Rescue Group: Surge in Stray and Abandoned Dogs Across Las Vegas Valley

In the wake of a dog flu outbreak in Las Vegas, Nevada, local shelters are cautiously reopening their doors to surrendered pets, albeit with certain operational delays.

The Nevada SPCA, as of Monday, reports it is housing two dogs in quarantine within a shelter at half capacity. They are now accepting surrendered pets, albeit with a waitlist in place, indicating a potential wait of two weeks.

The Animal Foundation has disclosed it is caring for six symptomatic dogs among its 347 sheltered animals, accepting surrenders strictly by appointment.

Meanwhile, Henderson Animal Control reveals it has 47 dogs in quarantine, with its facility nearing 90 to 95 percent capacity. They continue to accept surrenders without a waitlist.

This dog flu outbreak in the Vegas Valley has led to an unprecedented number of dogs being abandoned on the streets or in the desert, a situation exacerbated by the reluctance of some pet owners to surrender their animals responsibly. Instead, an increasing number are opting to release their pets into the wild, contributing to a surge in stray and abandoned dogs.

Paws Patrol LV, a non-profit animal search and rescue group, stands ready to respond at a moment's notice. "This year has presented unique challenges unlike any we've seen before," stated Kelly Wider, Field Manager for Paws Patrol LV. The volunteers often find themselves dispatched to neighborhoods, such as one in the northwest valley, where locals report seeing dogs that appear to have been abandoned, surviving on the streets for days.

"Despite their calm demeanor and immobility over the past few hours... the dogs have the upper hand," Wider described during one rescue operation. The group employs large plastic netting, maneuvered by several volunteers, to safely encircle and capture the dogs. Once secured, the dogs showed a friendly demeanor, allowing the volunteers to hold them.

"After allowing the pups some time to decompress, we're preparing to scan them for microchips," Wider explained following the successful rescue of two female dogs, now affectionately named Thelma and Louise, who are currently in a foster home awaiting permanent adoption.

Paws Patrol LV has been inundated with calls for assistance, from dogs abandoned in the desert to cats found alongside roads.

"This year, a perfect storm brewed," Wider recounted, citing the dog flu outbreak and a significant windstorm as factors that have contributed to the crisis. "The situation has been overwhelming, and we're struggling to catch up," Wider admitted.

Wider strongly advises against abandoning unwanted pets, urging owners to contact rescue groups or shelters that might offer assistance, including food or medical care, to help maintain the pet's well-being.

Paws Patrol LV relies on donations to continue its vital work. For those interested in supporting their mission or learning more, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PawsPatrolLV/.