Animal Complaints

The City of Arlington Police Support Officer responds to many animal cruelty complaints each year. Many of these investigations result in the arrest of a suspect and rescue of a victim animal. If you believe animal cruelty is occurring, call 911 immediately to report it.

Our mission is to help residents and animals live harmoniously in their community. However, there are times when certain behaviors disrupt residents' peaceful enjoyment of their homes and property. 

Animal Rules

  • The Police Department only deals with dogs.
  • Maximum ownership of 4 dogs allowed inside the city. 
  •  Free roaming cats – there is no leash law for cats, however, cat owners are responsible for ensuring their cat does not become a nuisance to others.
  • Excessive animal noise – if you are away all day, you may not realize that your dog barks incessantly, which is a nuisance to others.  Barking dogs can be reported to the non-emergency phone number at 425-407-3999. If an animal habitually howls, barks, yelps or whistles and is audible, it is considered a noisy animal. 
  • Dogs must be leashed, there is no running at large.
  • Dogs must be licensed inside city limits. Dog Licenses are processed at City Hall, Finance Department.
  • Dogs should wear a collar with an identification tag with a phone number, and chipped if possible.
  • Stray dogs that the police have taken are usually posted to the Arlington Police Facebook page, also contact the Skagit Humane Society.  The City contracts with Skagit Humane Society to take stray dogs. 
  • Chickens must be kept in an enclosure.  The City has a rule of maximum 7 chickens,  and no roosters are allowed.
  • Clean up after your pets.
  • Report suspected animal cruelty to 911.

Dog Bites

  • The owner is liable for any needed medical treatment after a dog bites a person.
  • If the dog is unlicensed at the time of the bite, a 10-day quarantine or proof of rabies vaccination is required.
  • The City forbids dangerous dogs. Owner will receive declaration paperwork if a dog is considered potentially dangerous and must comply.
  • If you get bitten by a dog, report it to 911.

Stray Dogs and Cats Accepted at Skagit Humane Society with Fee


The City contracts with the Humane Society of Skagit County, located at 18841 Kelleher Road, Burlington.  Website: Humane Society of Skagit Valley (HSSV). Please follow the directions below if you wish to drop-off a stray animal and pay the fee. 

  • Rehoming Pets: The City does not pay for anyone wishing to rehome their pet, and Skagit Humane Society will deal with those instances according to their own policies and procedures.

Lost Your Dog?

Check the Arlington Police Department Facebook page and other social media, such as Arlington Living Facebook group.