Am I allowed to leave my pet in a car in Nevada?

2. What are the penalties for leaving pets in a car?

It is a misdemeanor under Nevada state law to leave pets in parked cars under dangerous conditions. Punishments include:

• Up to 6 months in jail, and/or
• Up to $1,000 in fines ³

It is rare for judges to impose jail for a first-time offense.

3. How do I fight the charges?

People charged with leaving their pet in a car under dangerous conditions in Nevada can argue that the conditions were in fact safe. Helpful evidence in these cases include:

• Eyewitness testimony
• Photos or video of the animal in the car and the surroundings
• Weather reports
• Veterinary records
• Expert testimony

Another possible defense is that the defendant was not the one who left the animal in the car, and that someone else put the pet in danger.

Finally, people who unintentionally locked their pet in a car during dangerous conditions are not criminally liable under NRS 202.487. They just need to seek help to free the animal as soon as they realize their mistake. ⁴

4. Will I lose my animal?

This varies case-by-case. If local Animal Control comes on the scene, it may try to petition the court for the defendant to surrender and forfeit the animal. But this typically only happens if the dog, cat, or other pet is in dire condition. As long as the pet is unharmed, Nevada judges usually allow defendants to keep their animal with a warning.

If police do confiscate the animal, the owner is entitled to know where it is being sheltered. If the owner does not reclaim the animal and pay any sheltering fees within the required time frame, the shelter could then rehome animal or even euthanize it.

5. Can the record be sealed?

Yes. People convicted of leaving their dog, cat, or other pet in a vehicle under dangerous conditions can pursue a criminal record seal in Nevada one year after the case ends. And if the charge gets dismissed, the defendant can pursue a seal right away. ⁵ Learn how to seal Nevada criminal records.

6. What do I do if I see an animal trapped in a hot car?

Good Samaritans can call the local public safety / animal control officers. The number for the Clark County Animal Control (CCAC) is 702-455-7710. The number for the Washoe County Regional Animal Services Dispatch (WCRAS) is 775-322-3647.

After hours, phone 911. Police officers or first responders will come on the scene.⁶

Call our law firm for help. We offer free consultations.