Animal Ordinances in Reno, NV: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Reno or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Reno has 9 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.
Pet Limits
Reno limits residential pets typically to 3 dogs and 4 cats per household under RMC Title 6 and Washoe County Code Chapter 55. Multi-pet permits are available for responsible owners exceeding these limits.
Key details: Dog Limit: 3 typically. Cat Limit: 4 typically. Under 4 Months: Not counted. Multi-Pet Permit: Available through WCRAS. Foster: Exempt with recognized rescue.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Exotic Pets
Reno prohibits keeping dangerous wild animals and exotic species under RMC Title 6 and NRS 503.597. Big cats, bears, primates, venomous reptiles, and alligators are banned. Most reptiles and small exotics are allowed without permits.
Key details: Banned: Big cats, bears, primates, venomous reptiles. Allowed: Most non-venomous reptiles, small mammals, birds. State Law: NAC 503.110, NRS 503.597. Code: RMC Title 6, Washoe Code Ch 55. Wolf Hybrids: Permit required.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Reno's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Wildlife Feeding
Feeding wildlife (deer, bears, coyotes, raccoons) is prohibited in Reno under RMC and NAC 503.090 due to public safety and human-wildlife conflict concerns, especially in Sierra foothill neighborhoods where black bears are active.
Key details: State Law: NAC 503.090 prohibits big game and predator feeding. Bear Country: Foothill neighborhoods. Enforcement: NDOW and Reno Code Enforcement. Bear Carts: Required in WUI zones. Fine: Up to $1,000.
NAC 503.090 violations: misdemeanor, fines up to $1,000. NDOW can issue citations. Local nuisance citations add additional penalties.
Compared to other cities, Reno takes a harder line on wildlife feeding. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Chickens & Livestock
Reno allows backyard hens in residential zones with limits, typically up to 6 hens and no roosters, under RMC Title 18 zoning. Coops must meet setback requirements from property lines and neighbors' dwellings.
Key details: Hens: Up to 6 typical. Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones. Setback: 10-20 ft from lines, 25 ft from dwellings. Enclosure: Required - no free-ranging. HOA: Commonly prohibits.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is permitted in Reno residential zones with setback and hive limits under RMC zoning provisions. Hives must be set back from property lines, with water sources provided, and registered with Nevada Department of Agriculture.
Key details: Allowed Zones: Most residential with conditions. Setback: 10 to 25 ft typical. Flyway Barrier: 6 ft fence or hedge. State Registration: NV Dept of Agriculture (NRS 552). HOA: Often prohibits regardless of code.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Dog Leash Laws
Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in all public spaces within Reno under RMC Title 6 and Washoe County Code Chapter 55. Off-leash areas are limited to designated dog parks such as Rancho San Rafael and Sparks Marina.
Key details: Leash Max: 6 feet in public. Code: RMC Title 6 and Washoe Code Ch 55. Off-Leash Areas: Designated dog parks only. License: Washoe County tag required. Enforcement: WCRAS 775-353-8900.
Citations typically $50 to $250 first offense. Impound fees plus daily boarding and license reinstatement. Aggressive off-leash incidents can trigger dangerous dog hearings.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Reno actively enforces its dog leash laws requirements.
Breed Restrictions
Reno has no breed-specific legislation. Nevada has no statewide breed-ban preemption, but Reno regulates dangerous and vicious dogs individually based on behavior under RMC Title 6, not by breed.
Key details: Breed Ban: None in Reno. State Preemption: None - cities may ban breeds. Regulation: Behavior-based dangerous dog rules. Code: RMC Title 6, NRS 202.500. Dangerous Dog: Enclosure, muzzle, insurance required.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around breed restrictions in Reno lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Coyote Management
Reno borders open desert and Peavine Mountain, so coyote sightings near homes are common. The city prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife, requires secure trash, and refers serious conflicts to Nevada Department of Wildlife rather than allowing private trapping.
Key details: State agency: Nevada Dept of Wildlife. Feeding: Prohibited if nuisance. Firearms: Banned in city limits. Hot zones: Peavine, Caughlin, Somersett.
Wildlife feeding citations under RMC, fines escalating with repeat offenses, and possible Nevada Department of Wildlife enforcement for habituation incidents involving aggressive coyotes.
Animal Hoarding
Reno limits households to a reasonable number of dogs and cats, with code enforcement and Washoe County Regional Animal Services investigating hoarding complaints involving neglect, sanitation issues, or cruelty under Nevada NRS 574 cruelty statutes.
Key details: Dog limit: 3 over 4 months. Cruelty statute: NRS 574.100. Enforcement: WCRAS plus Reno PD. Kennel permit: Required above limit.
Misdemeanor citations, mandatory animal forfeiture, court-ordered bond for boarding costs, and felony cruelty exposure under NRS 574.100 when neglect causes substantial harm.
The Bottom Line
Reno is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 9 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Reno, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
Keep in mind that Reno can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.