Henderson Animal Protection Services Reports Court Win, Rescue Milestones, Lower Intakes

HENDERSON, Nev. (May 19, 2026) — The City of Henderson Animal Protection Services presented updates to City Council today, reporting fewer shelter intakes, strong live outcomes and upcoming facility upgrades following its transition to the Department of Community Development and Services.

Officials reported since July 2025 overall shelter intakes are down, including both owner surrenders and stray animals. The decrease is attributed to new partnerships with animal rescue organizations and beginning a managed admissions program. Formalizing these partnerships also allows more animals to be transferred out of the shelter and into partner care, helping manage capacity and improve animal welfare outcomes. 

Additionally, officials reported a new formal launch of a shelter diversion program with the Nevada SPCA that will be coming later this summer. This new shelter diversion program will assist pet owners with additional resources.

“We are proud of the milestones Animal Protection Services continues to achieve and the positive impact these efforts are having on animal welfare in Henderson,” said Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero. “These outcomes reflect the strong support of the Mayor and Council, City leadership and the hard work of staff and volunteers who remain committed to compassionate care and positive outcomes for animals in our community.”

• 1,829 animals adopted
• 522 lost pets reunited with their owners 
• 313 animals transferred to rescue partners

Shelter officials said rescue partnerships have helped maintain healthy capacity levels between 53% and 68%. That range allows the shelter flexibility to respond to emergency animal welfare cases and unexpected increases in intake.

Since July 2025, Animal Protection Services has also noted several milestones, including:

• Winning first animal seizure case in court
• Saving 40 animals from an illegal rescue
• Conducting first-ever animal air transport, relocating 11 pets to new homes in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society

In addition, Animal Protection Services outlined plans for a $7 million facility improvement project at its shelter site. Planned upgrades include HVAC and plumbing infrastructure improvements, new dog kennels and expanded medical space. A new administrative building will also be constructed for staff to free up critical space for medical care within the shelter.

Construction on the project is expected to begin in fall 2026.

The department has also expanded public access to data, making live release rates, adoption totals, spay and neuter numbers, capacity information and more available online to increase transparency.