Animal Services

Rescue Partners

Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS) is not an adoption facility. WCRAS works diligently to facilitate positive outcomes for unclaimed animals at our facility that our team has deemed adoptable. We value and appreciate our approved rescue partners for supporting opportunities for animals to be placed into their new, loving home. 

Stray animals are held for a minimum of five days to allow owners time to reclaim them. During this period, WCRAS staff assess the animals' behavior. After the five-day stray period, eligible animals are made available for rescue transfer. Nevada Humane Society has the first right of refusal for transfers within the first 24 hours. Approved rescues receive regular notifications about animals eligible for transfer.

Interested in becoming a rescue partner? Here are the qualifications:

  • Be 501(c)(3) nonprofits
  • Operate for animal adoption purposes
  • Comply with all local and state animal laws
  • Adhere to vaccination, microchipping, and spay/neuter policies

Rescue partners will receive all medical and behavior records for each transferred animal. Non-shelter-based rescues may also be eligible for microchipping, rabies vaccines, and spay/neuter vouchers for unaltered pets. 


Apply to Become a Rescue Partner

Current Rescue Partners

Nevada Humane Society Logo

Nevada Humane Society

Location: Reno, NV

Phone number: 775-856-2000

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SPCA of Northern Nevada Logo

SPCA of Northern Nevada

Location: Reno, NV

Phone number: 775-324-7773

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Res-Que Logo

Res-Que

Location: Sparks, NV

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Lifelong Return Policy No

Options Veterinary Care Logo

Options Veterinary Care

Location: Reno, NV

Phone number: 775-499-3700

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Feral at Heart

Feral at Heart

Location: Reno, NV

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Reno Rabbit Rescue

Reno Rabbit Rescue

Location: Reno, NV

Phone number: 775-476-2033

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation

Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation

Location: Incline Village, NV

Phone number: 775-846-3773

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Bluefeather Horse Sanctuary

Bluefeather Horse Sanctuary

Location: Lovelock, NV

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Chihuahua Rescue of Truckee Meadows

Chihuahua Rescue of Truckee Meadows

Location: Reno, NV

Phone number: 775-815-2412

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Boxers and Buddies

Boxers and Buddies

Location: Virginia City, NV

Phone number: 775-342-5789

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Humane Society of Truckee Tahoe

Humane Society of Truckee Tahoe

Location: Truckee, CA

Phone number: 530-587-5948

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Reno Area Avian Enthusiasts

Reno Area Avian Enthusiasts

Location: Reno, NV

Phone number: 775-410-3151

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

For Pet's Sake

For Pet's Sake

Location: Reno, NV

Phone number: 775-224-1100

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Friends of Philip Fish Sanctuary

Friends of Philip Fish Sanctuary

Location: Sonoma County, CA

Phone number: 775-235-8190

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Pet Network Humane Society

Pet Network Humane Society

Location: Incline Village, NV

Phone number: 775-832-4404

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Palomino Valley Pet Rescue

Palomino Valley Pet Rescue

Location: Sparks, NV

Phone number: 775-358-5527

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Kitty Kisses Cat Cafe & Rescue

Kitty Kisses Cat Cafe & Rescue

Location: Reno, NV

Phone number: 775-418-9700

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue Network

Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue Network

Location: Mancelona, MI

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Bug A Bull Rescue

Bug A Bull Rescue

Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA

Phone number: 530-312-2219

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

The Dog House Rescue

The Dog House Rescue

Location: Reno, NV

Phone number: 775-450-0687

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

All About Equine Rescue Inc.

All About Equine Rescue Inc.

Location: El Dorado Hills, CA

Phone number: 916-520-4223

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Avian Underdogs

Avian Underdogs

Location: Lake Forest, CA

Phone number: 949-584-6696

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Canine Rehabilitation Center and Sanctuary

Canine Rehabilitation Center and Cat Sanctuary

Location: Washoe Valley, NV

Phone number: 775-800-1906

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Golden Gate Basset Hound Rescue

Golden Gate Basset Hound Rescue

Location: Petaluma, CA

Phone number: 707-765-2690

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Mizfit Muttz Rescue

Mizfit Muttz Rescue

Location: Reno, NV

Phone number: 775-971-8209

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Mtngemz Reptile Rescue

Mtngemz Reptile Rescue

Location: Reno, NV

Phone number: 775-671-7846

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Norcal Sheltie Rescue, Inc.

Norcal Sheltie Rescue, Inc.

Location: Lake Elk Grove, CA

Phone number: 888-296-9350

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Northern Nevada Poultry Fanciers Association Logo

Northern Nevada Poultry Fanciers Association

Location: Virginia City, NV

Phone number: 775-287-5760

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Lifelong Return Policy Yes

Call 311 to find resources, ask questions, and utilize Washoe County services. Learn More »
Call 311 to find resources, ask questions, and utilize Washoe County services. Learn More »