First walks in Reno.
For everyday walks in Reno, use a secure leash and keep control. Two featured fenced dog parks, current Washoe County licensing guidance, and a calm plan for a new dog’s first week.
The rules, in short
From current Washoe County Chapter 55 and Reno’s dog park rules.
- 1Everyday walks: secure leash and control; designated-area and other exceptions apply
- 2Two featured fenced city dog parks: Whitaker and Virginia Lake
- 3Keep the Washoe County dog license current; check current requirements
- 4Keep rabies vaccination current; formal medical exemptions apply
- 5Carry waste bags and pick up immediately, subject to the code’s exceptions
- 6Leash on when entering and before leaving the gated dog area
Hours, exceptions & the fine print
Reno is a congested area under 55.245. Section 55.100 requires a leash in public areas, with exceptions for special areas designated for training programs, dog shows or dog parks. Section 55.220 separately exempts animals in use by peace officers from most animal provisions. Section 55.130 requires immediate pickup and a suitable waste container; disability/service-animal and active dog-show or direct-command-obedience-class exceptions apply, with cleanup at the end of a show or class. County-run park rules are not automatically the rules for city parks. Follow the rules posted at the site.
The first week
The same calm start we suggest everywhere - on Reno’s streets.
- 1Leash, quiet streets, short and sniffy - calm hours, near home, ending before your dog is wound up. An off-leash area is not day-one material for a brand-new dog.
- 2Sniffing is the point - let your dog pause and sniff instead of focusing on distance. More on the sniff walk.
- 3Settle first, explore later - more on the first days: a routine for a newly adopted dog and a calm start to every walk.
The dog parks, for later
Once your dog has settled. Two featured fenced city dog parks, not a complete inventory:
- 1Whitaker Park - 550 University Terrace, fenced off-leash area
- 2Virginia Lake Dog Park - 102 Mountain View Drive, fenced off-leash area
Stay inside the fence, in view of your dog, and maintain verbal control. Pick up waste, prevent digging, remove your dog at the first sign of aggression, and do not bring a female dog in heat. Carry a leash and use it on entry and before exit. Dogs need a current license. Check current signs and closures. County-run Link Piazzo Dog Park is reported closed for flood repair and is not a suggested alternative here. Pins mark park-level locations, not exact dog-run entrances.
Pins mark park-level locations, not exact dog-run entrances.
Good to know
Worth knowing
Washoe County handles dog licensing in Reno. Section 55.340 applies to dogs over four months in congested areas and allows 30 days after reaching that age or bringing a dog in to keep and maintain; check the county’s current requirements and term options. Section 55.380 includes law-enforcement and approved releasing-agency licensing exceptions. Rabies provisions allow a documented veterinary health exemption; exempt or too-young animals must remain on the owner’s premises or under physical restraint. Animals over three months entering the county need written vaccination or health-exemption proof. Bring water and waste bags. Do not apply a county regional park’s dog-number, age or leash-length rules to these city sites without checking.
Sources
Sources: Washoe County Code, Chapter 55 Animals and Fowl (§55.030 definitions; §55.100 restraint and parks; §55.130 waste; §55.245 Reno congested area; §55.340 license; §55.350 rabies; §55.460 at large): washoecounty.gov. County licensing page (current fees, DocuPet, fines) and county leash FAQ. City of Reno dogs and dog parks page (city parks and posted rules) and county off-leash list (county sites; check the current operator closure notices). County park operator notices. Pins: named park-level locations.
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