Lyon County asking for help to save dogs in over-capacity animal shelter

With nearly three times the number of dogs in the shelter and waiting to come in than the number of kennels, Lyon County Animal Services is asking for the community’s help.

In a social media post on Aug. 16, Lyon County Animal Services said they were critically over capacity, housing 69 dogs in the Silver Springs shelter, which has 44 total kennels.

The post said the shelter has seen a significant increase of dogs coming in, combined with a significant decrease in the number of strays being claimed or dogs being left at the shelter and a decrease in adoptions.

“We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken because, for the first time in over 12 years, we may have to start euthanizing for space and no longer be a no kill (90% or higher save rate) shelter,” the Aug. 16 post said.

LCAS said residents can help by adopting or fostering a dog.

The shelter does not have a foster program, but rescue groups Res-Que and WARF - Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation - Northern Nevada, have offered a foster program for the shelter’s dogs.

Residents who would like to help but are unable to adopt or foster a dog can volunteer to help keep dogs exercised or keep kennels clean.

Information about dogs available for foster or adoption is available at: https://www.adoptapet.com/shelter/89022-lyon-county-animal-services-silver-springs-nevada.

For more information on adoptable pets or to volunteer, contact the shelter at 775-577-5005. The Lyon County Animal Shelter is located at 3705 Highway 50 West in Silver Springs. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For pet owners who already have dogs, LCAS recommends having some sort of ID tag or microchip so the owners can be contacted if the dog is found. Lyon County Animal Services sells ID tags for $7 and microchips for $15. Or, they suggest writing your phone number with a permanent marker on a collar or a piece of duct tape wrapped around the collar.