Nevada Humane Society urge adoptions as dog and cat numbers near capacity at Carson City, Reno branches

Nevada Humane Society, the nonprofit animal shelter that saves animal lives in northern Nevada, says dog counts at shelters in Carson City and Reno are nearly 90 percent and that cat counts have been operating at around 100 percent for the last few weeks.

NHS recorded 144 dogs in their Reno facility and 37 at their Carson City facility as of Wednesday. Eighty percent of Reno’s dog capacity is 114 kennels occupied, and there are a total of 121 of those kennels occupied at the moment. The 144 represents some kennels housing littermates.

NHS also recorded their shelters hosting 139 cats in their Reno facility and 39 in their Carson City facility. At the moment, there are 382 cats and 35 dogs in the foster system, according to NHS in a news release.

The NHS is an independent nonprofit and is entered into a professional services agreement with the County of Washoe Regional Animal Services, a regional operation focusing on animal welfare and public health through sheltering, field services and regulation enforcement. This professional service agreement stipulates that NHS serves as the official public surrender agency for Washoe County, according to the news release.

While the two organizations are separate, both prioritize animal welfare outcomes in the region. Animals taken in at WCRAS are evaluated and held for five days to provide their owner time to reclaim. After five days, if not reclaimed, they are made available to NHS and other rescue partners to transfer into their adoption programs in hopes of finding a new home.

“We have been working to bring as many animals as possible in from WCRAS but the reality is the sheer number of animals we are seeing juts up against capacity of care for both partners,” said Jerleen Bryant, CEO at NHS. “We need the community’s help to ensure we have room to care for those animals who will make their way to us as a result of the Fourth of July — and every other day, for that matter.”

The last notification of capacity numbers from NHS was made in July of 2023. The organization has seen high numbers each week over the last 12 months. On June 20, NHS conducted a press conference to remind individuals that the Fourth of July is the day with the highest number of lost animals across the country as a result of the confusion animals experience around fireworks.

In Carson City, potential adopters can go to the Humane Society branch at 549 Airport Road. The shelter is open daily, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Representatives from the Reno Fire Department, Sparks Fire Department and NHS encouraged individuals to at least ensure their animals have proper identification, but to also consider getting them microchipped now rather than later as the community braces for a spike in lost animals. With shelter numbers so high, this compromises the care NHS, alongside its partner in animal welfare, WCRAS, is able to provide to area animals.

The nonprofit is encouraging the community take the following actions:

Check With WCRAS Immediately if Pets Go Missing: Pet owners whose pets have gone missing are urged to promptly check with and retrieve their pets if WCRAS is in possession of the animal. A quick response will prevent the heartbreaking loss of another pet's life due to limited space. You can view lost and found pets at www.helpingpetshome.com.

Put an ID tag on your pet or get them microchipped: One in three pets become lost in their lifetime. WCRAS offers free ID tags to Washoe County residents in an effort to help get your pet home if they get lost. Get your pet ID tag before the 4th of July holiday, when many pets get scared and escape their yard. WCRAS offers free microchipping.

Ensure your contact information is up to date: If your pet has been microchipped and has an ID tag on, please make sure your contact information is up to date.

Community Reunification of Lost Dogs: NHS encourages those who find lost animals to attempt to reunite them with their owners. Visiting a public microchip scanning station (which now includes Reno Fire Station One and Reno Fires Station Three), creating an online found pet report with WCRAS, and temporarily holding the pet for up to 48 hours can provide invaluable time. For more information visit https://www.helpingpetshome.com.

Adopt a Lifelong Companion: By adopting, community members not only offer a second chance to a deserving pet but also create a much needed flow of animals through our shelters and into new homes.

Foster a Precious Life: For individuals unable to adopt a pet, fostering offers a temporary yet impactful solution. Fostering greatly improves a pet's quality of life while simultaneously freeing up kennel space for incoming animals.

If Necessary, Rehome Among Friends: Sometimes circumstances require pet owners to rehome their pets. Those who face that situation are asked to consider attempting to rehome their animal by reaching out to their friends, family and community before bringing their animal to the NHS. The NHS should be the last option due to the facility’s limitations on space.

Volunteer and Make an Impact: Volunteers play a crucial part in providing care for pets, facilitating adoptions, and expanding overall capacity. Volunteering offers a meaningful way to support the animals in the community when adoption or fostering may not be feasible.

Donate to Animals in Need: Animals in shelters benefit greatly from donations of not only monetary value but also food, toys, bedding, and more. Donating provides important items for sheltered animals.
NHS urges the community to come out and meet a potential new friend by visiting the facility. To learn more about NHS, visit www.nevadahumanesociety.org.