
Washington
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state and local levels to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals. This page is meant to be used as a resource to see what is happening in your state and what actions you can take for animals.
State Rankings
Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. It is the longest-running and most authoritative of its kind, assessing the strength of each state’s animal protection laws by examining over 3,400 pages of statutes. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
Washington
Overall Rank: #10 (Top Tier)
- +Wide range of care standards/requirements including food, water, shelter, care, and space, which are well-defined
- +Mandatory post-conviction possession ban
- +Animals may be included in protection orders
- -Veterinarians are not required to report suspected animal cruelty, and do not have immunity for doing so
- -Definition of “animal” is limited

Animal Protection Laws of Washington
The Animal Protection Laws of Washington compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for Washington with an effective date on or before September 1, 2021.
Active Legislation
Active Cases

Challenging Washington’s Illegal Bear Hunting Regulations
Recent Victories

Stopping Unfair and Deceptive Pet Leasing Practices (Washington)
Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.

Stop Ag-Gag Laws

No More Puppy Mills

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Prohibiting Circuses and Traveling Shows that Exploit Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Fur Bans
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2021 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws