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Washoe County, NV Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Barking dog rules in Washoe County, 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

Code section
WCC 55.125
Standard
Loud and frequent noise
Continuous threshold
30+ minutes at once
Sporadic threshold
60+ minutes per 24 hours
Enforced by
Washoe County Regional Animal Services

Summary

In Washoe County it is unlawful to keep, harbor or own any animal that by making loud and frequent noises causes annoyance to the neighborhood or nearby persons. Washoe County Regional Animal Services enforces this and can issue a civil penalty to the owner.

City-specific rules exist: Reno has its own barking dogs rules that differ from Washoe County's county-level regulations. If you live in Reno, check the city-specific page instead.

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.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Washoe County Code Section 55.125 (Keeping of noisy animals) states it is unlawful to keep any animal that by loud and frequent noise annoys the neighborhood, except as provided in NRS 40.140. Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS) defines "loud" noise to include barking, baying, crying, whining, howling or crowing that disturbs a reasonable person, and "frequent" as continuous noise for 30 minutes or more at one time, or sporadic noise for 60 minutes or more within a 24-hour period, recurring for a week or more. On a complaint, both parties are notified by mail and, if a violation of WCC 55.125 is found, a civil penalty may be issued to the owner.

Violations & Fines

A confirmed WCC 55.125 violation may result in a civil penalty issued to the animal owner by Washoe County Regional Animal Services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal for my dog to bark?
Barking itself isn't illegal, but loud and frequent noise that annoys the neighborhood violates WCC 55.125 and can bring a civil penalty.
How long must a dog bark to count?
Animal Services treats continuous barking of 30+ minutes, or sporadic barking totaling 60+ minutes in 24 hours recurring for a week or more, as 'frequent.'

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Washoe County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions

All Washoe County rules

Compare Washoe County to another location·View the Nevada noise ordinances overview

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Barking Dogs in Cities Across Washoe County

Reno, NV