We are happy to answer your questions about volunteering, planned giving, adoptions, fostering or other ways that you can get involved in helping Nevada SPCA!


Nevada SPCA will use the information you submit to respond to your inquiry. We will never sell this data or use it for marketing purposes. For more information, read our privacy policy .

Frequently Asked Questions


Why are the animals in the shelter and can I get more information?

Pets are accepted in our shelter for a variety of reasons. Sometimes their family cannot keep them due to lifestyle changes – such as moving or loss of a job. In some cases their person has passed away or the animals have been homeless – lost or abandoned - and were rescued from the streets. In other cases animals are transferred to NSPCA from other shelters that could not find homes for them.

As part of the adoption process, you have an opportunity to sit down with an adoption counselor and they can often share the animal’s history as well as information about their health and their personality as we have come to know it in the shelter. A shelter can be a stressful place for an animal, and often they really blossom once in a loving home.


May I come to the shelter to visit with the available pets?

Absolutely! Shelter hours are 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday-Saturday. You can also contact us at 702-873-7722 to learn more. The available pets change frequently, so be sure to keep checking back. We are thrilled you are considering adopting your next best furry family member from us.


Why is there an adoption fee for the pets?

When you adopt from NSPCA, you are adopting a pet that has been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. These services will cost well over $400. Also, you are helping us save more lives by adopting from us. The more adoptions we have, the more pets in need we are able to save.


Do I have to fill out a second application if someone else adopts the animal I’m interested in?

No, you are given the option on the application to list specific names of pets in our program or the breed of animal you are looking to adopt.


How long will the adoption process take and what do I have to do?

You will be able to visit with the animals and talk with staff about them to help select the pet that will be the best fit for you and your family. The amount of time people spend selecting a pet varies greatly, so it is hard to estimate how long this part of the process will take for you.

There is a brief adoption application you will be asked to complete. An adoption counselor will step you through the process and share information about the animal with you. This part of the process takes generally, 20 to 30 minutes. In many cases the animal is ready to go home with you that day.


Are there any advantages to adopting an older animal rather than a puppy or kitten?

An older dog has usually already gone through the chewing, house soiling, and overactive baby stages. Adult cats don’t need you to “kitten-proof” the house. An older pet usually adjusts to your routine quickly and, because they have experienced life without a loving home they are usually especially grateful for a new life with a special person or family.

Generally, we advise that you come in and meet animals with an open mind. Many people say that when they met their next furry best friend in the shelter, they just knew it was right – though in some cases the animal they picked was not what they had anticipated. Love is like that.


Are there any advantages to adopting an older animal rather than a puppy or kitten?

An older dog has usually already gone through the chewing, house soiling, and overactive baby stages. Adult cats don’t need you to “kitten-proof” the house. An older pet usually adjusts to your routine quickly and, because they have experienced life without a loving home they are usually especially grateful for a new life with a special person or family.

Generally, we advise that you come in and meet animals with an open mind. Many people say that when they met their next furry best friend in the shelter, they just knew it was right – though in some cases the animal they picked was not what they had anticipated. Love is like that.


What are your adoption fees and what do they cover?

Cats $50 and kittens $75 or 2 for $100, Dogs and puppies $50 to $200, Rabbits $45, Small mammals $10 Adoption fees cover the cost of vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping - we typically spend over $400 to get each pet ready for adoption.


Will I be given information about caring for my new pet?

Absolutely! As part of the adoption process, you'll have an opportunity to sit down with an adoption counselor who can provide information and advice. If you need help after you adopt your pet, we are here to help! Give us a call or drop us an e-mail.


What items will I need to purchase for my new pet?

During the adoption process, we’ll provide information and answer questions. We can provide a guide to your new pet which will be very helpful. Below is some very general information on common starter supplies you will need.

For a cat: a litter box, cat litter, litter scooper, cat toys, a sturdy scratching post with sisal, wood or cardboard for your cat to scratch and exercise, a cat bed and a pet brush, cat food. If your cat will eventually go outside you will want a special break-away collar for cats and a tag – but remember, your cat must be kept inside for at least two weeks, otherwise your cat will become lost outside.

For a dog: a collar or harness and leash, poop-bags for clean-up on walks, toys, a bed, a pet brush, and an ID tag, dog food. Of course, exactly what is needed will depend on the size of your new dog.

For a rabbit or small animal: We can share more information when you visit the shelter about what you will need for the animal you select. Rabbits can be litter box trained and make great house pets. All animals enjoy toys and you will need to purchase appropriate housing, bedding and food. Exactly what is needed varies by type of pet.

We may have some supplies to share with you when you adopt, but availability varies.


Are we responsible for veterinarian care once this pet is adopted?

Yes. However, if you discover a health issue related to the time the animal spent in the shelter within 2 weeks of adoption, please reach out to us to see if we can help. We try our best to look after health care needs while animals are in our care. We will provide the vet care records and disclose any health issues we are aware of, but we cannot guarantee the health or temperament of any animal.

If you need information or help after you adopt your pet, we are here to help! Give us a call or drop us an e-mail.