Washoe County, NV Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- WCC 55.100, 55.010, 55.460
- Congested-area rule
- Leash / physical restraint required
- Rural-area rule
- Voice or signal control allowed
- Cats
- Exempt from at-large rule
- Enforcement
- WCRAS; impoundment
Summary
In designated congested areas of unincorporated Washoe County, dogs must be leashed off their owner's premises. Outside congested areas, a dog must be accompanied and under voice or signal control. Letting a dog run at large is unlawful and the animal may be impounded.
In the congested areas of the county, every person who is the owner of or has the care, custody or control of any ... dog ... has an absolute duty to keep the same upon the premises under the control of such person, restrained by a fence, cage, coop, chain, leash or other adequate means.
Full Breakdown
Washoe County Code (WCC) 55.100 imposes an 'absolute duty' to keep dogs and other animals restrained on the premises in congested areas, and bans off-leash dogs in public parks except designated dog parks or training areas. WCC 55.010 defines 'at large': inside congested areas a dog is at large if off the premises and not under physical restraint (leash, cord, chain); elsewhere it must be accompanied and under immediate control by restraint, signal or voice. WCC 55.460 makes it unlawful for any animal except cats to be at large in congested areas. Cities of Reno and Sparks set their own leash rules.
Violations & Fines
Any animal (except cats) found at large in a congested area may be taken up and impounded at the animal services center; owner pays impound and redemption fees. Violation is a misdemeanor-level code offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a leash required everywhere in Washoe County?
Who enforces the leash law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washoe County
Compare Washoe County to another location·View the Nevada animal ordinances overview
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