Nevada § 202.487 - Leaving pet unattended in motor vehicle; exceptions; penalty
Full text of Nevada Nevada Revised Statutes § 202.487 — Leaving pet unattended in motor vehicle; exceptions; penalty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 202.487. Leaving pet unattended in motor vehicle; exceptions; penalty
1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a person shall not allow a pet to
remain unattended in a parked or standing motor vehicle if conditions, including,
without limitation, extreme heat or cold, present a significant risk to the health
and safety of the pet. 2. Any: (a) Peace officer; (b) Animal control officer; (c) Governmental officer or employee whose primary duty is to ensure public safety; (d) Employee or volunteer of any organized fire department; or (e) Member of a search and rescue organization in this State that is under the direct
supervision of a sheriff, who reasonably believes that a violation of this section has occurred may, without
incurring civil liability, use any reasonable means necessary to protect the pet and
to remove the pet from the motor vehicle. 3. The provisions of subsection 1 do not apply to: (a) A police animal or an animal that is used by: (1) A federal law enforcement agency to assist the agency in carrying out the duties
of the agency; or (2) A search and rescue organization in this State that is under the direction of
a sheriff to assist the organization in carrying out the activities of the organization;
or (b) A dog that is under the possession or control of: (1) An animal control officer; or (2) A first responder during an emergency. 4. A pet that is removed from a motor vehicle pursuant to subsection 2 shall be deemed
to be an animal being treated cruelly for the purposes of NRS 574.055 . A person required by NRS 574.055 to take possession of a pet removed pursuant to this section may take any action
relating to the pet specified in NRS 574.055 and is entitled to any lien or immunity from liability that is applicable pursuant
to that section. 5. The provisions of this section do not: (a) Interfere with or prohibit any activity, law or right specified in NRS 574.200 ; or (b) Apply to a person who unintentionally locks a motor vehicle with a pet in the
motor vehicle. 6. A person who violates a provision of subsection 1 is guilty of a misdemeanor. 7. As used in this section: (a) “Animal” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 574.050 . (b) “First responder” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 574.050 . (c) “ Pet ” means a domesticated animal owned or possessed by a person for the purpose of pleasure
or companionship and includes, without limitation, a cat or dog. (d) “Police animal” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 574.050 .
Source: official Nevada text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada § 202.487
What does Nevada Revised Statutes § 202.487 cover?
Section 202.487 ("Leaving pet unattended in motor vehicle; exceptions; penalty") is part of the Nevada Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Nevada. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Nevada § 202.487?
A common citation format is "Nevada Revised Statutes § 202.487" (Nevada). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Nevada law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Nevada official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Nevada attorney.
How does Nevada § 202.487 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Nevada can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Nevada.