Washoe County, NV Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Dog declared dangerous or vicious
- Deadline
- 30 days from declaration
- Extension
- One additional 30 days, RAS discretion
- Proof required
- Submitted to Regional Animal Services
- Bundled requirements
- Microchip, signage, $150K-$250K bond
- Enforcing agency
- Washoe County Regional Animal Services
Summary
Washoe County does not require spay or neuter for pets generally, but a dog formally declared dangerous or vicious must be sterilized within 30 days of that declaration, with proof filed with Regional Animal Services as part of a registration package that also includes a bond or insurance.
1.The owner or keeper of a dog that has been declared to be dangerous or vicious pursuant to section 55.750 must comply with the following registration requirements: ... (e)Spay or neuter. Spay or neuter the dog within 30 days of declaration and provide proof to regional animal services.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
750, the owner or keeper must complete a set of registration steps within 30 days, and subsection (1)(e) makes spay or neuter mandatory: the dog must be sterilized and proof submitted to Regional Animal Services. The same 30-day window covers posting a warning sign visible from every access point, confining the dog in a proper enclosure built of at least nine-gauge chain link with a secured roof and padlocked entrances, microchipping the dog, and carrying a surety bond of $150,000 for a dangerous dog or $250,000 for a vicious dog (or equivalent liability insurance naming Washoe County Regional Animal Services as an additional interest).
Regional Animal Services may grant one additional 30-day extension at its discretion under subsection 3. An animal control officer or peace officer may inspect the premises where the dog is kept at any reasonable hour to confirm compliance under subsection 4. Owners must also pay an initial registration fee and an annual renewal fee set by the Board of County Commissioners. 500(4), and relocating either a dangerous or vicious dog within or into Washoe County requires 30 days' written notice to Regional Animal Services before the move. 800.
Violations & Fines
Missing the 30-day spay/neuter deadline (or the one-time 30-day extension Regional Animal Services may grant) is treated the same as failing any other section 55.760(1) registration step: it supports impoundment of the dog and citation under WCC 55.800's penalty schedule. Owners who ignore the requirement while also skipping the bond, microchip, or enclosure obligations face compounding violations, and an animal control officer's inspection under subsection 4 can trigger enforcement at any reasonable hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washoe County require all dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered?
How long do I have to spay or neuter a dog declared dangerous?
What happens if I don't get the dog fixed in time?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washoe County
Compare Washoe County 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.