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Specific business licensing information: Hobby kennels and catteries

A hobby kennel and/or cattery is a noncommercial kennel and/or cattery at or adjoining a private residence, where four or more adult cats or dogs or combination of cats and dogs, are bred or kept for exhibition, for organized shows, field, working, and/or obedience trials, or for the enjoyment of the species. Adult dogs and/or cats are those dogs and/or cats that are over 6 months of age.

The maximum number of animals allowed per household is determined by the zoning code where you reside. For unincorporated King County, Title 21A applies; your local city zoning ordinance applies if you live within the boundaries of the city. Regardless of the number allowed, all dogs and cats must be individually licensed. Also, in most areas, if zoning allows you to possess more than three pets, a hobby kennel license is required from King County Animal Control.

In addition to zoning compliance, a Hobby Kennel License review will take into consideration additional elements including the following:

  • Animal size;
  • Type and characteristics of the breed;
  • The facility specifications/dimensions in which the dogs and cats are to be maintained;
  • The zoning classification in which the hobby kennel or cattery will be maintained.

Additionally, all open runs areas shall be completely surrounded by a 6 foot fence set back at least 20 feet from all property lines; provided this requirement may be modified for hobby catteries as long as the open run area contains the cats and prohibits the entrance of children. "Open run area" means that area, within the property lines of the premises on which the hobby kennel or hobby cattery is to be maintained, where the dogs and cats are sheltered or maintained. If there is no area set aside for the sheltering or maintaining the dogs within the property lines of the premises, the 20 ft. setback does not apply. The property lines of premises not containing an open run area must be completely surrounded by a 6 foot fence.

A hobby kennel and/or cattery must be maintained in a manner that compatible with your neighbors. When applying for a hobby kennel and/or cattery license you will be asked to contact your neighbors regarding their approval and/or disapproval. Surrounding neighbors to be contacted would include anyone who would be affected by the maintenance of the hobby kennel and/or cattery. You will also be requested to provide a diagram of the layout of your property indicating the distances of the run or kennel areas from neighboring property lines, fencing heights etc. A separate diagram should also indicate where your neighbors are located in relation to your home and/or kennel or fenced area, their names, addresses and telephone numbers. Neighbors may be contacted to seek their input on the compatibility of the kennel in the neighborhood.

The application fee for a hobby kennel or cattery is $50.00 per year. Licenses expire one year from date of application. In addition to the annual fee, each pet must also be licensed. For additional information regarding a hobby kennel and/or hobby cattery license, or to schedule an appointment with an inspector for your area, call (206) 296-2710.