Reno, NV Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Reno, NV, also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances, define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Washoe County Code 55.125
- Code standard
- Qualitative, no time threshold
- Agency guideline
- 30 min continuous barking
- Or
- 60 min sporadic per day, week-plus
- Enforced by
- Regional Animal Services
Summary
Washoe County's barking ordinance is qualitative: animals making loud and frequent noises that annoy the neighbourhood violate County Code 55.125. The agency guideline for taking a complaint is 30 minutes of continuous barking.
Except as provided in NRS 40.140, it is unlawful for any person to keep, harbor or own any animal which by making loud and frequent noises causes annoyance to the neighborhood or to any persons in the vicinity.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Barking in Reno is governed by Washoe County Code 55.125, since the city has no animal ordinance of its own. The code section itself sets no time threshold: it bars keeping any animal which by making loud and frequent noises causes annoyance to the neighbourhood or persons in the vicinity. The numbers people quote come from Washoe County Regional Animal Services' operational guideline for accepting complaints, 30 minutes of continuous barking, or 60 minutes of sporadic noise in a 24-hour period recurring for a week or more, which is agency practice rather than the ordinance. Complaints run through Regional Animal Services.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Washoe County Code 55.125 is enforced by Regional Animal Services, typically starting with a warning letter to the owner and escalating to civil penalties for continued noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must a dog bark before I can complain?
Is this a Reno city rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reno
Compare Reno to another location·View the Nevada noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.