Las Vegas, NV Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LVMC 7.42.035
- Animals covered
- Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, potbellied pigs
- Grandfather clause expires
- November 6, 2028
- Exempt-shop permit fee
- $500 per year
- Adoption partnerships allowed
- No fee, no ownership interest
Summary
Las Vegas bans pet shops from selling dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and potbellied pigs; stores may only host shelter or rescue adoptions, with existing shops grandfathered until November 2028.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.42.040, it is unlawful for any pet shop to sell or offer for sale a dog, cat, rabbit, potbellied pig or guinea pig. A pet shop may cooperate with...an animal care facility or nonprofit animal rescue organization to offer...for adoption, provided that the pet shop shall not have any ownership interest in the animals offered, and shall not receive any fee for providing space...or for the adoption of any of the animals.
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
LVMC 7.42.035, adopted November 2025, makes it unlawful for any pet shop in the city to sell or offer for sale a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, or potbellied pig. Shops may partner with an animal care facility or nonprofit rescue to host adoptions on-site, but cannot take an ownership interest or collect any fee for the space or the adoption. A narrow grandfather clause under 7.42.040 lets pet shops already operating and licensed before the ordinance keep selling animals, provided they hold a 500-dollar annual permit and comply with breeder and broker vetting rules, but that exemption expires for every shop on November 6, 2028.
Violations & Fines
Violating the sale ban is a misdemeanor carrying a fine of 250 to 500 dollars under LVMC 7.42.085, and each sale or offer for sale is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy a puppy from a Las Vegas pet store?
Does the ban stop pet stores from hosting adoption events?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Las Vegas
Compare Las Vegas to another location·View the Nevada animal ordinances overview
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Pet Store Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Clark County handle pet store rules.