Posted by Waste Happy
on September 10, 2026
Quick answer: Yes. Tacoma requires dog owners to pick up after their dogs under Tacoma Municipal Code 17.02.132. A court can impose up to $250.
What the Tacoma ordinance says
| Ordinance | Tacoma Municipal Code 17.02.132, Removal of animal waste (penalty under TMC 17.02.160) |
|---|---|
| Fine | Up to $250 |
| Must carry a bag | No |
| Service animal exemption | Yes |
How the penalty works
TMC 17.02.160: unless another penalty is specified, a Chapter 17.02 violation is a Class 1 civil infraction 'not to exceed $250, not including statutory assessments.' Each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense. No repeat-offense schedule is published.
The carry rule
No bag-carry requirement. TMC 17.02.132(A) requires the handler to 'immediately remove' fecal matter left on park property, school grounds, public rights-of-way, public easements, or someone else's private property.
Service animals
TMC 17.02.132(B): the rule does not apply to a 'guide' or 'service' dog as defined in RCW 70.84 while the dog is in harness.
How Tacoma compares
Unlike Seattle ($54), Tacoma has no set ticket, so the amount is decided when a citation is heard.
In practice
Pick up every time, bag it, and put it in a trash can. That is the one method that satisfies every ordinance in the country. The Walk Dispenser clips to the leash and holds a full roll.
Elsewhere in Washington
Washington dog poop laws covers the state and its other large cities. Nearby: Seattle dog poop law · Spokane dog poop law. All 50 states.
Source
Checked 2026-09-10 against the Tacoma municipal code. Codes change, so read the current version before relying on this for an actual citation.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
