Knowledge Base

The primary objective of WCRAS is to ensure the safety of our community from issues related to domestic animals. Dangerous or vicious dogs can pose a serious threat to the well-being of citizens in Washoe County. The increasing number of unprovoked dog attacks on children, adults, and other domestic animals is a major concern, and WCRAS takes such cases seriously. To enhance public safety, regulating dogs that pose a threat within our community is imperative. WCRAS provides various services to address problems and regulate dogs exhibiting dangerous or vicious behavior, including: 

• Responding to and investigating reports of aggressive dogs 
• Investigating animal bites 
• Addressing stray dog complaints 
• Verifying compliance with mandatory rabies vaccination and dog licensing requirements 
• Assisting victims in petitioning to determine an offending dog as Dangerous or Vicious, thereby obtaining requirements and restrictions associated with keeping such a dog (WCC 55.750). 

What Can Constitute a Dangerous Dog? 

A dog may be declared dangerous if it meets at least one of the following criteria: 

• Without provocation, on two separate occasions within 18 months, has behaved menacingly to a degree that would lead a reasonable person to defend themselves against substantial bodily harm, while off the owner's property or not confined to a cage, pen, or vehicle. 
• Without being provoked, killed or inflicted substantial bodily harm upon a human being on public or private property, regardless of the dog's location. 
• Without being provoked, killed or injured any domestic animal while off its own property. 
• If the dog was used in the commission of a crime, a law enforcement agency may petition to declare the dog dangerous. 

What Can Constitute a Vicious Dog? 

A dog may be declared dangerous if it meets at least one of the following criteria: 

• Without provocation, it killed or inflicted substantial bodily harm upon a human being on public or private property, whether on or off the premises of its owner or keeper. 
• Without provocation, it killed an animal while off the premises of its owner or keeper. 
• After being declared dangerous, the dog continued the behavior described in the Dangerous Dog section above. 

What Cannot be Used to Constitute a Dangerous or Vicious Dog? 

A dog cannot be declared dangerous or vicious:  

• Based solely on its breed, or  
• For defensive acts against a person committing a crime, willful trespass, physical abuse, or  
• while defending itself on a leash with its owner or keeper, or  
• If actively working as an agricultural guardian with permission or direction on private property or open range. 

What Can You Do? 

If you or your animal has been attacked by a dog, or you are representing someone who has, seek medical attention if necessary and contact WCRAS at 775-322-3647 (8 am - 10 pm daily) or 911 for after-hours emergencies. Animal Control Officers are available to assist you. If the incident qualifies for a dangerous or vicious dog determination hearing, an Officer can help you file a complaint. The purpose of the administrative hearing is to allow the victim and the dog owner to present evidence and testimony for consideration in the determination. Hearings are held at the Washoe County Administrative Complex, and you can request a hearing by calling Washoe County Regional Animal Services. 

Dangerous or vicious Dog Determination Hearings are held at the Washoe County Administrative Complex at 1001 East Ninth Street, Reno, Nevada 89512.  You can reach the Administrative Hearing Office at 775-328-2001. 

If a dog is determined dangerous or vicious, an Animal Services Supervisor will contact the owner to explain requirements and restrictions under WCC 55.760 and WCC 55.770.