Volunteer Coalition Expands Animal Shelter Support, Eases Staff Burden

Several months after volunteers and shelter leadership began talks, the Nye County Animal Shelter volunteer coalition formalized a program that allows community members to work directly with animals rather than only performing cleaning tasks. The change addressed a longstanding gap between the operations of county run facilities and nonprofit shelters, and it came after sustained discussions between volunteer organizer Eva Popek and Shelter Manager Kristi Siegmund.

Volunteers said the program has immediate practical effects at the shelter and broader implications for county service delivery. The shelter is a large no kill operation, and staff reported heavy workloads as they manage intake, care and adoption logistics. Popek described the work as physically demanding and said the volunteer program helps alleviate that pressure. "I shadowed a worker one day and I was exhausted! It’s a huge job," she said, noting that volunteer hours improve animals quality of life while reducing strain on paid staff.

Training and coordination have been central to the coalition model. Volunteers receive orientation and hands on training from Brianna Kirsner with the nonprofit Paw Rump Rescue and Rehab. "Brianna Kirsner from the nonprofit Paw Rump Rescue and Rehab is doing the trainings now, every Friday from about 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., depending on how many volunteers we have for orientation. New volunteers really need the training because they get to know the layout of the shelter, yes, but they also learn how to safely get the dogs in and out, how to read a dog’s body language, all of that. We don’t expect them to know right away," the training coordinator said.

Program leaders estimated the most recent orientation session attracted seven or eight new recruits. Volunteer leads continue to mentor newcomers on safe handling, outdoor exercise routines, cat care and basic facility upkeep. That mentorship is intended to bridge the operational differences between nonprofit and county run shelters, where liability, staffing structures and formal policies often limit spontaneous volunteer engagement.

For Nye County residents the program is both a service and an avenue for civic participation. Volunteer involvement can affect adoption rates, shelter operating costs and the quality of animal care, and it may inform future discussions about county funding and service priorities. Those interested in volunteering may visit the Nye County Animal Shelter at 1580 Siri Lane Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., call 775 751 7020 or contact Eva Popek at EMPopek35@yahoo.com for more information.