Nevada Humane Society releases 2023 numbers

The Nevada Humane Society (NHS), a nonprofit animal shelter servicing Northern Nevada, has released its annual report featuring numbers from the nonprofit’s services rendered in 2023.

The report highlights that the nonprofit cared for approximately 9,992 animals in Reno and Carson City and adopted out 8,665 animals (3,248 dogs, 5,036 cats and 381 small animals like hamsters or rabbits) into Northern Nevada.

“These figures represent an increase in adoption outcomes at NHS for dogs and cats at NHS since 2022. With medical appointments included, the number of animals helped in Northern Nevada exceeds 17,500,” the NHS said in a news release.

The nonprofit reported a live-release rate of 93.6 percent in 2023.

“Live-release rates represent the number of animals successfully adopted or rehomed from the shelter. Those organizations with a 90 percent or higher live-release rate are categorized as ‘no-kill’ in the animal welfare community,” according to the release.

The NHS oversees animal control in Carson City. The annual report shows NHS responded to 1,834 cases in the capital city in 2023.

“I’m really optimistic for our organization and our community in 2024. We are on solid footing and have ambitious plans for the year ahead,” said Jerleen Bryant, CEO of NHS. “It’s important to remember that the community we live in today is certainly not the same community we lived in before. As our population grows and reacts to economic factors that impact their quality of life, our animal population also experiences changes and fluctuations.”

In Washoe County, the NHS has a professional services agreement with the Washoe County Regional Animal Services wherein it serves as the official public surrender agency for the entity.

“Our organization has a live-release rate of 93.6 percent, which qualifies our organization as no-kill, but it’s important to recognize that the no-kill distinction does not necessarily mean no-euthanasia. This has caused confusion in our community,” said Bryant. “In 2024 we’re bolstering our efforts to educate the public about the realities of both NHS and the animal welfare industry, and we are also doubling down on our outreach efforts to ensure those animals in our care have the best possible chance for finding their best home.”

For information, visit www.nevadahumanesociety.org.