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Clark County, NV Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue Permits (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit authority
Animal Protection Services, Section 10.18.010
Base permit fee
$100 per animal, one location
State/federal exemption
USDA, USFWS, or NDOW-regulated rescuers exempt
Permit term
Expires one year from issuance
Penalty
$500-$1,000 fine, up to 6 months jail

Summary

Clark County requires an exotic or wild animal permit from Animal Protection Services to keep or exhibit wildlife, but exempts rescuers already licensed by USDA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or Nevada Department of Wildlife if no Title 30 special use permit applies.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Clark County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The provisions of this chapter, with the exception of subsection 10.18.030(b), shall not apply to:

(a)Any location or entity accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, or the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and holds all required permits and licenses from comprehensive planning, business licensing, the building department, and any other local, state, or federal regulatory agency; or(b)Any person regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or the Nevada Department of Wildlife who operates a location that is not subject to a special use permit per title 30 of the Clark County Code for the keeping and exhibiting of animals; or

View official code

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

Unincorporated Clark County requires an exotic or wild animal permit under Section 10.18.010 before anyone keeps, transports, or exhibits a wild animal, with fees up to $500 per location and annual renewal. Section 10.18.020 exempts operators already regulated by the USDA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or Nevada Department of Wildlife -- covering most licensed wildlife rehabilitators -- as long as the site isn't separately required to hold a Title 30 special use permit for keeping animals. Rescues that don't qualify for that exemption, including unaccredited sanctuaries, still need the county permit and an Animal Protection Services inspection.

Violations & Fines

Keeping or exhibiting a wild animal without this permit is punishable by a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to six months in jail, and a three-year permit ineligibility for repeat violators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a wildlife rescue in Clark County need a county permit?
Only if it isn't already regulated by the USDA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or Nevada Department of Wildlife, or if the site needs a Title 30 special use permit -- otherwise Section 10.18.020 exempts it.
How much does Clark County's exotic/wild animal permit cost?
The base fee is $100 for one animal at one location, with $50 for each additional animal or location, capped at $500 per location under Section 10.18.010(h).
Does the Strip's Paradise/Winchester area fall under this rule?
Yes -- Paradise and Winchester are unincorporated townships governed directly by Clark County Code, so any wildlife-keeping facility there, including Strip resorts, follows this permit and exemption scheme rather than a city ordinance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clark County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsMicrochippingSignificant RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSignificant RestrictionsExotic PetsSignificant RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsHome Business: Customer Traffic RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsTrash & Recycling: Bin Placement RulesSome Restrictions

All Clark County rules

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