URGENT UPDATE: The Nye County Animal Shelter in Pahrump is experiencing a surge of community support as volunteers and donations help enhance conditions for over 140 animals. Recent allegations of neglect have been refuted, with shelter staff actively maintaining cleanliness and order.
In a surprise visit by the Pahrump Valley Times, no evidence of unsanitary conditions was found. Shelter Manager Kristi Siegmund acknowledged the challenges of caring for such a large number of animals with a limited team. “We have people who come in and they know how to take care of their animals at home. We want that here too,” Siegmund stated. “However, we’re a shelter of 140-plus animals with a team of five. We just can’t give quite that level of care 24 hours a day.”
The shelter is currently home to more than 200 kennels, which require constant attention. Siegmund emphasized the importance of their cleaning routines, stating that three kennel techs clean an average of 80-100 kennels each day. “It takes us all day to clean,” Siegmund added. Volunteers play a vital role in providing animals with much-needed socialization, with the shelter now boasting over 50 volunteers since launching the program last year.
The shelter is also enhancing its facilities. An outdoor area is under construction, aiming to feature 24 dog runs and five play yards. Currently, there are 12 runs and three play areas available for the dogs. “We try to keep the dogs rotated, so they have the chance to come out here for a couple of hours every day,” Siegmund explained. The project relies on community donations, including contributions from local businesses like Rene Morales of Morales Construction.
In 2025, the Nye County Animal Shelter reported 1,609 intakes, with approximately 1,200 strays. Remarkably, there were 819 adoptions and 398 return-to-owner animals, significantly aided by a robust microchip program. Siegmund noted the shelter’s successful participation in events like BISSELL Foundation’s Empty the Shelters, which helped drive adoption numbers.
The shelter has also initiated a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program for community cats, saving over 200 cats in 2025. “We’re able to cover a little bit of the gap left by Tails of Nye County,” Siegmund commented. Additionally, a partnership with Hearts Alive Village will provide free spaying and neutering for 40 community cats.
As the shelter gears up for 2026, Siegmund expressed optimism. “Our volunteer program is growing, and we’ve even got groomers coming in to help,” she stated. “We’re going to build even more relationships with the community.”
Residents are encouraged to visit the shelter, located at 1580 Siri Lane, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Siegmund invites the community to participate, saying, “We ask that you come in and help us. Come walk them, come play with them, come help clean.”
For more information, contact reporter Robin Hebrock at [email protected].
