UPDATE: The Nye County Animal Shelter in Pahrump has addressed recent allegations of unsanitary conditions and neglect following a surprise visit by the Pahrump Valley Times. The visit revealed no evidence of neglect, with shelter staff actively engaged in maintaining cleanliness and caring for over 140 animals.
The allegations surfaced from a concerned community member, prompting the unannounced inspection. Shelter Manager Kristi Siegmund acknowledged some areas may not be perfect but emphasized the challenges of operating with a small team. “We’re not perfect,” Siegmund stated. “However, we have to remember, we are a shelter of 140-plus animals with a team of five.”
The shelter’s cleaning routines are intensive, with three kennel technicians responsible for over 200 kennels daily. Each technician typically cleans 80-100 kennels every day, ensuring that water dishes are refreshed and animals are fed with clean bowls. Despite the high volume of work, Siegmund confirmed that three walk-throughs occur daily to maintain standards, stating, “Sometimes they will go in their kennel right after we clean it.”
In response to the community’s support, the shelter has developed a robust volunteer program, now boasting over 50 volunteers. This initiative allows for essential socialization of the animals, with volunteers offering vital assistance in walking and playing with the dogs. “Even if they can come in for only 30 minutes, they can still get a couple of dogs out for a walk,” Siegmund remarked.
Moreover, the shelter is transforming its outdoor area into a more engaging environment for the animals, featuring dog runs and play yards. Currently, there are 12 runs and three play yards, with plans to expand to 24 runs and five play yards. This project relies heavily on community donations and volunteer labor, minimizing costs to the county.
The shelter has also initiated a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program for community cats, successfully saving 200 community cats in 2025. This program aims to address overpopulation issues, a significant concern in the area. “Last year, through our program, we were able to save 200 community cats,” Siegmund noted.
In 2025, the shelter saw a total of 1,609 intakes, with approximately 1,200 strays and 819 adoptions. These figures reflect the shelter’s commitment to animal welfare and community engagement, which has been strengthened through partnerships with organizations like the BISSELL Foundation.
As the shelter looks ahead to 2026, Siegmund aims to continue building relationships within the community and expanding volunteer opportunities. “Our volunteer program is growing, we’ve even got groomers coming in to do baths and grooming for all these babies,” she concluded.
Community members interested in supporting the shelter can visit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 1580 Siri Lane. The shelter invites everyone to lend a hand in caring for the animals, whether through walking, playing, or assisting with cleaning tasks.
For immediate updates and more information, contact reporter Robin Hebrock at [email protected].
