The new shelter is a joint project of NHS and Washoe County

October 14, 2004: Groundbreaking

Dignitaries dig in with shovels at the Regional Animal Services Center groundbreaking ceremony.   (Click the image to see a larger version.)

On a bright autumn day in October, about 250 people joined officials of the Nevada Humane Society, Washoe County and the City of Reno to celebrate the beginning of construction on the Regional Animal Services Center.

State Senator Randolph Townsend served as master of ceremonies. Speakers included County Commission Chairman Jim Shaw, Commissioner David Humke, then Executive Director Susan Asher and philanthropist Link Piazzo, who donated $1 million to the project.

Chairman Shaw read a United States Senate Certificate of Commendation from Nevada Senator Harry Reid, who cited the partnership between the County and the Humane Society as a cause for celebration.

Building Compassion One Brick at a Time

The new Regional Animal Services Center will offer one-stop shopping for all things animal.

It provides a broader range of services and eliminates the redundancy of duplicate shelter efforts such as adoption, owner-surrenders and wildlife intake. This streamlining allows for additional focus on outreach efforts and support for lifelong adoption matches. The facility is expected to draw about 100,000 visitors in its first year of operation.

The new facility, designed by architects Ganther Melby LLC and George Miers & Associates, is state-of-the-art in both form and function. Designed to meet animal sheltering challenges for decades to come, the 60,000-square-foot facility incorporates cutting-edge shelter technology, enhance cost-effectiveness, reduce energy consumption and facilitate cleaning. These design features help control operating expenses, as well as provide for the physical and mental well-being of animals waiting redemption and new homes.

While there will be numerous shared spaces for efficiency of function and scale, the Nevada Humane Society and Washoe County have separate public areas to maintain the identities of both service providers.

Design Features

• People-friendly and inviting adoption and redemption areas
• Comprehensive veterinary clinic
• Exercise and play areas
• Education and multimedia center
• Hygienic materials for floors and walls to maintain a healthy environment for the animals
• Sound-absorption materials
• Sanitary drainage
• Efficient and high-quality mechanical ventilation for fresh air and decreased transmission of disease
• Substantially more kennels and housing areas
• Colony cat housing
• Grooming facilities
• Training and behavior-assessment areas
• Sally port for safe animal handling and unloading
• Courtyard and landscaping

The new Regional Animal Services Center is located in front of the existing Reno Animal Services Center at 2825 Longley Lane on approximately 5.5 acres.