Noise Complaint
Washoe County Ordinance 55.125 – Keep of Noisy Animals.
"Except as provided in NRS 40.140, it is unlawful for any person to keep, harbor or own any animal which by making loud and frequent noises causes annoyance to the neighborhood or to any persons in the vicinity."
Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS) recognizes that it is not unlawful for animals to make noise. However, it is unlawful to make loud, frequent noises that cause an annoyance to the neighborhood or to any people in the vicinity.
An example of loud noise may include, but not be limited to barking, baying, crying, whining, howling, or crowing that causes a disturbance to a reasonable person. Frequent noise may be described as continuous noise without stopping, without interruption for 30 minutes or more at a time or non-continuous, steady noise with sporadic starting and stopping for 60 minutes or more in a 24-hour period, and that occurs for a week or more.
When reporting a noise complaint, the following information is required to file a complaint:
- The location where the animal lives (street address).
- The description of the animal to the best of one’s ability.
- The time the animal generally makes noise.
- The date and time the animal was making noise.
- The reporting party/complainant’s name, address, and phone number.
- A copy of the reporting party's ID is required. You can submit it via:
- Email: pets@washoecounty.gov
- Text: 775-322-3647
- In person at WCRAS
After the complaint has been received, both parties will receive a notification in the mail. The Animal Owner will receive a letter detailing the complaint, along with information on the Noise Complaint Process. The Reporting Party will receive a letter with a statement form and a log to track the noise disturbances if the noise does not improve.
If the noise disturbance does not improve, the reporting party can return the completed documentation to WCRAS. The statement and noise log will be reviewed by a Field Supervisor. If it is determined a violation of WCC 55.125 has occurred, a Civil Penalty may be issued to the animal owner.
While the reporting party’s contact information is not included in the letter to the animal owner, all documentation is subject to Public Records Requests.