Animal Ordinances in Sparks, NV (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Sparks, Nevada, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Sparks allows backyard hens scaled to lot size, from two hens on lots under 2,000 square feet up to sixteen on parcels over 10,000 square feet. Roosters and on-site slaughter are prohibited. Larger livestock needs agricultural or SF-40 zoning.
Sparks Backyard Chickens & Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsSparks, NV, Municipal Code § 20.03.005(D)
Livestock used for recreational purposes may be kept only in the agricultural ("A-5" and "A-40") and "SF-40" residential district, if: a. The minimum size of the lot is one acre; b. No more than one head of livestock may be maintained per 20,000 square feet of land area; and/or c. The keeping of poultry and large fowl or birds is limited to 12 per acre of property.
Dog Leash Laws
Sparks lies within a Washoe County congested area, so dogs must be leashed in public and cannot run at large. Dogs over four months must be licensed within 30 days and kept current on rabies vaccination.
Sparks Dog Leash & License Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Nevada law preempts breed-specific bans. Under NRS 202.500, neither Sparks nor Washoe County may declare a dog dangerous or vicious based solely on its breed. Dangerous-dog rules are behavior-based, not breed-based.
Sparks Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Sparks permits residential beekeeping under its urban-agriculture ordinance, Section 20.03.047, with hive limits and setbacks to protect neighbors. Nevada regulates apiaries under NRS Chapter 552, and beekeepers should provide a year-round water source.
Sparks Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Washoe County Code Chapter 55 governs exotic animals in Sparks through a three-tier permit system. Ferrets, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders need no permit; large constrictors, big cats, primates, and venomous reptiles are permit-only or prohibited.
Sparks Exotic & Wild Animal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Sparks Municipal Code Section 20.03.005 makes it unlawful to feed or shelter high-risk wildlife, including coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, bats, bobcats, and feral cats. Leaving food or water outdoors for these animals is prohibited.
Sparks Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Some RestrictionsSparks, NV, Municipal Code § 20.03.005(C)
It is unlawful for any person to create or establish a location or structure for the purpose of feeding, sheltering, or providing sustenance to a high risk species within the boundaries of the City. ... "high risk species" shall mean such species as the striped skunk, spotted skunk, raccoon, fox, bat coyote, badger, bobcat, weasel, feral cat, and other high risk transmitters of disease.
Looking for Washoe County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sparks city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Washoe County →