If you’re visiting Las Vegas with your dog, the Strip might feel like the most obvious place to walk, explore, and take in the lights. But if you’ve done even a little bit of research, you might have already come across an odd but important local rule: dogs are not allowed to walk on the Strip during certain hours.

Specifically, from noon to 5 a.m. each day, Clark County ordinances prohibit dogs from being walked along Las Vegas Boulevard between Sahara Avenue and Tropicana Avenue—unless you’re a resident of the area. This rule is meant to protect dogs from the intense foot traffic, heat, and general chaos that comes with peak hours on one of the busiest pedestrian thoroughfares in the country.

But here’s where it gets confusing: what if your dog isn’t walking—what if you’re carrying them?

The Law: What It Really Says

Let’s get into the technicalities. Clark County Code 10.36.040 lays out the rules for when dogs are prohibited on the Strip. The wording focuses on dogs “on a leash or otherwise under the control of a person” between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., within that specific section of the Strip. The ordinance is designed to prevent dogs from being walked during busy hours, but it does not specifically prohibit carrying a dog, placing them in a carrier, or transporting them in a stroller. In other words, the law restricts dogs from being on the ground—it doesn’t outright ban dogs from being physically present if they’re safely contained and not walking on the Strip itself.

Yes, You Can Carry Your Dog on the Strip—With Caution

So can you carry your dog on the Strip during restricted hours? Yes—but with caveats. If your dog is small enough to be held, placed in a pet sling, or wheeled in a stroller or backpack, you’re within your rights to have them with you, as long as they’re not walking or making contact with the pavement. Many local pet owners and tourists report bringing their small dogs to the Strip in carriers without issue, even during the restricted hours. However, discretion is still key here. Security guards, casino staff, and even Metro Police may still question or challenge you, especially if your dog is barking or drawing attention. Always be polite, keep your pet contained, and avoid overly crowded areas where the presence of a dog might be considered a safety concern.

Why the Rule Exists in the First Place

There’s a reason this law is in place, and it’s not just about crowd control. The Strip is paved with scorching concrete and dense foot traffic—two things that can be extremely hazardous to dogs, especially during the hotter parts of the day. Even after sunset, the heat radiating off sidewalks can burn paw pads, and loud noises, flashing lights, and heavy crowds can quickly overwhelm even the most socialized pets. Add in drunk tourists, broken glass, food trash, and a general lack of green space, and it becomes clear why the restriction exists. By banning dogs during the busiest hours, the county is trying to minimize injury and distress—both for pets and for the people around them.

Tips for Carrying Your Dog on the Strip

If you plan to bring your dog to the Strip in a carrier or stroller, do it thoughtfully. Opt for early mornings (before noon) if you want to walk them, or limit your visit to a quick carry-through for photos or sightseeing. Make sure your carrier is well-ventilated, especially in warm weather, and always carry water. Never let your dog walk on the Strip during the restricted hours, even just for a moment—it only takes one heat blister or interaction with the wrong person for your evening to turn sour. And of course, keep an eye on your dog’s stress levels. If they’re panting, whining, or seem nervous, it might be time to head back to the hotel and let them relax somewhere quieter.

What If You’re Staying in a Strip Hotel?

Many dog-friendly hotels on or near the Strip, like The Cosmopolitan, Delano Las Vegas, Vdara, and Planet Hollywood, do allow you to have your pup with you on the property—but even then, you’ll need to follow the public access rules outside the hotel grounds. If you’re staying at one of these properties and need to take your dog out during the restricted hours, most hotels will direct you to designated pet relief areas within the property or slightly off the Strip. In those cases, you’ll want to carry your dog to and from the relief area or ask the front desk about permitted walking routes. Always check hotel-specific policies in advance to avoid any surprises.