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Reno, NV Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Rule
Retail dog/cat sales banned
Exemption
Small breeders under county threshold
Adoption allowed
Rescue partnerships, no store fee
Enacted
Ord. No. 6575, Aug. 12, 2020

Summary

Reno pet stores and commercial establishments cannot sell dogs or cats retail. Small breeders under the county's commercial-breeder threshold are exempt, and stores may still host rescue adoptions.

The retail sale (including both primary and accessory use) of dogs and cats in pet stores and/or commercial establishments shall be prohibited. Breeders that do not exceed the commercial breeder threshold, as defined by Washoe County, are exempt from this prohibition. A pet store may provide space to an animal rescue organization to offer to the public dogs or cats for adoption; provided that the pet store 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.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Reno Municipal Code § 4.04.067 bans the retail sale of dogs and cats, as both a primary and accessory use, at pet stores and commercial establishments citywide. Small-scale breeders who stay under the commercial breeder threshold set by Washoe County are exempted. A pet store may still host an animal rescue organization's adoption events, but the store can't own the animals or take a fee for the space or the adoptions. The current text was enacted by Ord. No. 6575 in August 2020, replacing an earlier sales moratorium.

Violations & Fines

Selling a dog or cat at retail through a pet store or commercial establishment violates § 4.04.067(1) unless the seller qualifies as an exempt small breeder under Washoe County's commercial breeder threshold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Reno pet store sell puppies?
No. Retail sale of dogs and cats is prohibited at pet stores and commercial establishments under RMC § 4.04.067, with a narrow exemption for small breeders below the county's commercial threshold.
Can a pet store host adoptions instead?
Yes. A store may provide space to a nonprofit animal rescue for adoptions, but it can't own the animals or collect any fee for the space or adoption.

Sources & Official References

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All Reno rules

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