Animal Ordinances in Reno, NV (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Reno, Nevada, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Reno allows up to 12 fowl per lot under its Urban Farm accessory-use standard, which applies by right in every zoning district in the city, but that same rule bars hoofed animals and livestock from the site entirely.
Reno Backyard Chickens & Livestock
Some RestrictionsReno Municipal Code § 18.03.304(a)(4)f
(4)Urban Farm A minor conditional use permit shall be approved for any urban farming operation intended to be established beyond three years... f. No more than 12 fowl and no hoofed animals or livestock shall be allowed on site.
Dog Leash Laws
Washoe County Code 55.100 requires dogs to be on a leash in public areas within the congested areas of the county, which include Reno. The code sets no leash length. Reno has no city animal ordinance.
Animals: Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsWashoe County Code § 55.100(2)
In the congested areas, it is unlawful for the owner of any dog to allow the dog to be in a public area unless the dog is on a leash. This provision does not apply to special areas that may be designated for training programs, dog shows or dog parks.
Beekeeping
Reno regulates bees under its Urban Farm use category, which needs a minor conditional use permit once the operation runs past three years.
Reno Beekeeping Needs Urban Farm Permit
Some RestrictionsReno Municipal Code §§ 18.03.304(a)(4), 18.09.301
Urban Farm A minor conditional use permit shall be approved for any urban farming operation intended to be established beyond three years (otherwise temporary use standards shall apply)... f. No more than 12 fowl and no hoofed animals or livestock shall be allowed on site. [Use definition, § 18.09.301: "The growing, raising, keeping, producing, and selling of agricultural, horticultural, viticu...
Wildlife Feeding
Reno prohibits feeding waterfowl, birds, or wildlife in city parks except at three designated pond locations, where only commercial wildlife feed is permitted, not bread or crackers.
Reno Bans Feeding Wildlife in Parks
Significant RestrictionsReno Municipal Code § 8.23.175
Except in the following designated areas and subject to posted signage, feeding waterfowl, birds or wildlife in any park is prohibited. Public feeding of waterfowl shall be allowed only in water and only at the following locations:(1)At Idlewild Park, on the north side of the eastern pond and the south side of the western pond.(2)At Teglia's Paradise Park, at the northeastern pond from any of t...
Pet Store Rules
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.
Reno Bans Retail Dog and Cat Sales
Heavy RestrictionsReno Municipal Code § 4.04.067
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 t...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Reno zoning sets district-specific rules for animal clinics, hospitals, shelters, boarding kennels, and training facilities, with lot-size and indoor-operation requirements that vary by district.
Reno Vet Clinic Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsReno Municipal Code § 18.03.304(a)(1)
(1) Animal Clinic, Shelter, Hospital, Boarding Kennel, or Training Facility a. LLR-2.5, LLR-1, LLR-.5, UT-5, UT-10, and UT-40 Districts 1. Shall have a minimum lot size of two and one-half acres. 2. Outside facilities and activities, including outdoor runs, shall require approval of a conditional use permit. b. ME and Urban Districts 1. All animal pens and boarding shall be inside. 2. Outdoor f...
Bird Protection
Reno bans feeding waterfowl, birds or wildlife in city parks except at three designated spots, and only with food made for wildlife, not bread or crackers.
Reno Wild Bird Feeding Rules
Some RestrictionsReno Municipal Code § 8.23.175
Except in the following designated areas and subject to posted signage, feeding waterfowl, birds or wildlife in any park is prohibited. Public feeding of waterfowl shall be allowed only in water and only at the following locations: (1) At Idlewild Park... (2) At Teglia's Paradise Park... (3) At Virginia Lake Park... Any person feeding waterfowl, birds or wildlife within a designated area shall ...
Looking for Washoe County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Reno city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Washoe County →