Pet Laws

Local Laws and Ordinances

Be a responsible pet owner..

REMEMBER, THE DESERT TORTISE IS NOT A PET!*

The Mojave Desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii, was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1989. The tortoise is also protected under Nevada Administrative Code (NAC 503 080). Nevada's desert tortoise is a threatened species. It is important for all of us to understand the laws regarding the wild and pet desert tortoise populations.

*Except if you acquired your tortoise before August 4, 1989 or adopted it through a US Fish and Wildlife Service-approved adoption program, which in southern Nevada is Tortoise Group. Those who have pet desert tortoises are custodians and do not "own" the captive desert tortoise.

For questions and answers, go to http://www.tortoisegroup.org/infosheets/infosheet29.php.

Tortoise Hotline: (702) 739-7113

For the latest information on regulations and laws pertaining to pets in Las Vegas, go to http://lasvegasnevada.gov/information/4189.htm .

For information and resources applicable to all of Clark County, go to: http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/depts/admin_services/animalcontrol/pages/default.aspx.