Facts for You

Don't worry, they won't bite...!

Find out what steps you can take to prevent being bitten by a dog; tips that may prevent or stop a dog attack; what to do if your dog bites someone...

Click here for the "Don't worry, they won't bite." flyer, available in PDF format.

We also offer a Power Point presentation for Kindergarten through 5th grade age children. The presentation gives lots of common sense tips on how to avoid being bitten by a dog. Presenter notes are included within the presentation as a guide for the person conducting the training.

You can download the presentation here.

Seattle has a "leash law!"

The law states that it is unlawful for any owner of a domestic animal, except cats and pigeons, to allow it to run at large, but that pets may be removed from the premises of the owner if restrained by a leash that is eight feet or shorter, and if in physical control of a person.

Click here for a list of Seattle's Off-Leash Areas.

There is no leash law on cats

But it is unlawful for any owner to allow their cat to damage the private property of another or be a threat to public peace, health or safety. If you have a problem with stray or wild cats on your property, please call the Seattle Animal Shelter at 386-PETS(7387) for advice on the best way to handle your situation.

Click here for more information on being a responsible cat owner.

Seattle has a noise ordinance that includes barking dogs

If you are bothered by a continual howl of a chronic barker you should first, speak to the dog owner and let him/her know that you are disturbed by the barking. Try to work out a solution in a neighborly manner. Offer suggestions or alternatives which might reduce the noise. Allow the pet owner a little time to work out a solution. If the problem persists, call the Seattle Animal Shelter with the address of the owner, a description of the dog, the location of the dog on its property, and the time of day when the dog barks excessively. When the barking continues, your next course of action is through the municipal court system. Click here for more information.

There are more than 75 different forms of bacteria and viruses contained in animal feces

A number of these bacteria are transferable to humans. Dogs roaming the city deposit thousands of pounds of this material in public areas each year. A "scoop law" was passed in Seattle in 1982 stating that it is unlawful for an owner to:

A) Allow the accumulation of cat or dog feces in any open area of his/her property wherein dogs/cats are kept and fail to remove or dispose of feces at least once every 24 hours.

B) Fail to remove the fecal matter deposited by his/her animal on public property before the owner leaves the immediate area.

Bats and Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease of the brain and nervous system that is always fatal once symptoms begin. In Washington State, most cases of rabies in animals occur in bats. Most bats, however, do not carry rabies, and most of the bats tested for rabies in Washington are not infected. A healthy bat typically avoids any contact with humans or animals. Because rabies is a life threatening disease, caution must be taken when bats come into contact with humans or animals.

Click here for more information.

We also offer a PDF File with more information regarding animal bites and rabies. It also includes information on what to do if you are bitten by an animal.