Moving to Las Vegas
with your dogs.

Moving with dogs changes the home search. The size of the yard, the type of fence, the HOA's pet rules and how close the nearest grass is all matter more than the kitchen finishes. Here's what dog owners should know before moving to Las Vegas or Henderson.

Licensing and microchips

The rules depend on which city the home is in:

• City of Las Vegas: dogs over 4 months old need a city license and a microchip, and a rabies shot is required within 30 days of turning 3 months old.
• City of Henderson: dogs 3 months and older must be licensed, and new residents have 30 days after moving in to get the first license.
• Unincorporated Clark County: no license is required, but dogs need a rabies shot at 3 months and a microchip once they're over 4 months.

How many dogs?

In unincorporated Clark County, a home can have up to 3 dogs and 3 cats over 4 months old without a permit. Las Vegas and Henderson have their own limits and permits, so if you have more than two or three dogs, tell me early and I'll confirm the rules for each address we look at.

Leash rules

In the City of Las Vegas, dogs must be on a leash unless they're confined on their own property. In unincorporated Clark County, pets other than cats must be restrained at all times on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

HOAs and pets

Many Las Vegas neighborhoods have an HOA. Nevada law generally keeps an HOA from banning at least one pet, but it allows reasonable restrictions, and some older pet bans still stand (NRS 116.318). This is a general summary, not legal advice. I read the CC&Rs and pet rules with you, and you can cancel within five days after you receive the HOA resale package (NRS 116.4109).

Summer heat

In Nevada it's illegal to leave a pet unattended in a parked car when the heat or cold puts it at serious risk (NRS 202.487). The City of Las Vegas also requires cooling, such as misters or air conditioning, for animals kept outside when it's over 105°F.

What I look for in a yard

• Fencing: the height and condition of the wall or fence, and whether the side gates latch.
• Shade and surfaces: covered patio space, plus a mix of grass or turf and rock that won't scorch paws.
• Lot size: many newer homes have small lots, so I filter for bigger yards when that matters to you.
• Pool safety: whether the pool can be fenced off.
• Desert edges: homes that back up to open desert can see wildlife. UNR Extension notes Nevada has five snake species that can be dangerous to people and pets.

Dog parks

The City of Las Vegas runs a dozen dog parks, including Barkin' Basin, Centennial Hills and Police Memorial. Clark County dog parks include Cactus Jones, Desert Breeze and Dog Fancier's Park. Henderson has its own city dog parks too.

Buying from out of state

I can film the backyard, the fence line and the walk to the nearest park for you, so you know what your dogs are getting before you fly in. See how buying from out of state works.

See it on video

Backyards I have filmed, from a 0.30-acre lot with a casita to a pool home with no rear neighbors. Tap any card for the full video.

Silverado Ranch · casita 103K views Single story · pool

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