New supplemental Clark County animal shelter in design phase for southwest Las Vegas
New supplemental facility expected to hold about 148 animals as overcrowding pressures mount
LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Clark County has approved funding for the design and construction of a new supplemental animal shelter in the southwest Las Vegas, intending to expand capacity as local shelters continue to face overcrowding.
Commissioner Michael Naft said the facility is intended to give overcrowded shelters another option when space runs out.
“By having an alternative space for them to go to, I think we’ll certainly be on our way to improving the situation,” Naft said.
Capacity concerns driving the project
Shelters, including the Animal Foundation, have seen increased intakes in recent years, leading to difficult decisions when capacity is reached.
“Hard decisions have to be made when the community reaches capacity,” Naft said. “And the problem is, we are reaching capacity more and more frequently.”
The new southwest shelter is expected to hold about 148 animals, though that number could change as plans are still being developed. An emergency shelter space at the old Sam Boyd Stadium is also being refurbished to add additional capacity.
Fiscal responsibility cited as motivation
Naft said taxpayer costs associated with extended animal stays were also a motivating factor in the project.
“When county taxpayers are spending a fortune to keep these animals sheltered, to keep their well-being going, that’s what really encourages me also to make sure that we’re doing everything possible to move them safely through the shelter system,” he said.
Southwest location intended to improve valley-wide access
Naft said the southwest location was chosen in part to make the facility more accessible to residents across the valley. He said the goal is not to house animals long-term, but to move them through the system quickly — into foster homes and permanent adoptions.
“We want that to be a temporary solution. That’s really the intention,” Naft said. “And so if you can move the animals out of the shelter as soon as possible, that’s obviously the priority.”
Naft said that spaying and neutering efforts need to happen alongside the project. He said the county will continue promoting adoption over purchasing animals from breeders.
A specific location for the southwest shelter has not yet been determined.
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