FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you have lost your pet:

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, officers as well as 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 on record. If your pet is lost, please check The Animal Foundation's 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. After a three-day hold period, the pet is eligible for adoption.

We also suggest checking with your local veterinarian offices in your surrounding area and posting flyers or posting to social media sites like Facebook, Pawboost, Next Door, and Ring.

Be wary of text scams, Clark County Animal Protection Services will never text you asking for payment for the return of your animal.

If you have found a pet:

• Be a pet hero and locate the owner. Most lost pets live within the neighborhood they are found.
• Does the pet have a tag or other contact info? There may be owner or veterinarian contact information on its collar.
• Take the pet to an animal hospital or pet supply store to scan for a microchip. Even if there is no owner information, a microchip may have additional information that can help track the owner. Be sure to document the microchip number and manufacturer for further research, if needed.
• Snap a few good photos of the pet, including the face and body. Make sure to leave the collar on and feature identifying marks. Don’t alter the appearance of the pet – this includes grooming.
• Upload a photo of the pet’s face to the Petco Love Lost app or website. This tool uses facial recognition to match lost and found pets. If an owner has posted a photo of their lost pet, Petco Love Lost will connect you.
• Make a Found Dog or Cat Report with PetHarbor, which is shared with local shelters.
• Make a Found Dog or Cat Report with Helping Lost Pets HERE. This will share the report on social media, place the report in a national lost and found pet database / interactive map, and create a free found pet flyer for you.
• Share the flyer on Nextdoor and post flyers in the neighborhood in which the pet was found. Pets are generally found within a few hundred feet of where they live! Post the flyers with animal hospitals, pet supply stores, community bulletin boards, community mailboxes, etc.
• Walk the pet around the neighborhood in which it is found and see if anyone recognizes it. Knock on neighbors’ doors to see if they recognize the dog. Again, most pets are found close to where they belong.
• Still unable to find the owner? Call 702-760-7387 or email The Animal Foundation to make sure they have all needed information and for further assistance. Tell them if the pet is sick or injured. The email for Lost and Found at The Animal Foundation is: lostandfound@animalfoundation.com.
• When the pet is reunited with the owner, be sure to remove flyers and update any reports/posts you made

Visit the following link for information on reporting found animals to the Animal Foundation: https://animalfoundation.com/what-we-do/lost-found/

You may also call them at 702-760-7387 or email them the information at lostandfound@animalfoundation.com.

The Animal Foundation is open Tuesday – Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, they are closed on Mondays. The Animal Foundation is requiring an appointment to be made in order to drop off a found animal at the shelter. You can make an appointment at www.animalfoundation.com, select Get Pet Help, select Rehome a Pet, on that page select Schedule an Appointment choose the option for Found Pet Drop Off and select an available appointment.

We understand that appointments are a few weeks out, however, check daily in the afternoon, as people are cancelling appointments, they do open them back up for an earlier appointment time. If this is an emergency and you are unable to wait for your scheduled appointment to bring the animal in, you may contact them at 702-760-7387 or email at lostandfound@animalfoundation.com . After the animal is at the animal foundation after a three-day hold period, the pet may become eligible for adoption.

All bites from a warm-blooded mammal to a human must be reported to Clark County Animal Protection Services. After conducting a bite report and confirming the bite, CCAPS places the biting animal under quarantine for 10 days to ensure they are free from rabies. For more information and to report a bite, please contact us at 702-455-7710

After 5:00 pm, call 311 if the situation is not life-threatening. If the situation is life-threatening or emergency medical aid is needed, call 911.

Be prepared to provide additional information such as a description of the animal(s) involved, the location of the incident and cross streets, direction of travel if the animal ran off, and where the attacking animal lives (if known). Also provide if the victim is an animal or person, a description of that person/animal and location where they live, if known.

Clark County does not require animal licenses. All dogs, cats, and ferrets over three months of age must be vaccinated with the rabies vaccine and must wear a collar with the current rabies vaccination tag.

All dogs and cats over four months of age must be implanted with a microchip. All ferrets, pet rabbits, and potbellied pigs must wear a collar with owner identification information OR the animal must be implanted with a microchip.

All dogs, cats, ferrets, pet rabbits, and potbellied pigs must be spayed or neutered.

Proof of a current rabies vaccine, sterilization, and registered microchip must be provided to an Animal Control Officer upon request.

ANIMALS KEPT OUTDOORS – REQUIREMENTS

Animals are legally allowed to be kept outdoors in Clark County, but they must have adequate shelter. “Shelter” means protection from the elements appropriate for the animal’s size, species, and breed. Consideration must be made for adequate shade, heat, ventilation, and sanitation.

If an animal is being kept in an enclosure, they should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably.

Animals must have access to water at all times.

When the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or temperature is expected to rise above 105°F, dogs and cats must be provided with supplemental cooling to adequately reduce the temperature.

When the outdoor temperature is above 85°F, dogs and cats must have enough shade at all times to protect themselves from any direct sunlight that is likely to cause overheating or discomfort.

When the outdoor temperature is below 50°F, dogs and cats must be provided an additional amount of clean bedding or other protection to keep the animal warm.

Generally, you can submit a complaint or concern anonymously, but there are some limited exceptions. Our Dispatchers will ask you if you want to leave your information. In many cases, providing information is helpful for our Animal Control Officers with our investigations.

All conversations, email complaints, witness statements, photos, videos, or any other documents submitted to our agency are public record and can be produced in a public record request pursuant to NRS: Chapter 239 – Public Records.

PUBLIC RECORDS

Certain confidential information will be redacted in accordance with several NRS statutes pertaining to the redaction of confidential information that may be contained in our records. Once our office receives any form of a record it cannot be removed, it would be considered a felony under NRS 239.310

Anyone who breeds dogs or cats in Clark County is required to have a Breeder/Show Permit and a Clark County business license.

Permit holders are required to limit the number of pets kept on premises and must have microchip identification devices implanted on all dogs and cats over the age of four months. 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.

Many people want to add a new puppy or kitten to their families. You may want a certain breed or have the desire to raise a puppy or kitten 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 save some money as well by bringing a pet home that is already spayed or neutered, up to date on shots, and microchipped.
• If you don't see the 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/kittens or their medical records. Avoid any transactions in parking lots. Ask the right questions:
  • Is the puppy/kitten 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/kitten 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/kitten's health.

If you would like to report a noise annoyance regarding roosters, please contact Clark County Animal Protection Services Dispatch at (702) 455-7710.

If your neighbor has roosters and they are not allowed in your area or they have more than three, please contact the Public Response office at 702-455-4191 or submit a complaint through Fix-it Clark County by following this link: FixIt Clark County

You may pay an administrative citation online by clicking on this link. You may also pay in person or by mail at 4701 W. Russell Road, 1st Floor, LV, NV 89118. We only accept checks or money orders at the office location.

The citation number is located on the top of your citation. If you need additional assistance in finding the number, please contact our Dispatch at 702-455-7710.

There are no extensions for administrative citation payments, they must be paid within 15 days of issuance. Failure to pay may result in the debt being sent to collections, or a tax lien on your property.

If you wish to dispute your administrative citation, fill out a hearing request form and return within 15 days of the date of issuance of the citation along with a deposit of the fine amount.

If you wish to dispute your administrative citation but cannot afford your fine, you must show proof of indigency by showing an income at or below 125% of the poverty guidelines or receipt of impoverishment benefits EBT, SSI, or TANF. Call dispatch at 702-455-7710 for more information.

There are no payment plan options for citations. Payments must be paid within 15 days of issuance.

In order to have your fix-it ticket voided, you must provide our office proof that the violations have been corrected within five weeks of the date of issuance.

Proof of a current rabies vaccine, sterilization, and/or microchip must be brought in person to Clark County Animal Protection Services office. We do not accept emailed submissions. Our administrative office is located at 4701 W. Russell Rd, inside of the Clark County Building Department. Office hours are Monday – Thursday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, our administrative office is closed on Fridays.

Once the proof of compliance is verified, the Fix-it ticket will be voided, and the mandatory court appearance will be waived. Extensions for fix-it tickets will not be granted.

If more than five weeks has passed since you were issued your fix-it ticket, Clark County Animal Protection Services can no longer void your ticket and you will have to appear in court on the specified date stated on your citation. Your court date is located towards the bottom of your citation.

If you missed your court date with Clark County Animal Protection Services and a bench warrant has been issued, contact the Clerk of the Court at 702-671-4554.

If you have concerns about attending your assigned court date, please contact the Clerk of the Court at 702-671-4554. Clark County Animal Protection Services cannot assist you with changing the court date.

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.

To report animal cruelty, call Clark County Animal Protection Services dispatch at 702-455-7710. After hours call 311 if the situation is not life-threatening, call 911 if the situation is life threating.

Be prepared to provide the address or location where the neglect/abuse is occurring, a description of the animal(s), how many animals may be involved, when the abuse/neglect is occurring, description of the abuse/neglect, if the abuse is physical, a name or description of the abuser, describe objects, tools, or weapons involved in the abuse. You may remain anonymous in reporting the abuse; however, we do request your information as it may help us with our investigation or to obtain additional information.

Clark County allows for free roaming cats, which means, it is not a violation for cats to be running loose in a neighborhood. Clark County Animal Protection Services does not respond to reports of loose, feral, or stray cats. There are several organizations who can help with the trap, neuter, return process, as well as potentially providing advice or deterrents. Below are some options to address cats in your neighborhood.

• Option 1 - You can contact The Community Cat program, 702-955-5964 or email communitycats@animalfoundation.com; they are working with the Animal Foundation to assist with feral cats. They can advise of effective deterrents and information to discourage cats from coming onto your property. They loan out humane cat traps for a $50 refundable deposit, any cats that are trapped must be taken to Heaven Can Wait.
• Option 2 - You can contact Heaven Can Wait at 702-655-4800 for general questions, and their spay and neuter clinic. For community cat resources visit their website. For education and support for feeders who need help with TNR email nmedina@hcws.org or 702-622-9176.
• Option 3 - You can contact C5 at 702-608-9009 they are another Trap Neuter Release organization that may assist with feral cat colonies in Clark County. They no longer service zip codes: 89030, 89101, 89104, 89110, 89115, 89156.
• Option 4 - If the cat is friendly, and you do not require a trap, it can be taken to the Animal Foundation at 655 N. Mojave Rd Las Vegas, NV 89101. We recommend calling them at (702) 760-7387 to make an appointment to drop the animal off, their call center is open daily from 9am to 9pm.

We are very sorry for your loss. Clark County Animal Protection Services does not pick up owned deceased animals. Please take it to a veterinarian office, contact pet cremation services, or take it to the Animal Foundation 702-955-5955. Animal Shelter and Low-Cost Vet Clinic | The Animal Foundation

Please note that it is illegal to bury a dead animal.

Is the animal in the public right of way, such as a street or sidewalk? If so, call Clark County Public Works Road Division: 702-455-7540

If on a freeway, freeway on-ramp, or highway, please contact NDOT at: 702-667-4501

If the animal is on your private property and you are not the owner of the animal, you may call Clark County Animal Protection Services dispatch 702-455-7710. Alternatively, it is allowable for you to pick up the animal, place it in a bag, and place it in your trash receptacle. You also have the option of taking it to the Animal Foundation.

It is illegal to bury a dead animal.

Clark County Animal Protection Services does not enforce dog park rules and all dog parks are to be entered upon a citizen’s own risk. We cannot enforce size limits or the behavior of other dogs.

If you and/or your animal are involved in an animal fight or attack in a dog park, please call CCAPS Dispatch at 702-455-7710.

All bites from a warm-blooded mammal to a human must be reported to Clark County Animal Protection Services. After conducting a bite report and confirming the bite, CCAPS places the biting animal under quarantine for 10 days to ensure they are free from rabies. For more information and to report a bite, please contact us at 702-455-7710

After 5:00 pm, call 311 if the situation is not life-threatening. If the situation is life-threatening or emergency medical aid is needed, call 911.

Be prepared to provide additional information such as a description of the animal(s) involved, the location of the incident and cross streets, direction of travel if the animal ran off, and where the attacking animal lives (if known). Also provide if the victim is an animal or person, a description of that person/animal and location where they live, if known

If you are concerned about the health and welfare of an animal, Clark County Animal Protection Services can do a welfare check.

Call Clark County Animal Protection Services dispatch at 702-455-7710 to report your concerns. Be prepared to provide the address or location where the neglect/abuse is occurring, a description of the animals, how many animals may be involved, when the abuse/neglect is occurring, and a description of the abuse/neglect. If the abuse is physical, a name or description of the abuser, and a description of objects, tools, or weapons involved in the abuse are helpful.

You may remain anonymous in reporting the abuse; however, we do request your information as it may help us with our investigation or to obtain additional information.

After hours call 311 if the situation is not life-threatening, call 911 if the situation is life threating.

Clark County Animal Protection Services Dispatch office is open 7 days a week from 6:30 AM to 4:45 PM.

Clark County Animal Protection Services Administrative office is open Monday – Thursday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

We are closed on all legal holidays.

Clark County Animal Protection Services Animal Control officers respond to calls 7 days a week from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Animal Control Officers only respond to emergency calls 7 days a week from 10:30 PM to 6:30 AM including legal holidays.

The Animal Foundation has a low cost veterinary clinic. They can be reached at 702-955-5955 or you can visit their website at https://animalfoundation.com/what-we-do/low-cost-vet-clinic/

The Animal Foundation is located at 655 N. Mojave Rd, Las Vegas NV 89101.

Hearts Alive Village Clinic provides affordable veterinary care. They can be reached at 702-780-0002, by email at frontdesk@heartsalivevillage.org, or you may visit their website at https://www.heartsalivevillage.org/clinic/

Hearts Alive Village is located at 3250 N. Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas NV 89130. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 8am to 6pm by appointment.

Heaven Can Wait offers low cost veterinary services for minor illnesses or procedures. Their clinic can be reached at 702-371-8764, by email at wellness@hcws.org, or you can visit their website at: https://heavencanwaitlv.org/spay-neuter-clinic/

They are located at 546 N. Eastern Ave Suite 175, Las Vegas NV 89101.

Clark County Animal Protection Services does not accept anonymous noise complaints and as the complainant you would be required to be a part of the process.

On the initial complaint, a 30-day warning letter will be sent to the offending party.

If the violation continues and you report a second complaint, you will be required to mediate with the owner through the Neighborhood Justice Center.

If mediation was not successful, the owner declined to mediate, is not upholding the agreement made in mediation, and you file a third complaint, you will be required to provide evidence including an audio or video recording, a log of dates/times of the noise, and fill out a noise complaint form which requires your signature. You will also need an additional witness to fill out a witness statement to corroborate the noise is impacting other neighbors. The corroborating witness cannot live with you and does need to live in close proximity to the dog owner.

To start the noise complaint process please call 702-455-7710.

No more than three dogs and three cats (over the age of four months) are allowed at one residence without a permit.

The limit is by residence, not by person. Example: You have one cat, and your roommate has two cats, so your residence has hit the three cat limit.

Clark County Animal Protection Services does not pick up owned animals. If you are no longer able to care for or keep your pet, there are a variety of options available to you. Understand that it is your responsibility to find a home for your animal.

If you need assistance with your pet such as food, medical care, or behavioral issues, there are a number of options available to you, such as food pantries, low-cost medical care, and behavior specialists available to assist. The Animal Foundation offers a weekly food pantry for those in need, please visit their website for details.

You may contact Hearts Alive Village at 702-780-0002, Urban Underdogs, at 702-683-3531, The Animal Foundation at 702-955-5932, or visit Foreclosed Upon Pets, Inc. – Animal Rescue, Care, Fostering and Adoption.

You may rehome your pet to anyone in the community provided that you do not sell your pet or charge a “rehoming fee.”

The Animal Foundation has changed their hours of operation and their drop off procedures for animals at their facility. The Animal Foundation’s call center is open daily from 9am to 9pm. The hours of operation are now Tuesday – Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, they are closed on Mondays. The Animal Foundation is requiring an appointment must be made in order to surrender your pet(s) at the shelter. You can make an appointment here.

We understand that appointments are a few weeks out, however, check daily in the afternoon. As people are cancelling appointments, they do open them back up for an earlier appointment time.

If this is an emergency and you are unable to wait for your scheduled appointment to surrender, you may contact The Animal Foundation at 702-760-7387 or email at lostandfound@animalfoundation.com .

Please be advised that abandoning or “dumping” your animal is a crime, and you will be prosecuted. There are many alternatives available.

If your pet has bitten a human in the last 10 days, please contact our dispatch office at 702-455-7710 to make a report.

More information is on our permit page. The Pet Fancier’s permit allows the holder of the permit to own more than three but no more than six spayed or neutered dogs, or more than three but no more than ten spayed or neutered cats. All animals are required to have a registered microchip implanted, as well as a current rabies vaccination.

A condition of the permit is to allow an unscheduled inspection of your property each year by an Animal Control Officer. The permit costs $50.00 annually.

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 at four 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.

Service animals and emotional support animals are NOT exempt from the sterilization requirement.

It is a violation of Clark County Code to feed pigeons in a residential area. You may call CCAPS dispatch at 702-455-7710 if someone is feeding pigeons in your neighborhood and you would like to file a complaint. Please be prepared to provide the address where the feeding is occurring. Additional information such as photographs and witness statements may be required if the feeding continues after we contact them.

CCAPS does not remove pigeons or eradicate them. Please contact a licensed pest control company or contact the Nevada Department of Agriculture at 702-486-4690 for a listing of exterminators or visit their website https://agri.nv.gov/Pest-Control/

For accumulation of pigeon feces, please contact the Southern Nevada Health District for additional information on prevention, cleaning and sanitizing affected areas www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/Health-Topics/pigeon-prevention-clean-up-guidelines

The Animal Foundation's Animal Shelter at 655 N. Mojave Road, is the contracted shelter for residents of unincorporated Clark County and the cities of Las Vegas and North Las Vegas.

You may visit their website here, or call them at 702-760-7387

If you have a complaint related to the conditions seen at The Animal Foundation, contact the City of Las Vegas Animal Protection Services dispatch to file a complaint at 702-229-6444 as The Animal Foundation is located within the City of Las Vegas jurisdiction.

It is the policy of Clark County Animal Protection Services not to comment or provide details relating to an ongoing investigation. You may request a copy of the record by filling out a JustFOIA records request at: Animal Protection Services Request (justfoia.com)

Please be advised that a response to your public records request may take up to 5 business days in accordance with NRS 239.0107.

All pets, except for cats, must be restrained at all times.

“Restraint” is a fence, cage, coop, chain, leash or other adequate means to keep an animal from escaping the premises or their owner’s control.

When walking your pet, a leash or lead may be no longer than six feet in length.

To report an animal at large, call CCAPS Dispatch at 702-455-7710. Be prepared to provide the address of where the animal lives, a description of the animal (including if it has a collar, tag, or clothing), if the animal is loose now, where is it currently located and direction of travel, how the animal is getting out, if the owner is with the animal but it is off leash, and a description of the owner or name if known. Your complaint may be anonymous but we will ask for your information as we may need additional information or to help us with our investigation.

All dogs, cats and ferrets within the unincorporated area of Clark County are required to be vaccinated for rabies at three 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) + Bordetella + Rabies (Required annually).

Cats:

4-in1 DA2PPV includes feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, chlamydia (All four in one shot) + Bordetella + Rabies (Required annually).

• Coyotes – If the coyotes are actively acting aggressive you may contact Nevada Department of Wildlife at 702-688-3551 or visit their website for more information.
• Bats - Bats are native to Las Vegas and you may see them flying around in the evening and nighttime hours. You may visit the Nevada Department of Wildlife at their website for more information.
• Raccoons - You may contact a pest control company or visit the Nevada Department of Wildlife at their website for more information.
• Rats (Non-Domestic) - You may contact a pest control company or contact the Nevada Department of Agriculture at 702-486-4690. For a list of exterminators or visit their website.
• Wild Rabbits - You may visit the Nevada Department of Wildlife at their website for more information.
• Wild Birds - You may visit Nevada Department of Wildlife at their website for more information.
• Geese / Waterfowl - Please visit the website for the US Fish & Wildlife at website for more information.
• Bees - If bees are located on the public right of way, such as a street or sidewalk, contact Vector Control here or call them at 702-455-7502. If they are located on a private property, contact the Public Response Office here or at 702-455-4191. If bees are located on your property, you may contact the bee hotline at (702) 385-5853. Or you may look up beekeepers on the internet.
• Snakes - You may visit Nevada Department of Wildlife at their website for more information. If the snake is venomous or not indigenous to the Las Vegas Valley, possibly a pet, or you are unsure you may call CCAPS dispatch at 455-7710. If after 5:00 pm, contact 311. If you have been bitten by a venomous snake, call 911.

If a person or domestic animal has handled or been bitten by a coyote, bat, or other wild warm-blooded animal and was possibly exposed to rabies, contact Clark County Animal Protection Services Dispatch at (702) 455-7710 and we will send out an Animal Control Officer. Please do not attempt to capture the animal, but you may monitor its location as we will attempt to capture it for testing. If the animal is deceased in your yard, please keep people and pets away from it and to not attempt to handle it.

Do not delay medical attention to report an animal bite to us, if you are in a life-threatening situation, call 911.