During a recent government meeting, the challenges faced by Washoe County's animal control services were highlighted, particularly in light of staffing shortages and increased service demands during the summer months. The department currently employs 18 field service officers, including a lead animal control officer responsible for training new recruits. However, the recent loss of two officers has strained the department's ability to maintain adequate coverage across the county, especially during peak service times.

The officer reported that the summer season is the busiest for animal control, with a significant rise in calls for service. In the last quarter, the department received a total of 5,000 calls, with the majority concerning stray animals (2,207 calls) and welfare issues (752 calls), which saw a notable 26% increase compared to the previous quarter. This surge in welfare calls is largely attributed to incidents involving animals left in hot vehicles, a recurring issue during the warmer months.

In June alone, the department responded to 168 calls regarding animals in hot cars, part of a total of 248 such calls in the last quarter. The officer emphasized the importance of community education on safe animal practices, particularly during high temperatures. Despite efforts to raise awareness, the tragic outcome of one dog perishing in a hot car this quarter underscores the urgency of the situation.

While the department has successfully filled the recent vacancies, it will take approximately six months for the new officers to be fully trained and operational. The officer expressed concern that ongoing staffing challenges could hinder their ability to deliver effective service during this critical time of year.