How to adopt a pet from the Nye County Animal Shelter

Nye County’s animal shelter on 1580 E. Siri Lane is the place to start if you want to adopt, foster or otherwise support shelter animals. The shelter maintains posted hours, typically Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with Sundays by appointment; call 775-751-7020 to confirm animal availability before you go.

Begin by reviewing the animals currently available and the county adoption requirements. When you arrive, bring a valid photo ID and proof of residence, which the county requires for all adoptions. Expect to sign adoption paperwork and any behavioral or care agreements; the shelter also verifies spay/neuter status, vaccinations and microchip information. During special no-fee adoption windows, sponsorships may cover adoption fees, but you should confirm sponsorship status and whether an appointment is required to complete the process.

These requirements are practical steps that matter to public health and community well-being. Verifying vaccinations and microchips helps reduce the spread of preventable diseases and improves the chances a lost pet is returned to its family. Requiring spay or neuter prevents future litters and lowers shelter intake over time. For residents working with limited resources, sponsorships and low-cost clinic options can make a decisive difference in whether a household can safely care for a pet.

If adoption isn’t an option, there are other ways to help. The shelter needs foster caregivers and volunteers to keep animals out of stressful kennel environments and prepare them for permanent homes. If you spot an animal in distress or have a community animal concern, contact Animal Control at 775-751-6315 so trained staff can respond. Local low-cost veterinary clinics serve as another safety net for owners who need help with vaccinations, spay and neuter procedures, and basic care.

There are systemic hurdles that affect who can adopt: transportation to the shelter, the documentation required under county rules, and the cost of routine veterinary care. Community sponsorships and low-cost clinics help, but long-term equity also requires attention from policymakers and local partners to expand access to affordable veterinary services and pet-friendly housing policies.

Our two cents? Call ahead, bring your ID and proof of residence, and be ready to ask about sponsorships or appointment requirements during no-fee events. If you can’t adopt right now, consider fostering or volunteering — a little time or a phone call to Animal Control can make a big difference for animals and neighbors across Nye County.