Shelter Feeding Program
Providing Meals for Homeless Pets
At the SPCA of Northern Nevada, we believe every pet deserves a full belly and a chance to thrive. That’s why we created the Shelter Feeding Program, a vital resource for our rural shelter partners. Each week, we distribute donated pet food to these shelters, helping them care for homeless pets in need.
Through this program, our partners visit our Adoption Center to select the food they need most. This collaborative effort ensures that homeless pets in their care receive consistent, nutritious meals. For many of these animals, this resource is a lifeline — without it, they wouldn’t know where their next meal is coming from.
By sharing the generosity of our community, the Shelter Feeding Program strengthens the network of animal welfare organizations across northern Nevada and beyond. Together, we’re ensuring no pet is left hungry.
We’d like to thank our food provider partners, including Walmart, PetSmart, and Petco, for generously supplying the majority of the food we distribute. Their scratched and dented boxes, torn bags, and surplus pet food that might otherwise go to waste are instead shared with over 40 small animal welfare organizations in northern Nevada. Their support is vital in helping us keep pets fed and healthy.
How You Can Help
Your support makes the Shelter Feeding Program possible. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Donate Pet Food: Drop off unopened bags or cans of pet food at our Adoption Center.
- Make a Financial Contribution: Your donations help us transport, store, and distribute food to our partners.
- Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends and family to help us grow our impact.
How You Qualify
To become a partner in our Shelter Feeding Program, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Nonprofit Status: Your organization must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- Focus on Animal Welfare: You must operate as a shelter, rescue, or other animal welfare group serving homeless pets.
- Location: Your organization should be located in northern Nevada or surrounding rural areas.
- Demonstrated Need: You must show that donated food will directly support homeless pets in your care.
Questions? We’re Here to Help!
When we work together, we can ensure that every pet has access to the care and nourishment they deserve. If you meet these qualifications and would like to participate, have any additional questions, or want to see how you can help, please contact Sean at sean@spcanevada.org. Thank you for being a part of this life-saving effort!
Employer Matching Gift Program
Double Your Impact for Homeless Pets
Did you know your donation to the SPCA of Northern Nevada could go twice as far? Many employers offer matching gift programs, which means they’ll match charitable contributions made by their employees. This simple step can double the impact of your support for homeless pets in need.
By taking part in your employer’s matching gift program, you’re helping us provide critical resources like medical care, vaccinations, food, and loving homes for pets in our community. It’s a win-win for you, your company, and the animals we serve.
How Employer Matching Works
- Donate – Make a donation to the SPCA of Northern Nevada.
- Check – See if your employer offers a matching gift program by using the search tool below. Contact your HR department if they’re not listed.
- Submit – Fill out your company’s matching gift form (online or paper) and follow their instructions.
- Impact – Your employer’s gift will match your donation, creating double the impact!
Find Out if Your Employer Matches Gifts
If you don’t see your employer listed, don’t worry! Reach out to your HR department to ask if a matching program is available.
Why Your Matched Gift Matters
Every dollar donated to the SPCA of Northern Nevada helps save lives. When your gift is matched, you’re providing twice as much:
- Medical Care for pets in need of lifesaving treatments.
- Safe Shelter for homeless pets awaiting their loving homes.
- Adoption Services to connect pets with loving families.
- Community Support Programs to keep pets and their people together.
Our Matching Information
Donors submit matches electronically because it is quick and convenient.
When submitting a matching gift through your company’s electronic portal or if your company still uses a paper form, you may need the following information:
Our EIN: 88-0386601
Our Mailing Address: SPCA of Northern Nevada
Attn: Matching Gifts
4950 Spectrum Blvd
Reno, NV 89512
Our Contact Information:
Phone: (775) 324-7773 x 204
Email: sean@spcanevada.org
Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Need assistance or have questions about employer matching gifts? Use the contact information above to learn more about how you can maximize your impact for homeless pets in your community.
Thank you for your support in making Northern Nevada a better place for pets and the people who love them!
Inspiring Stories
What We DO Matters. What You GIVE Matters.
When rural shelters reach capacity, a family can’t afford critical care for their beloved pet, or homeless pets face an emergency fire evacuation or critical medical need, they turn to us. And we’re here, ready to offer the lifesaving support that pets and their people rely on most. We’re proud to be the lifeline for pets and families in need!
And we can’t do it without your support.
YOU made a life-changing difference for these pets. Please make a gift to help even more pets in need get the love and care they deserve!
Spring Into Saving Lives 2024
What you GIVE matters!
Our SPCA of Northern Nevada team goes above and beyond for pets and people in need every day, but we can’t continue our lifesaving work without your support.
Whether it’s a tiny kitten needing vital medical treatment, an overwhelmed pet parent, or a malnourished puppy requiring critical care, your generosity enables us to save and improve the lives of pets and people in our community.
We desperately need YOUR help to continue our programs like Todd’s Medical Fund, foster care, rural rescue, access to affordable vet care, and more to save pets and help the people who love them.
Thank YOU for giving!
**UPDATE**
Thank you so much for your donations and support during our annual Spring Into Saving Lives fundraiser! Thanks to your generous gifts, you helped raise over $100,000 toward helping pets in need right here in northern Nevada.
We are incredibly grateful for YOU and the Northern Nevada community where SPCA of Northern Nevada focuses our lifesaving work.
Your donation during our Spring Into Saving Lives fundraiser will save lives in our community! Here at the SPCA of Northern Nevada, we are a local nonprofit helping pets and people in our region. We do not receive funding from – nor are we affiliated with – the ASPCA or any government agency.
What you GIVE matters.
Help us spread the word! Download and print our Spring into Saving Lives flier here!
Spring Into Saving Lives 2023
Thank YOU for giving!
**UPDATE**
Thank you so much for your donations and support during our annual Spring Into Saving Lives fundraiser! Thanks to your generous gifts, you helped raise over $120,000 toward helping pets in need right here in northern Nevada.
We are incredibly grateful for YOU and the northern Nevada community where SPCA of Northern Nevada focuses our lifesaving work.
Your donation during our Spring Into Saving Lives fundraiser will save lives in our community! Here at the SPCA of Northern Nevada we are a local nonprofit helping pets and people in our region. We do not receive funding from – nor are we affiliated with – the ASPCA or any government agency.
What you give matters.
Events
Events
News and Press
Blog
Exceptionally Subpar Pet Portrait Gallery
Please enjoy a gallery of Exceptionally Subpar Pet Portraits.
Summer Safety for Pets
Summer Safety for Pets
#GetFixed
World Spay Day 2024 | Tuesday, February 27th
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Adopting a Pet
Things to consider before adopting a new pet!
Harmful Collars & Safer Alternatives
Prong, Choke and Shock Collars: Harmful Effects & Safer Alternatives
Stay Updated
Get notified about animal updates, event info and more.
Become a Sponsor
Corporations & Foundations
Become A Sponsor
When you partner with the SPCA of Northern Nevada as a Corporate Sponsor, you open the door to endless possibilities. Together, we will create positive change within our community, help control the homeless animal population, and improve the lives of pets and their families.
Why partner with the SPCA of Northern Nevada?
By saving the lives of homeless dogs and cats, and pairing them with new, loving families, we create a tremendous bond with our audience. Aligning your business with our mission of humane animal treatment will create a positive impact on your corporate brand and support the needs of the community. With our continuous successes, sponsoring the SPCA of Northern Nevada will extend your reach to a new level.
How to Partner With Us
Initial inquiries about a partnership can be sent to sean@spcanevada.org. If we think we believe a partnership would be in the best interest of both our organizations, then we will promptly...
Types of Sponsorships
Contact Sean at sean@spcanevada.org to learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and/or customize a package to suit your brand and needs.
Basic Level
Sponsorship- Logo placement on SPCA-NN sponsor webpage for 1 year
- Social media post announcing new sponsorship (13K followers on Instagram; 23K followers on Facebook)
High Level
Sponsorship- Logo placement on SPCA-NN sponsor webpage for 1 year
- Social media post announcing new sponsorship relationship (13K followers on Instagram; 23K followers on Facebook)
- Email newsletter inclusion announcing new sponsorship relationship (11K subscribers)
Volunteer Opportunities
Become a Volunteer
Volunteers Are A Vital Part Of The SPCA of Northern Nevada.
Volunteering for an animal welfare organization requires patience, dedication, self-motivation, and an unyielding passion for animals and our life-saving mission. Join us in helping save and improve the lives of pets in our community!
The first step is to create a Volunteer Profile. Click the button below to get started!
Volunteer at the Thrift Store
Volunteer at the Adoption Center
Our animals need you! We’re looking for humans who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty to help care for our pets. Get started with animal care chores and learn the ropes of our facility. Then level up to interact and work directly with our animals!
If you have already created your Volunteer Profile, click the button below to sign up for Volunteer Training!
Court-Ordered Community Service is a completely separate volunteer program for individuals who need to complete hours for a minor traffic violation or DUI.
Open your heart and home to kittens, nursing cats, puppies, and animals of varying needs for a few weeks to months!
Volunteers have the opportunity to represent the SPCA at fun local events and help out with off-site Adoption Events in the community. Register as a volunteer and you’ll receive email updates about upcoming events.
Reading With Rescues is an amazing program in partnership with The Reading Gal during which kids (and adults!) come to the SPCA of Northern Nevada adoption center and read out loud to homeless dogs!
PetSmart Volunteer Program
If you love cats and want to help them find their loving homes, consider volunteering at one of our local PetSmart partner locations. Sign up for training and learn how to support our adoptable cats through positive, hands-on interaction!
Foster Care
Join Our Foster Family!
Open Your Heart & Home To Homeless Pets In Need
Every pet deserves a second chance, and you can be the hero that makes it happen!
Our foster program provides vulnerable pets—like tiny kittens, healing pets, and special-needs companions—the love and care they need to thrive.
Whether you’re providing a quiet space for a mama cat and her kittens, helping rehabilitate a homeless pet after surgery, or housing a litter of rambunctious puppies until they are ready for adoption, you’ll play a vital role in saving lives. We provide all the supplies, veterinary care, and training you need to help you and your foster pets thrive. We promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time!
Apply today and be part of something truly special!
Why Foster?
Save Even More Lives: Each pet fostered in a home opens space at our adoption center to save another cat or dog – multiplying your impact!
Reduce Stress for Pets: A kennel environment can be overwhelming, especially for shy, frightened, or recovering pets. By fostering, you provide a safe, loving space where they can heal, grow and build confidence.
Prepare Pets for Adoption: Foster families play a critical role in helping pets adjust to home life, build confidence, and develop the social skills they need to succeed in their loving homes.
Personal Fulfillment: Preparing a homeless pet for adoption by giving your love, time, and companionshp is the MOST rewarding feeling, we promise!
Flexible Commitment: Whether you’re providing a quiet space for a mama cat or helping a shy pup build confidence, fostering can fit into your lifestyle.
What Types of Pets Need Foster Homes—And Why?
Many pets need extra care before they’re ready for adoption. By fostering, you provide a safe and loving environment for these vulnerable pets:
- Moms with Babies – Nursing cats and dogs need a quiet, dedicated space to care for their newborns until they’re old enough for adoption.
- Kittens & Puppies – These young lives, typically ranging from newborns to eight weeks old, require lots of socialization and hands-on care until they are ready to be spayed/neutered and adopted into a loving home.
- Undersocialized or Anxious Pets – Sometimes pets become increasingly stressed by a shelter environment, which can affect their healing, development, and even delay adoption. . A quiet, stable foster home helps them build confidence and trust, increasing their chances of adoption.
- Healing Pets – Dogs and cats recovering from surgery, illness, or injury need a calm place to rest and regain their strength.
Many pets need extra care before they’re ready for adoption. By fostering, you provide a safe and loving environment for these vulnerable pets:
- Moms with Babies – Nursing cats and dogs need a quiet, nurturing space to care for their newborns until they’re old enough for adoption.
- Kittens & Puppies – These young lives, typically ranging from newborns to eight weeks old, require lots of socialization and hands-on care until they are ready to be spayed/neutered and adopted into a loving home.
- Undersocialized or Anxious Pets – Sometimes pets become increasingly stressed by a shelter environment, which can affect their healing, development, and even delay adoption. . A quiet, stable foster home helps them build confidence and trust, increasing their chances of adoption.
- Healing Pets – Dogs and cats recovering from surgery, illness, or injury need a calm place to rest and regain their strength.
Things To Consider Before Fostering
Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important to make sure it’s the right fit for you and your household. Here are a few key things to consider before opening your home to a pet in need:
Time Commitment
Foster pets need daily care, attention, and socialization. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours each day caring for them.
Work & Lifestyle
Many foster volunteers balance full-time jobs and fostering, but pets should not be left alone for more than 6-7 hours per day. If you have other pets or young children, consider how a foster pet will fit into your routine and ensure you have a plan for safe, supervised interactions.
Proximity to SPCA-NN
Foster families should live within 30 minutes of our adoption center in case of medical needs or emergencies.
Caring for Puppies & Kittens
Young pets require extra space and attention. Puppies may not sleep through the night and can be vocal, much like human babies. Nursing moms require a quiet, enclosed space away from other pets to rest and feel secure.
Potential Messes & Wear-and-Tear
Foster pets are still learning and may have accidents, scratch furniture, or create messes. Patience and sensible management are key!
Medical Care
All veterinary care is provided by SPCA-NN. Foster families must bring foster pets to designated check-ups and treatments as needed.
Foster Period Commitment
The length of time a pet needs fostering varies, typically ranging from 2-4 weeks. Committing to the full duration helps ensure the best possible outcome for the pet.
Pet Safety & Health Precautions
Unvaccinated pets, such as young puppies, cannot not have contact with unknown animals or be taken to public areas
Emotional Readiness
Saying goodbye can be tough, but knowing you’ve helped prepare pets for their loving home makes it all worth it. In rare cases, fostering may involve caring for critically ill pets, so being emotionally prepared is important.
How It Works
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Fill Out a Foster Application
Tell us about your home, experience, and preferences so we can match you with the right foster pets—ones you’ll be excited to help!
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Set Up Your Volunteer Profile
Our volunteer portal helps us track the lifesaving efforts of our amazing foster community. It also ensures you have access to valuable resources, ongoing support, and future volunteer opportunities.
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Complete Your Foster Onboarding
Through our foster hub, you’ll complete a self-paced learning path tailored to the type of pets you’ll be fostering. This will prepare you with everything you need to provide the best care possible.
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Get the Call
When a pet in need matches your availability and experience, we’ll reach out to see if you’re ready to welcome them into your home!
Learn More About How Fostering Saves Lives!
Foster FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know if welcoming a homeless pet into your home is right for you? Check out our most frequently asked questions to help you decide if this opportunity is a good choice for you and your family. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us at foster@spcanevada.org.
We’ve got you covered! SPCA-NN provides all essential resources based on the animal’s age, needs, and dietary requirements. This includes:
- Nutritious food tailored to their needs
- Food and water bowls
- Linens, blankets, and bedding
- Litter and litter-related supplies
- Medication
- Veterinary Care
While we always appreciate foster caregivers who contribute supplies, we want to ensure that cost is never a barrier to fostering.
The primary foster caretaker must be at least 18 years old. While we love when families work together to care for a foster pet, it’s essential that the adult foster volunteer takes full responsibility for the animal’s well-being. The pet’s care cannot be delegated solely to children or minors. Ensuring the pet’s needs—such as feeding, exercise, medical care, and socialization—are met is the responsibility of the adult foster.
Fostering a pet when you have children or other animals at home requires careful consideration. Many foster pets have unknown health and behavior histories, which is important to consider before bringing them into your home. Your personal pets must be up to date on vaccinations and spayed/neutered before bringing a foster pet home. Additionally, some foster cases, such as a mom cat with kittens, will require a separate space like a spare bedroom or bathroom to ensure they don’t come into contact with other pets. If a particular foster animal may not be the right fit for your household, our Foster Coordinator will work with you to find the best match.
All veterinary care for foster animals, including vaccinations, deworming, and spaying/neutering, is provided by SPCA-NN. Only our in-house team is authorized to perform medical treatments or approve outsourced care.
We make every medical decision with the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of our foster animals in mind. While these decisions may not always align with personal preferences, our expert Pawspital team and Foster Coordinator work together to ensure the best possible outcomes.
We welcome volunteers and foster caregivers! You can apply to volunteer or foster by filling out the application forms available on our website. Volunteers can help with various tasks, and foster caregivers provide temporary homes for pets in need
The timeline varies based on when you complete the onboarding process and whether we have a suitable animal for your home. It could be as quick as a week or take a few months, depending on factors like the time of year, the level of need, and your availability. We understand that many new fosters are eager to welcome a pet right away, and we love that enthusiasm! However, finding the right match takes time, and we appreciate your patience.
Ways to Give
Be A Hero For Homeless Pets
Your gifts make a lasting difference for homeless pets and the people who love them. You support lifesaving care, adoptions, and vital community programs that keep pets and families together.
One-time
Use our secure form to make an online donation to the SPCA to save the lives of over 2100 homeless pets annually.
Monthly
It’s easy, convenient and supports our life saving efforts all year-round. You can designate your monthly gift in any amount over $10.
How You Can Support Our Life-saving Mission
Your organization can inspire employees, amplify their generosity, and help provide life-saving care for homeless pets in northern Nevada.
When you partner with us as a Corporate Sponsor, you open the door to endless possibilities.
Donating your unwanted vehicle is a simple way to make a tax-deductible contribution.
Leave a legacy with a gift to SPCA of Northern Nevada that will have an impact on homeless pets for generations to come.
Purchase donations online from our wish list and ship them directly to the adoption center!
Purchase donations online from our wish list and ship them directly to the adoption center!
Drop off your unwanted stuff to our thrift store. Proceeds go directly to saving lives of homeless pets.
Local 501C3 animal rescues can participate in our shelter feeding program.
Donate Your Car To Help Homeless Pets!
Give your used vehicle new purpose when you donate it to help pets in your community! Donating is easy, pick-up is free, and your gift is tax-deductible.
Leave A Legacy Of Love With A Heart In Our Adoption Center!
Hearts are available upon request for the gift amounts listed below. For more information, email sean@spcanevada.org.
- 12”: $10,000
- 10”: $7,500
- 8”: $5,000
- 6”: $2,500
- 5”: $1,500
- 4”: $750
- 3”: $500
How Does Monthly Giving Work?
The monthly giving program automatically transfers your donation directly from your credit card or debit account to the SPCA of Northern Nevada on the same day of each month. Join the Club today and start helping homeless pets on an ongoing basis!
To update your personal information, cancel your donation, or change your monthly donation amount, contact Sean Farnan at sean@spcanevada.org or at 775-324-7773 ext. 204.
Shop at Smile.Amazon.com
Donate a portion of your Amazon purchase to a charity of your choice (us!) by using smile.amazon.com.
Find out how to do so here (make sure to find us by searching for our full name – Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Northern NV).