Henderson, NV Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Age threshold
- over 4 months old
- Covered animals
- dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, potbellied pigs
- Max criminal penalty
- $1,000 fine, 6 months jail
- Running-at-large fix window
- 30 days to sterilize
Summary
Henderson requires every dog, cat, ferret, rabbit, and potbellied pig over four months old to be spayed or neutered before an owner may harbor it in the city.
Subject to the exceptions provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful to harbor within the City of Henderson any dog, cat, ferret, rabbit, or potbellied pig over the age of four months that has not been spayed or neutered. For purposes of this section and chapter, "harbor" means having the legal ownership of, or providing on a regular basis, care, shelter, protection, refuge, nourishment, or medical treatment. This shall also include the providing of nourishment to a stray cat or dog.
(Ord. No. 4115, § 2, 10-21-2025)
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
City code makes it unlawful to harbor a dog, cat, ferret, rabbit, or potbellied pig over four months old in Henderson unless it has been spayed or neutered. Exceptions cover vet-certified medical unfitness, shelter/rescue animals in an adoption pipeline, licensed breeders, pet-store sales, active-duty police K-9s, registered TNVR cat colonies, and one exempt service dog under age two per residence. Pet shops must report buyer and animal details to animal protection services quarterly and build spay/neuter into every sale or adoption.
Violations & Fines
Harboring an unaltered covered animal past 4 months is a Code violation; animal protection services can issue notices, administrative fines, and misdemeanor citations, and unfixed offspring may be forfeited on demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply outside Henderson city limits?
Can I keep an unfixed dog if I plan to breed it?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Henderson
Compare Henderson to another location·View the Nevada animal ordinances overview
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Mandatory Spay/Neuter in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Clark County handle mandatory spay/neuter.