On Nov. 5, 2025, the City Council adopted a new ordinance updating local pet shop regulations and setting new standards to ensure the health and welfare of animals and to reduce the risks associated with large-scale breeding operations.
What the New Ordinance Does
The new rules strengthen oversight of how pets are cared for and displayed in retail environments. Pet shops must now:
- Keep dogs in safe, enclosed areas that prevent unrestricted public access.
- Separate incompatible dogs and ensure all enclosures minimize stress and risk of injury.
- Maintain a written disease control plan and provide proper quarantine rooms with separate ventilation, if needed.
- Provide a one-year warranty for dogs under 12 months old and 30 days of free pet insurance.
- Clearly display the price and kennel of origin for dogs and cats.
- Ensure veterinary health certificates are provided within 10 days prior to sale.
- Pet shops with three or more violations of the municipal code may now face permit revocation for repeated or serious violations.
Ending the Sale of Certain Animals
Perhaps the most significant change is that newly licensed pet shops will no longer be allowed to sell:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Rabbits
- Potbellied pigs
- Guinea pigs
Instead, these shops are encouraged to partner with animal shelters or nonprofit rescues to offer animals for adoption, helping reduce the number of pets in local shelters and promoting ethical sourcing.
Existing pet shops are exempt for now, but that exemption will expire Nov. 6, 2028. After that date, all pet shops—new and existing—will be prohibited from selling these animals.
Why the City Council Is Making This Change
This ordinance reflects Las Vegas’ growing commitment to animal welfare and responsible business practices. By phasing out retail sales of dogs, cats and similar animals, the city aims to:
- Discourage “puppy mill” operations that often prioritize profit over animal health.
- Reduce the strain on local shelters, which take in thousands of unwanted animals each year.
- Ensure transparency and accountability in pet sourcing and care.
What It Means for Businesses
Thirteen existing licensed pet shops in Las Vegas are allowed to continue selling dogs, cats and other affected animals, but only for the next three years. If an existing shop changes ownership, relocates or loses its license, that exemption ends immediately.
Illegal animal sales will carry penalties of $250 to $500 per violation, and violations may be treated as a criminal misdemeanor or civil infraction.
What It Means for Residents
This doesn’t mean Las Vegas residents can’t bring home a new pet, it means future pets are more likely to come from rescues, shelters and responsible breeders. Local rescues and adoption centers often partner with pet stores for adoption events, so residents will still have access to a wide range of pets while helping reduce animal overpopulation.
It is also important to note that everyone in the community plays a part in reducing the pet overpopulation Las Vegas is experiencing. Being a responsible pet owner makes a significant difference. Having pets spay and neutered, not buying from backyard breeders, making sure animals aren’t able to run loose, and not abandoning unwanted animals all are things members of the community can do to prevent our shelters from overflowing.
It is also important to note that everyone in the community plays a part in reducing the pet overpopulation Las Vegas is experiencing. Being a responsible pet owner makes a significant difference. Having pets spay and neutered, not buying from backyard breeders, making sure animals aren’t able to run loose, and not abandoning unwanted animals all are things members of the community can do to prevent our shelters from overflowing.