Field Services

Field dispatch - 322-3647(DOGS) 8:00am to 10:00pm 7 days a week including holidays
Shelter and general information - 353-8900 8:00am to 5:00pm Mon through Fri
For after hours emergencies only call 911

What WCRAS Officers Do
WCRAS officers are professionals that work diligently to provide solutions to animal related problems. They provide a wide array of services to our community every day. The primary responsibility of our officers is the enforcement of state and county laws pertaining to domestic animals. Officers respond to approximately 20,000 calls-for-service from citizens each year.

Example of calls for service:

Stray, unrestrained or abandoned pets
Injured, sick or deceased stray pets and wildlife
Animal bites
Animal welfare and cruelty
Domestic animal noise
Park patrols for stray dogs
Variance and exotic permits

Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County Residents can request animal services assistance by completing a request for service online or contacting dispatch at (775) 322-DOGS (3647)

Returning Lost Pets Home

One frequent law that officers enforce is the Washoe County dog licensing requirement. Licensing your dog enables staff to quickly reunite you with your pet, saving you and your pet stress. In addition, this opens a kennel for an animal in need, reducing the community’s need for a larger shelter and saving your tax dollars. Think of it as your dog’s ticket home in the event of an accidental outing.

Click here to license your dog. Dog licenses are renewed annually.
WCRAS offers free microchipping for Washoe County residents to add another safety net for your pet!

Education
WCRAS believes that proactive education and programs help to provide a more engaged, responsible, pet owning community. Officers provide professional presentations to groups, schools and organizations that benefit from learning about WCRAS and how we can all contribute to a safe, responsible, pet-friendly community.

Disaster and Emergency Response
Animal Services assist local agencies in the event of a fire, flood, disaster or emergency. Staff are trained and regularly practice mock drills to assist in sheltering and evacuation during this critical time.
Horse being rescued from a pool
Animal Services Disaster Checklist - Dogs & Cats

Animal Services Disaster Checklist - Horses

Wildlife Services
Washoe County Animal Services Officers only respond to domestic animal concerns. Animal Services may assist with wildlife at the request of partnering wildlife agencies. For general assistance with wildlife concerns please contact the Nevada Department of Wildlife at (775)688-1500, after 5pm call (775)688-1331

ONLINE REQUEST FOR SERVICE