Animal Ordinances in Reno, NV (2026)
9 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 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.
Animals: Chickens Backyard
Some RestrictionsDog 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.
Animals: Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed 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.
Animals: Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
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.
Animals: Beekeeping
Some RestrictionsExotic 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.
Animals: Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife 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.
Animals: Wildlife Feeding
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal 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.
Reno animal hoarding and excess pet enforcement
Some RestrictionsPet 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.
Animals: Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsCoyote 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.
Reno coyote conflict and feeding rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Washoe County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Reno city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Washoe County →