Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, and the content of this article is for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice. If you have specific legal questions or concerns, please consult with a licensed attorney in Washington.

The great state of Washington is a varied landscape, contrasting bustling modern cities with dense wilderness and farmland. From Mount Rainier to the Space Needle, apple farms to coffee shops, Washington offers a unique backdrop for an often overlooked problem: stray dogs. There are an abundance of stray dogs across Washington, some of which may seem like great, ready-to-be-yours pets. However, what are the legal ramifications of taking in a stray dog? What if the owner comes forward? How long before a stray dog is legally yours in Washington State?

How Long Before A Stray Dog Is Legally Yours In Washington State?

How Long Before A Stray Dog Is Legally Yours In Washington State?

You must report stray dogs to animal control within 24 hours. There’s no state minimum holding period, so you’ll need to consider your local laws. In King County, unclaimed dogs without IDs are held for three days, with IDs for five days. In Seattle, the period is three days for unlicensed dogs and six days for licensed ones.

If you find a stray dog in Washington and can’t locate the owner, the state mandates that you contact the county sheriff or local animal control within 24 hours. They’ll try to reunite the dog with the owner through reasonable means like scanning for a microchip or looking for identifying tags or tattoos (RCW 16.04.025).

Washington State defines the holding period for dogs surrendered to animal control than other states. Stray dogs in California are guaranteed a 6 day holding period. Even stray dogs in Texas are guaranteed a 5 day holding period.

Washington state does, however, provide some guidance.

Abandoned Dogs In Washington State

In Washington, the definition of “abandoned” for dogs specifically requires the owner to voluntarily surrender the dog to a designated entity before considering the dog as abandoned. These include vets, boarding facilities and the like (16.54.010) 

According to 16.54.020, if an owner does not reclaim their dog from one of these facilities within 15 days, the owner surrenders their rights to ownership.

After seizing the dog, animal control must hold it for 10 days before they can sell or euthanize it. (RCW 16.54.030).

However, keep in mind that these rules apply to “abandoned dogs,” which have a specific definition different than a “stray” that you may find. Washington State’s rules about specific holding periods are, frankly, some of the least defined that I’ve seen.

If you find a stray dog in Washington State, it’s therefore vital that you consider the fact that local municipalities have the power to enforce their own rules regarding stray dogs. You need to make yourself aware of these local was before you make any brash decisions.

Before you grabbing stray dogs off the street, it’s important that you be prepared. In my opinion, the best collar for rescue dogs is the Max and Neo Martingale collar. You should also double check if you are ready to foster a dog, even if it is for just 24 hours.

How Long Before A Stray Dog Is Legally Yours In Washington State?

Stray Dogs In Kings County, Washington

In King County, Washington, if you find a stray dog, report it to animal control. Animal control will hold dogs without IDs for three days and those with IDs for five days. If unclaimed by their owners after this waiting period, you can legally adopt the dog.

To keep it, you must follow adoption procedures, including mandatory spaying/neutering and microchipping.

In King County, Washington, the approach to managing stray animals is well-defined under municipal code 11.04.210. This code outlines the responsibilities and procedures for individuals who encounter stray animals, particularly dogs.

If you find a stray dog in King County, you are required to report it to animal control as outlined in Washington State law. After this, animal control has the right and authority to seize that animal from you and impound it at a designated shelter.

After impounding a dog, animal control will actively attempt to notify the original owner by sending a written notice. This notice will detail the reasons for the animal’s impoundment and provide instructions on the steps the owner must follow to reclaim their pet.

Tagged vs. Untagged Strays In King County

Because King County requires that all dogs be registered with the county (11.04.030), the holding period varies depending on the dog’s registration status. It also varies depending on whether or not the owner can be identified.

  • Licensed Dogs: Animal control holds dogs with a license for five days after contacting the owner or posting a notice at their residence. If the notice is sent by regular mail, the holding period extends to fourteen days.
  • Unidentified Dogs: Animal control holds dogs without a license or with unidentifiable owners for at least three days.

Dogs not reclaimed by their owner within the above specified dates become eligible for adoption. If no one adopts them, animal control can also humanely euthanize them or transfer them to a private rescue. 

It’s important to note that before the dog legally becomes yours, you must spay or neuter it and also have it microchipped.

And also keep in mind that these are just the rules at the County level. If you live in King County, Washington’s most populated city, Seattle, you are subject to additional rule when it comes to how long before a stray dog is legally yours.

Stray Dogs In Seattle, Washington

If you find a stray dog in Seattle, you must report it to animal control within 24 hours. Animal control holds impounded stray dogs without identification for 3 days and dogs with identification for 6 days. After that, you can legally adopt them.

City Code 9.25.021 outlines Seattle, Washington’s approach to handling stray dogs. For residents of Seattle, understanding these regulations is crucial, particularly when encountering a stray dog.

If you come across a stray or abandoned dog in Seattle, the law permits you to take control of the animal. However, your responsibilities don’t end there.

The next step is to either deliver the dog to animal control or contact them to collect the animal within 24 hours.

If you keep the dog longer than 24 hours without reporting it, there may be legal repercussions. 

Once the dog is in the custody of animal control, they make all reasonable efforts to locate the owner for the duration of the holding period.

Animal control holds unlicensed or unidentified stray dogs for 72 hours and licensed or identified dogs for 144 hours (6 days), excluding the days when the City Animal Shelter is closed.

After this holding period, animal control can adopt the dog out. They may also euthanize it or transfer it to a private rescue. 

Conclusion

The process of legally adopting a stray dog in Washington State, and specifically in King County and Seattle, involves a series of well-defined steps and adherence to local laws.

If you find a stray dog, you must report it to animal control within 24 hours.

The holding period for these dogs varies depending on their identification status and the specific local laws.

In King County, animal control holds unclaimed dogs without IDs for three days and those with IDs for five days.

In Seattle, the holding period is three days for unlicensed dogs and six days for licensed ones. Dogs not claimed by their owners become adoptable after these periods.

These rules are in place to ensure the welfare of the animals. They also give original owners a fair chance to reclaim their pets. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand and follow these regulations carefully when considering adopting a stray dog in Washington State.

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