Clark County, NV Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- For any exotic or wild animal
- Permit fee
- $100 per animal/location
- Permit term
- 1 year
- Minimum fine
- $500
- Enforcing agency
- Clark County Animal Protection Services
Summary
Clark County bans keeping exotic or wild animals in unincorporated areas without an animal control permit, and bars inherently dangerous species outright unless exempt.
Except as provided in this chapter, no exotic or wild animal shall be transported, exhibited in public or private, or kept anywhere within the unincorporated areas of Clark County unless and until the owner thereof has obtained an exotic or wild animal permit from the animal control officer for each animal... Unless exempt from this chapter per Section 10.18.020, no inherently dangerous exotic or wild animal shall be exhibited in public or private or kept anywhere.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147).
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated Clark County (including the Strip in Paradise/Winchester) requires an exotic or wild animal permit before any exotic or wild animal is transported, exhibited, or kept, per Clark County Code § 10.18.010(a). Inherently dangerous exotic or wild animals cannot be kept or exhibited at all unless the keeper qualifies for an exemption under § 10.18.020, such as AZA-accredited facilities or USDA/Fish and Wildlife-regulated operations. Permits run one year, cost $100 per animal and location (capped at $500 per location), and require a site inspection, veterinary care plan, microchip, and liability insurance.
Violations & Fines
Keeping or exhibiting without a permit, or an unexempted inherently dangerous animal, is a misdemeanor: minimum $500 fine, up to $1,000 and 6 months jail, plus a 3-year permit ineligibility for anyone convicted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an exotic pet on the Las Vegas Strip?
Are big cats or venomous reptiles ever allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
Compare Clark County to another location·View the Nevada animal ordinances overview
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