Nevada Humane Society expands community spay and neuter services under Dr. Jennifer Fitzpatrick
May 17, 2025 | Washoe County, Nevada
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The Regional Animal Services Advisory Board meeting held on May 16, 2025, focused on the ongoing efforts of the Nevada Humane Society (NHS) to enhance animal welfare in Washoe County. The meeting began with a discussion on the role of the NHS as the designated owner guardian surrender facility for all companion animals in the region. Representatives emphasized their commitment to working with individuals looking to surrender pets, aiming to find alternatives that would prevent animals from entering the shelter system.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the introduction of Dr. Jennifer Fitzpatrick, the new director of community medicine and surgery at NHS. Dr. Fitzpatrick, who joined the organization in February, brings extensive experience in high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter surgeries. Her leadership is expected to bolster NHS's community spay and neuter program, which is crucial for addressing pet overpopulation in the area.
During the first quarter of 2025, NHS reported performing 471 spay and neuter surgeries for cats and dogs, with the total reaching 677 as of the meeting date. The organization noted that a fully staffed community medicine and surgery team has allowed for an increase in public appointments, which is vital for reducing the number of unwanted litters and supporting sustainable solutions for pet care in the community.
The meeting also highlighted NHS's outreach programs, including the distribution of pet food through their pet pantry initiative. In the first quarter alone, NHS provided over 48,000 pounds of dry food to families in need, contributing to a total of 200,000 pounds distributed in the previous year. This effort aims to assist individuals facing hardships in caring for their pets.
Additionally, NHS announced participation in an upcoming wellness clinic in Reno, in collaboration with Feeding Pets of the Homeless, where they expect to assist around 200 animals with microchips and spay and neuter vouchers.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of NHS's commitment to supporting both animals and their owners in the community, emphasizing the importance of accessible veterinary services and resources to ensure the well-being of pets and their families.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the introduction of Dr. Jennifer Fitzpatrick, the new director of community medicine and surgery at NHS. Dr. Fitzpatrick, who joined the organization in February, brings extensive experience in high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter surgeries. Her leadership is expected to bolster NHS's community spay and neuter program, which is crucial for addressing pet overpopulation in the area.
During the first quarter of 2025, NHS reported performing 471 spay and neuter surgeries for cats and dogs, with the total reaching 677 as of the meeting date. The organization noted that a fully staffed community medicine and surgery team has allowed for an increase in public appointments, which is vital for reducing the number of unwanted litters and supporting sustainable solutions for pet care in the community.
The meeting also highlighted NHS's outreach programs, including the distribution of pet food through their pet pantry initiative. In the first quarter alone, NHS provided over 48,000 pounds of dry food to families in need, contributing to a total of 200,000 pounds distributed in the previous year. This effort aims to assist individuals facing hardships in caring for their pets.
Additionally, NHS announced participation in an upcoming wellness clinic in Reno, in collaboration with Feeding Pets of the Homeless, where they expect to assist around 200 animals with microchips and spay and neuter vouchers.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of NHS's commitment to supporting both animals and their owners in the community, emphasizing the importance of accessible veterinary services and resources to ensure the well-being of pets and their families.
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