Animal Adoption
Animals impounded by Clark County Animal Protection Services are transported to The Animal Foundation’s Lied Animal Shelter located at 655 N. Mojave Road. If you would like more information regarding adoptable animals please take at look at The Animal Foundation's Web page.
Animal Lost & Found
As a pet owner, microchipping is the best way to ensure reunification with your pet should it get lost. When Animal Protection Services impounds a stray animal, shelter staff will attempt to identify the owner of the pet by checking for tags and/or a microchip. If identification is found, attempts are made to contact the owner of record. If your pet is lost, please check The Animal Foundation's Lied Animal Shelter at 655 N. Mojave Road, which is the contracted shelter for residents of unincorporated Clark County and the cities of Las Vegas and North Las Vegas. Plan to visit at least once or look for your pet's picture on The Animal Foundation's website under Lost & Found at: www.animalfoundation.com. After a three-day hold period, the pet is eligible for adoption.
Animal Bites
All warm-blooded animals involved in a bite to a human being must be quarantined for 10 days to ensure they are free from rabies.
Animal License
Clark County does not require animal licenses. All dogs, cats, ferrets, pet rabbits, and potbellied pigs within the unincorporated area of Clark County are required to have the following forms of identification: Microchip Device or Current Owner Identification Tag. Additionally, all dogs, cats, and ferrets must display a current rabies vaccination tag.
Breeding Cats & Dogs
Anyone who breeds dogs or cats in Clark County is required to have a breeder/show permit. All intact animals covered by this permit must participate in an event sanctioned by a nationally recognized animal club, or an all-breed registry organization, which is also sponsored by a local animal club. The event must include competitions for confirmation, agility, and/or obedience and provides titles, awards or certificates at least once per year. Permit holders are required to limit the number of pets kept on premises and must have microchip identification devices implanted on adult cats (8 months or older) and dogs (1-year-old or more). A breeder may only allow one litter per female each year, and a female may not be bred until she is at least eighteen months of age. Permit holders also need to include their permit number in advertisements offering dogs or cats for sale. See Clark County Animal Protection Services Ordinances for more information.
Buying A Puppy
Many people want to add a new puppy to their families. You may want a certain breed or have the desire to raise a puppy and watch it grow. Remember that proper care of any pet means there will be costs involved that include food and health care, as well as a commitment of time for exercise, play and training. Consider these tips before bringing home a pet:
- Look to your local shelter first. Thousands of animals enter The Animal Foundation's Animal Shelter and other local shelters each year and desperately need good homes. You will not only save a pet's life through adoption but also bring a pet home that has been spayed or neutered, up to date on shots, and microchipped.
- If you don't see a breed you are looking for at a local shelter, there are many rescues in the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding area. Many are breed specific.
- Beware of backyard breeders who sell online, accept cash only, and won't let you see the parents of the puppies or their medical records. Avoid any transactions in parking lots. Ask the right questions:
- Is the puppy healthy? Puppies should not be sold or given away until they are 8 weeks old or no longer nursing.
- Does the breeder have a Breeder's permit? These are public documents required in Clark County and the neighboring cities. Any advertisements should include the breeder's permit number. The seller should also provide a written sales contract to the purchaser.
- Has the puppy received its first shots? Ask to see the puppy's medical records or insist on meeting at a veterinarian's office to ensure the puppy's health.
Cruelty
Cruelty or torture means any act causing unjustifiable physical pain, suffering or death to an animal. All animals must be provided shelter and water at all times.
Community Cats
In December of 2015, Clark County adopted an ordinance to allow for free roaming cats in the community. The Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program is designed to reduce the number of feral cats being euthanized and at the same time, protecting those cats and reducing the overall feral cat population. As part of the effort, Clark County Animal Protection Services will loan traps to citizens who are willing to trap feral cats and transport them to The Animal Foundation for examination by a vet, ear-tipping, vaccination, sterilization and release back into the community. For more information about the program, call Clark County Animal Protection Services at (702) 455-7710.
Here is a photo of two of our Animal Control Officers rescuing a cat from under a vehicle.
Noise Annoyance
Clark County Animal Protection Services does not accept anonymous noise complaints. Please be advised that a post card will be mailed to the residence of the offending party and both parties will receive a letter from the Neighborhood Justice Center for a request for mediation to resolve the complaint. This process is intended to provide for a quick resolution. The Neighborhood Justice Center letter should arrive a few days after the postcard is received. Should mediation fail to resolve the problem, you will need to contact our office and be provided with a District Attorney's packet in order for the case to be screened for potential prosecution. This process also requires the corroboration of two additional neighbors to process the criminal complaint. All witnesses will need to agree to testify in court.
Number of Pets
No more than three dogs and three cats (over the age of 3 months) are allowed at one residence without a permit.
Pet Fancier's Permit
Contact Clark County Animal Protection Services at (702) 455-7710 to inquire about the permitting process. The inspection fee is $50 and must be renewed annually. A condition of the permit is to allow a scheduled inspection of your property each year by an Animal Control Officer. All dogs or cats must have a current rabies vaccination and be sterilized to qualify for this permit. The permit allows up to six dogs, one year of age or more, or 10 cats, 8-months-of-age or older. All animals are required to have a microchip identification implanted with microchip numbers registered.
Pet Sterilization
Clark County is dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership including the sterilization of pets. Sterilization of dogs, cats, ferrets, pet rabbits, and potbellied pigs is required by 4 months of age unless the owner has a current exemption.
These exemptions are:
- The owner obtains a Breeder/Show Permit for dogs or cats.
- A licensed veterinarian provides a letter attesting that the animal cannot be
sterilized either permanently or for a specified period of time.
- Animals that are being used by a law enforcement agency.
Rabies Vaccinations
All dogs, cats and ferrets within the unincorporated area of Clark County are required to be vaccinated for rabies at 3 months of age, and as needed thereafter. The vaccinations may be good for one year or three years after the date administered. Check with your veterinarian for details.
Recommended Vaccinations
Vaccines help prevent many contagious illnesses that pets may encounter if they are outdoors, socialize with other animals in public places, or travel with you. To stay on schedule with vaccinations, follow the recommendations of your veterinarian. Puppies and kittens are particularly susceptible to certain contagious diseases and should receive their first vaccines for preventative care within 6-8 weeks of birth. These vaccines are recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association:
Dogs:
5-in-1 DA2PPV includes distemper, adenovirus I & II, parainfluenza, parvovirus (All five vaccines given in one shot) + Bordatella + Rabies (Required annually).
Cats:
4-in1 DA2PPV includes feline viral rhinotrachetitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, chlamydia (All four in one shot) + Bordatella + Rabies (Required annually).
Restraint
All pets must be restrained to the property of the owner, or on a leash.
Sanitation
Living areas for animals must be kept clean and free from offensive odors, animal waste, or any other offensive or unwholesome conditions.