Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in all public spaces within Reno under RMC Title 6 and Washoe County Code Chapter 55. Off-leash areas are limited to designated dog parks such as Rancho San Rafael and Sparks Marina.
Reno Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals) and Washoe County Code Chapter 55 require dogs to be restrained by a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length whenever off the owner's property. This applies to all public streets, sidewalks, parks, trails, and commercial areas. Voice control is not a legal substitute except in officially designated off-leash dog parks. Popular off-leash areas include Rancho San Rafael Regional Park (designated dog park), Sparks Marina dog park, and the Whites Creek Trailhead off-leash area. Dogs must wear current Washoe County license tags and rabies vaccination tags. Enforcement is by Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS). Off-leash dogs can be impounded, and owners face citations plus impound, boarding, and license fees to reclaim the animal. Repeat off-leash violations or aggressive off-leash dogs can lead to dangerous dog designation.
Citations typically $50 to $250 first offense. Impound fees plus daily boarding and license reinstatement. Aggressive off-leash incidents can trigger dangerous dog hearings.
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See how Reno's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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