Clark County, NV Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered animals
- Cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, potbellied pigs
- Age trigger
- Over four months old
- Enforcing agency
- Clark County Animal Protection Services (CCAPS)
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100 plus costs
- Key exemption
- Valid breeder/show permit holders
Summary
Clark County requires cats, dogs, ferrets, pet rabbits and potbellied pigs over four months old to be spayed or neutered unless the owner holds a breeder/show permit or another listed exemption applies.
(a) Subject to the exceptions provided in this chapter, no person shall harbor any cat or dog or ferret or pet rabbit or potbellied pig over four months of age unless spayed or neutered. This spay and neuter restriction shall not apply to dogs or cats kept pursuant to a breeder/show permit.
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
Clark County Code § 10.08.132 makes sterilization the default rule for household pets: any cat, dog, ferret, pet rabbit or potbellied pig over four months of age must be spayed or neutered unless the owner has a breeder/show permit, the animal serves a law-enforcement agency, a veterinarian certifies the animal is medically unfit for surgery, or the animal is held by a shelter, rescue, or licensed animal business pending adoption. It is also unlawful to own a kitten, puppy, kit or piglet born to an unaltered parent in violation of the chapter, unless that offspring came from a shelter or rescue. Clark County Animal Protection Services (CCAPS) enforces the requirement countywide, including in the unincorporated Strip resort corridor.
Violations & Fines
Violations are enforced by CCAPS and may draw a civil administrative citation under § 1.14.010: up to $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply on the Las Vegas Strip?
Is there an exemption for breeders?
What happens to unaltered pets' offspring?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
Compare Clark County to another location·View the Nevada animal ordinances overview
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