclosure if you as complainant indicate a preference not to reveal your identifying information. The preference you indicate on the complaint form shall govern whether such identifying information will be disclosed or withheld in response to requests for public records.

Please note, if your case is filed in court you name must be disclosed if you are a witness in the case.

Why do you need my name and contact information to file a complaint?

Animal Services may need to contact you regarding your complaint.

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