Pet Help
Welcome to the Pet Education & Resources Hub! This hub is filled with helpful tips, fun activities, and engaging resources to help you become the best pet guardian and advocate you can be. Learn how dogs and cats communicate through body language, how to prevent bites, and how to keep pets safe at home and in the community. Explore hands-on crafts, homemade treat recipes, and kid-friendly projects that make learning about pets fun and meaningful. You can even test your knowledge with quizzes, a crossword puzzle, and a word search!
By the time you’re done, you’ll feel more empowered, informed, and inspired to make the world a better place for pets—and the people who love them. Thank you for joining us on this educational journey. Our pets need more heroes like you!
Help us, help you! Take this quick survey to let us know what you would like to see added to Pet Education & Resources. We appreciate your feedback!
Give them a quiet space, keep the routine simple, and stick to short calm walks. Avoid dog parks
and busy places until they’ve had time to settle.
Introductions can take days to weeks. Always move at your pets’ pace—if you see stress, pause
and go back a step.
Call our Pet Help Line if you notice warning signs that escalate (staring, growling, lunging, fighting)
or if you’re unsure what to do next.
Use leashes, high-value treats, and simple barriers like baby gates or crates. These tools help keep
pets safe and calm.
Yes—but keep it structured and short. End on a calm note, then separate the pets between
sessions.
Brief warnings can be normal at first. If the behavior continues or escalates, stop the session and
reset.
Watch for pacing, hiding, pinned ears, stiff body posture, or refusal to eat. These are signs your
pet needs more space and time.
No. Punishment often makes stress and problem behaviors worse. Focus on management,
positive redirection, and rewarding calm behavior.
Create a safe space, stick to a predictable routine, and keep early interactions low-stress. Give
your pet time to build trust before expecting big changes.
Hi, I’m Jenna and I may have an answer for you!
4950 Spectrum Blvd
Reno, NV 89512
Get Directions
Main: (775) 324-7773
Fax: (775) 329-4913
Email: info@spcanevada.org
75 E. Moana Street
Reno, NV 89502
Get Directions
Main: (775) 324-7776
Fax: (775) 324-3552
Email: info@spcanevada.org
Open daily from 11 am to 6 pm
*Except some holidays and the first Tuesday of each month.
Saturday & Sunday : 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
*Now located at our Thrift Store! By appointment only.
Monday – Saturday : 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday : 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
SPCA of Northern Nevada offers high-quality, affordable spay-neuter surgeries for dogs and cats at our in-house clinic, located at 4950 Spectrum Blvd., Reno, NV 89512.
To qualify for services, northern Nevada residents must provide proof of residency and a combined household income at or below $60,000.
Appointments open once a month.
Appointments cannot be rescheduled, and payments are non-refundable or transferable.
*If no dates are available, appointments are full— please check back next month or see our voucher program.
You must be a permanent resident of northern Nevada, which includes: Washoe, Humboldt, Elko, Pershing, Lander, Eureka, White Pine, Storey, Lyon, Churchill, Douglas, Mineral, and northern Nye.
Your combined household income must be at or below $60,000 (all household sources of income).
You must be the legal guardian of your pet. Your pet must be 12 years or younger.
Senior Pets: Additional recommendations and requirements may apply.
Please see our FAQ section below for important information regarding senior pet spay/neuter appointments.
Proof of the following vaccines are required before your appointment or at check-in. If you do not provide proof from an authorized provider, then your appointment may be rescheduled.
DOGS – Distemper/Parvo (DHPP/DH2PPV): $20
CATS – FVRCP: $20
The Rabies vaccine can be administered the day of the appointment, at an additional cost.
DOGS AND CATS – Rabies Vaccine: $20
For your pet’s health and safety, the following services are available as optional add-ons to their spay/neuter surgery.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough): $20
Microchip: $20
Canine Influenza Vaccine: $35
A full payment is required at scheduling, but does not include potential surgery fees. Please note we do not accept personal checks or American Express.
Appointments are filled on a first-come, first-considered basis. All applications are reviewed to ensure qualification.
Appointments cannot be rescheduled, and payments are non-refundable or transferable.
To ensure the safety and well-being of all pets, please review the following eligibility criteria before scheduling:
Appointments open on the first Thursday of each month at 8 AM on this page. Due to high demand, we recommend logging in a few minutes early to secure a spot for your pet.
We understand that life happens, but unfortunately, due to high demand, we’re unable to reschedule once an appointment is made. Please make sure you’re available for the date you select before booking.
We recommend that you spay/neuter your cats once they reach 2lbs, and dogs after they are 8 weeks old. Mothers can be spayed 8 weeks post-whelping.
It’s encouraged to consult with your regular veterinarian to determine the best timing for your individual pet, considering breed, size, and overall health.
Your pet will be under general anesthesia during the entire procedure, so they won’t feel any pain during surgery. Afterward, some mild discomfort is normal, but pain management is provided to keep them as comfortable as possible. Most pets recover quickly and are back to their usual selves within a few days. Our team takes every precaution to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being throughout the process.
Yes! However, if your pet is 8 years old or older, they are considered a senior animal and anesthesia carries increased risk due to age.
SPCA of Northern Nevada strongly recommends that senior pets receive a comprehensive physical exam and pre-anesthetic blood work prior to their spay/neuter appointment. We recommend scheduling these services with our veterinary partner, Options Veterinary Care by calling 775-499-3700.
As part of your SPCA-NN spay/neuter appointment, these senior pet services are provided at no additional cost.
If you choose to decline SPCA-NN's recommendations for pre-surgical testing, you will be asked to sign an additional waiver acknowledging the increased risks associated with anesthesia in senior pets.
If you have questions about whether your pet should undergo these services, please contact our Pet Help Line at 775-324-7773 ext. 200.
Most pets recover from spay/neuter surgery within 10–14 days. In the first day or two, your pet may be sleepy or less active — this is completely normal. Mild swelling or discomfort is also expected.
All pets must recover indoors, even if they are typically outdoor animals. It's important to keep the incision site clean, dry, and protected from infection. Activity should also be limited — no running, jumping, or rough play during recovery.
Detailed post-op instructions will be provided when you pick up your pet, and our team is happy to answer any questions to help ensure a smooth recovery. Most pets start feeling better within a few days and return to their normal routines shortly after.
Pain meds may be described per veterinarian discretion.
We accept most major credit and debit cards (excluding American Express), as well as cash. Please note that we do not accept personal checks. If paying with cash, we recommend bringing the exact amount, as we may not be able to provide change.
Yes — for the safety of your pet, we are unable to perform surgery on dogs over 99 lbs. If your dog exceeds the weight limit, we unfortunately cannot refund your deposit, so please double-check your dog’s weight before applying.
We can still perform the surgery. While there may be a slightly increased risk of bleeding, the procedure is still considered safe. If you’re unsure about your pet’s status, we recommend speaking with your vet before scheduling.
Yes, we strongly recommend building a relationship with a full-service veterinary hospital to care for your pet throughout their life. While we’re honored to help with spay/neuter, your pet deserves lifelong care from a trusted provider.
No, we do not accept self-administered vaccines due to potential risks associated with improper administration and storage/handling. All vaccine records must come from a certified veterinarian.
If you still have questions, our team is happy to help! Please feel free to contact us at programs@spcanevada.org or 775-324-7773 ext. 200. If nobody answers, leave us a message and someone will return your call.
Yes! Northern Nevada is home to several organizations that offer support for pet owners, including affordable spay/neuter services, low-cost vaccine and microchip clinics, behavioral help, and financial assistance for veterinary care. Click here to learn more!
At SPCA of Northern Nevada, we believe everyone deserves the joy and companionship of a pet. That’s why we’re proud to introduce Pets Are Family (PAF), a donor-funded initiative designed to make adoption accessible and rewarding for those who give so much to our communities. Through this program, adoption fees for adult dogs and cats are waived for seniors (65+), teachers, and military personnel or veterans in Nevada. Together, we can ensure every pet finds a loving home and becomes part of a family.
Who Qualifies?
Seniors (65+), teachers, and military personnel/veterans (active or retired).
Which Pets Are Included?
Adult dogs, cats, and kittens currently available for adoption. *Puppies are not included in this program.
What’s Included?
What Do You Need?
A valid ID to verify eligibility (e.g., age for seniors, school ID for teachers, or military ID for veterans/active military).
How to Participate?
Visit our Adoption Center, meet your new companion, and let our team know you’d like to adopt through the “Pets Are Family” program.
