About Us

Since 1932, Nevada Humane Society has been a safe haven for pets and a trusted resource for the people who love them. We believe every animal deserves kindness, respect, and a chance to thrive—and that our community is stronger when we care for pets and people alike.

Every day, our team goes beyond sheltering to make a lasting difference by:

We Help Pets Find Homes: Whether it’s through adoption, fostering, or temporary care, we match pets with loving families who are ready to welcome them.
We Prioritize Nose-to-Tail Care: Our nose-to-tail care for pets, including affordable spay/neuter programs, behavioral support, and wellness care, ensures pets in our community stay happy and healthy.
We Support the Human-Animal Bond: Through educational resources, training, and compassionate advice, we help people become confident, caring pet parents.
We Advocate for Animals: We work with local, state, and federal lawmakers to improve animal protection laws and ensure access to life-saving resources.

At Nevada Humane Society, our goal is simple but powerful: to build a community where pets and people thrive together. Join us — and be part of something lifesaving.

A Mission of Compassion

Over 90 years of helping pets & their people in Northern Nevada.

140k+

total animals saved

8,546

adoptions in 2024

23,105

volunteer hours in 2024

6,371

active donors in 2024

2024 Impact Summary

A Mission of Compassion

Nestled in the heart of Northern Nevada, Nevada Humane Society stands as a beacon of compassion for pets and the people who love them. As a community-centered animal welfare organization, our mission is simple but powerful: to care for pets, find them homes, and save lives.

Each year, nearly 34,000 pets rely on us for shelter, safety, and support. Behind every intake is a story, and behind every adoption is a new beginning. Whether we’re providing emergency intake for a pet in need, helping a family through hard times, or matching a senior pet with their perfect person, we show up with heart.

We believe every pet deserves a healthy, happy life. And that belief isn’t just a vision, it’s our daily promise. This vision comes to life through guiding principles rooted in humane treatment, relieving suffering, and educating our community about what compassionate animal care truly looks like.

For more than 90 years, we’ve proudly served as the cornerstone of humane treatment and animal welfare in our region. Our team of dedicated staff and volunteers works tirelessly to deliver lifesaving programs, accessible veterinary care, and nose-to-tail support for pets and people alike.

At Nevada Humane Society, we’re not just caring for animals, we’re building a more compassionate community. One family. One tail wag. One life at a time.

Community & National Recognition

Leaders of the Pack

Our organization is led by a team of compassionate and dedicated professionals committed to our mission of caring for pets, finding them loving homes, and ultimately saving lives. Guided by core values and integrity, our team strives every day to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and their future families. Together, we are driven by a shared passion and a heartfelt commitment to creating a brighter, happier future for pets in Northern Nevada.

Meet Our Team

A Dedicated Board

We thrive under the guidance of a devoted Board of Directors, each bringing a wealth of experience and professionalism to the table. United by a shared passion for animal welfare, our board members work to make a lasting impact in our community. They are committed to ensuring that homeless pets across Northern Nevada are given the second chance they deserve. Together, their passion and dedication drive our mission forward, one paw at a time.

Meet Our Board

Nevada Humane Society FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a “no-kill” animal shelter?

As Northern Nevada’s community-centered animal welfare organization, Nevada Humane Society is here to make sure every pet has a safe, compassionate place in our community.

Our goal is simple: to save every healthy, treatable, and safe animal who comes through our doors. In 2024, we proudly achieved a 93% live release rate, well above the nationally recognized benchmark for “no-kill” shelters.

We never euthanize animals for space or due to how long they’ve been with us. Instead, we focus on collaboration, education, and compassionate care, giving every pet their best shot at a happy, loving home.

Is Nevada Humane Society part of a national organization?

How does Nevada Humane Society receive its funding?

We rely on the kindness of our incredibly generous donors -- community animal lovers who support our mission to save the lives of homeless pets. We do not receive funding from local municipalities, government agencies, or the Humane Society of the United States. It's only because of compassionate community members - like YOU - who give to our mission that we can save the lives of thousands of pets each year.

Is Nevada Humane Society also Animal Control?

In Washoe County, we are a separate entity from Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS). Many of the homeless pets in our care arrive from WCRAS, where they are originally brought in as strays.

At our Carson City campus, Nevada Humane Society oversees and operates Carson City Animal Services, including employment of the city's Humane Enforcement Officers.

Where does Nevada Humane Society get its animals from?

Our furry friends come from various sources throughout the area. Primarily, animals in our care come to us as owner surrenders or as transfer animals from WCRAS. In Carson City, we take in owner surrenders, as well as strays or lost pets who are found by our Humane Enforcement Officers. If after five days they are not claimed by their owner, lost or stray pets receive our veterinary services, and are placed for adoption at our NHS Carson City location.

About Us

Over 90 years of helping pets & their people in Northern Nevada.

A Mission of Compassion

Community & National Recognition

Leaders of the Pack

A Dedicated Board

Frequently Asked Questions

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