Knowledge Base

When these fees apply: Eligible dogs in Washoe County must have a current license with WCRAS. Licensing fees depend on whether the dog is spayed/neutered, if the owner is a senior (60+), and the choice between a 1-year or 3-year license. Additional fees may apply for optional replacement tags or late renewals. Learn more about dog licensing requirements here: Dog Licensing in Washoe County.

When these fees apply: Permit fees apply to specific cases, including having more than 5 dogs and/or 7 cats on a single property, owning a dog that has been declared dangerous or declared vicious, keeping of specific exotic animals, or other situations requiring special authorization. Learn more about permit requirements here: Permits.

Fee Waivers: Variance Permit fees can be waived for the owner/operator(s) of a rescue organization that uses their residence to foster animals. The rescue organization must be in full compliance with all Washoe County Codes, in good standing with WCRAS, and actively transferring animals from WCRAS into their program during each calendar year. This does not apply to fosters associated with the rescue organizations. .

When these fees apply: Impound fees are incurred when an animal is taken into custody by Washoe County Regional Animal Services due to being at large or in unsafe conditions.

Fee Waivers:

1. First-Time Impound: Fees for impound, daily care, and vaccinations (excluding licensing and veterinary fees) are waived if the animal is reclaimed within 24 hours of arriving at the shelter. Subsequent impounds will be subject to full fees regardless of pick-up time. Animals without a microchip must be microchipped before release.
2. Impound Due to Special Circumstances: Fees for impound, daily care (up to 5 days), and vaccinations (excluding licensing and veterinary fees) can be waived under these conditions:
   • The owner was transported to the hospital due to a significant incident or accident.
   • The owner was temporarily unable to care for the animal due to a natural or man-made disaster (e.g., fire, flood, hurricane).
   • The owner was temporarily unable to care for the animal due to domestic violence.
   • The owner has passed away, and the animal is being reclaimed by the next of kin or an authorized designee.

When these fees apply: Daily animal care fees are incurred for each day an animal is cared for at Washoe County Regional Animal Services.

Fee Waivers:

1. Dangerous/Vicious Dog: Daily care fees (excluding any veterinary fees) may be waived for dogs pending a dangerous or vicious dog determination if the dog is surrendered within 5 days of impound.
2. First-Time Impound: Fees for impound, daily care, and vaccinations (excluding licensing and veterinary fees) are waived if the animal is reclaimed within 24 hours of arriving at the shelter. Subsequent impounds will be subject to full fees regardless of pick-up time. Animals without a microchip must be microchipped before release.
3. Impound Due to Special Circumstances: Fees for impound, daily care (up to 5 days), and vaccinations (excluding licensing and veterinary fees) can be waived under these conditions:
   • The owner was transported to the hospital due to a significant incident or accident.
   • The owner was temporarily unable to care for the animal due to a natural or man-made disaster (e.g., fire, flood, hurricane).
   • The owner was temporarily unable to care for the animal due to domestic violence.
   • The owner has passed away, and the animal is being reclaimed by the next of kin or an authorized designee.

When these fees apply: Quarantine fees are charged when an animal has bitten a person, breaking skin. In accordance with Washoe County Code 55.610, they must be quarantined and monitored for signs of rabies

Note: Quarantine fees do not apply to animals that complete an approved home quarantine and are brought to WCRAS by their owner for the final sign-off.

1. Impound Due to Special Circumstances: Fees for impound, daily care (up to 5 days), and vaccinations (excluding licensing and veterinary fees) can be waived under these conditions:
   • The owner was transported to the hospital due to a significant incident or accident.
   • The owner was temporarily unable to care for the animal due to a natural or man-made disaster (e.g., fire, flood, hurricane).
   • The owner was temporarily unable to care for the animal due to domestic violence.
   • The owner has passed away, and the animal is being reclaimed by the next of kin or an authorized designee.

When these fees apply: Medical service fees are incurred as needed to provide essential and humane care for animals in the shelter. If medical care is required beyond the scope of what shelter staff can provide, the animal may be referred to an outside veterinary practice, and any associated costs will be the responsibility of the owner.

When these fees apply: Clinic fees are incurred when a pet is brought to Washoe County Regional Animal Services for walk-in microchip services or a vaccination clinic hosted by Washoe County Regional Animal Services. Learn more about WCRAS vaccine clinics here: WCRAS Vaccination clinics

Fee Waivers:

1. Special Events: Fees for required and core vaccinations, de-wormer, license fees, and appointment administration fees can be waived for for special events as designated by the Director of Washoe County Regional Animal Services.