Las Vegas, NV Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Age threshold
- Over 4 months old
- Animals covered
- Dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, potbellied pigs
- 1st offense fine
- $225
- 2nd offense fine
- $500
- 3rd+ offense fine
- $1,000
- Reduction available
- 80% off if sterilized within 30 days
- Enforcing agency
- Animal Regulation Officer
Summary
Las Vegas 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. LVMC 7.14.010 makes harboring an unaltered animal unlawful, and 7.14.070 sets misdemeanor fines of $225 for a first offense, $500 for a second and $1,000 for a third or later violation, cut by 80% if sterilization proof is produced within 30 days of the citation.
7.14.010 - Prohibition. Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.14.020, it is unlawful for any person to harbor within the City 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, the term "harbor" means to have legal ownership of, or to provide, on a regular basis, care, shelter, protection, refuge, nourishment, or medical treatment. ... 7.14.070 - Penalty. (A)Any person who violates Section 7.14.010 is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as follows:(1)For the first offense, by a fine of two hundred twenty-five dollars.(2)For a second offense, by a fine of five hundred dollars.(3)For a third and subsequent offense, by a fine of one thousand dollars.(B)The penalty set forth in Subsection (A) shall be reduced by eighty percent if proof of sterilization of the animal is produced within thirty days after issuance of the citation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 61).
Full Breakdown
010 defines "harbor" broadly: legal ownership, or regularly providing care, shelter, protection, refuge, nourishment or medical treatment counts, so foster caregivers and not just titled owners can be cited. 041). 030, the incapable-to-breed or medically-unsuited exemptions require a licensed veterinarian's written certification under oath, and a temporary medical exemption must state how long the unsuitability will last before a new certificate is required. 040. 050; failing to do so can trigger non-renewal or discipline of the business's license. 080 lets a violator avoid prosecution altogether by applying for and obtaining a dog or cat fancier's permit. 010 violation as an alternative enforcement track to the misdemeanor charge.
Violations & Fines
A first misdemeanor conviction under LVMC 7.14.010 costs $225, a second $500, and a third or later violation $1,000 (LVMC 7.14.070(A)). Any of those fines is automatically reduced by 80% if the owner produces proof the animal was sterilized within 30 days after the citation issued (LVMC 7.14.070(B)). The City may instead pursue the violation as a civil infraction carrying a $150 penalty under LVMC 7.44.110, processed through a Notice of Infraction, a Hearing Officer appeal, and doubled penalties for a late or missed 30-day response under LVMC 7.44.090.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which animals must be spayed or neutered in Las Vegas?
Are there exemptions from the spay/neuter requirement?
What happens if my pet isn't fixed and I get cited?
Can I keep an unaltered breeding animal legally?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Las Vegas
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