Hobby Kennel or Cattery

Definition

Any premises where at least six, but less than twenty adult dogs and/or cats are kept for hunting, breeding, for exhibition, organized events, field working or obedience trials. Any person(s) keeping more than ten dogs and/or cats must provide kennel facilities. Any person(s) or premise which exceeds the numbers or engages in practices beyond the definition herein for a hobby kennel or cattery, as determined by the enforcement agency, shall be subject to penalties and/or be required to purchase the appropriate license. The occasional selling of offspring shall not be construed as a commercial venture. All dogs and cats over the age of seven months shall be included as part of the kennel for payment fees.

Requirements

• Any person keeping more than ten dogs and/or cats must provide kennel facilities.
• Kennel facilities are kennels, animal runs, enclosures, and/or any other building used for the keeping or housing of such dogs/cats. Kennel facilities shall comply with all zoning and code requirements, such as setbacks.
• Animals kept more than sixty days will be considered owned by the person housing the animal and must be licensed under PCC 6.04.020.
• Persons providing temporary housing must comply with PCC 5.24.030 F.
• Each license shall expire on December 31 of the year of issuance.

Applications may be submitted in person or by mail. Please review our Animal Business Checklist for what is required to submit with the application.

Pierce County Code Chapter 5  |  Kennel Regulations  |  Chapter 16.52 RCW: PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS  |  Animal Welfare Act | National Agricultural Library  |  WAC 246-203-130

Please note first time applicants must obtain a development permit from Pierce County Planning and Public Works. For more information please contact PPW at (253) 798-3739 or review Pierce County Code 2.05.040. View information on their fees.

Application

 Animal Business Application   Animal Business Application
Animal Business Renewal