Henderson, NV Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Henderson Municipal Code § 7.40.020
- Exception
- Permitted zoos only, under Title 19
- Liability insurance required
- $1,000,000 per exhibited animal
- Permit transferability
- Non-transferable, renewable annually
- Enforcement
- Animal protection services, chief of police review
Summary
Henderson prohibits keeping wild or exotic animals inside city limits unless the owner operates a licensed zoo, holds a city wild-and-exotic-animal permit, and passes chief of police review.
No person shall possess a wild and exotic animal in the city unless: A. The person has received approval under title 19 to operate a zoo; and B. The person has obtained an appropriate wild and exotic animal permit from the director. Any such permit shall also be reviewed by the chief of police or designee; and C. The person or organization has a valid business license.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 59 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Henderson Municipal Code § 7.40.020 makes it unlawful to possess a wild or exotic animal anywhere in the city unless the keeper has zoo approval under Title 19, a wild-and-exotic-animal permit issued by the director and reviewed by the chief of police, and a valid city business license. Section 7.40.010 classifies these animals as dangerous and limits confinement to zoos to protect public health and safety. Permit applicants must submit species details, USDA permits, a site plan, and $1,000,000 in liability insurance under § 7.40.030; permits are non-transferable and can be revoked.
Violations & Fines
Animal protection services and the Henderson Municipal Court enforce this chapter under the Title 7 penalty provisions in section 7.90.010; unpermitted wild or exotic animals are subject to impoundment, and violators risk permit revocation or denial under section 7.40.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet tiger, monkey, or large snake in Henderson?
Are pet snakes and lizards treated as exotic animals in Henderson?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Henderson
Compare Henderson to another location·View the Nevada animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Clark County handle exotic pets.