Beginning Nov. 1, the Nevada County Animal Shelter will transition to the new hybrid management model with the County’s long-standing partner, Sammie’s Friends, ensuring continued compassionate care for animals while supporting shelter operations.

During a two-week transition from Nov. 1-14, the shelter will remain open by appointment for adoptions, while lost and found services remain available to the public. Walk-in access will be limited to allow staff to refresh parts of the facility, reorganize internal processes, train team members, and ensure a smooth handoff of responsibilities, continuing small, ongoing improvements for the animals and community.

“We’re excited to continue helping every animal find a safe, loving home while making thoughtful updates to the shelter,” said the County’s Administrative Services Officer Lorie Hennessey who oversees shelter management. “Right now, we’re freshening up the space for our furry friends, and over time, we’ll keep giving it TLC to make the experience better for everyone, including a new indoor adoption meeting area.”

“Together with our dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners, we look forward to building on our shared commitment to the well-being of every animal in Nevada County,” said Stacey Braudrick, Sammie’s Friends Board President.

During this period, the County assumes responsibility for the day-to-day operations, while Sammie’s Friends continues its vital work supporting adoptions, volunteer coordination, foster care and medical cost assistance.

Although walk-in access will be limited, essential services will remain available Nov. 1-14: 

• Adoptions and fostering will continue through Sammie’s Friends. Community members interested in adopting a pet can visit sammiesfriends.org to view available animals and complete the pre-adoption questionnaire. After completing the pre-adoption questionnaire, Sammie’s Friends staff will contact you to schedule a meeting with your prospective pet.
• Lost and found services will remain active.  Members of the public may still bring in lost animals or reclaim their pets from the shelter.
• For urgent animal needs, please contact Animal Control at 530-265-1471

The Sheriff’s Office will continue providing animal control services, such as responding to stray or nuisance animal complaints, investigating bites and quarantines, enforcing licensing and vaccination laws, and promoting responsible pet ownership through education and outreach.

"When you find a lost pet, keeping them safe in your neighborhood, even just for a short time, can give their family the best chance to find them quickly. Most pets don't wander far from home. A quick trip to a local vet to check for a microchip and reaching out to the Nevada County Animal Shelter to see if anyone reported a lost pet can help reunite them even faster, without the stress of a shelter stay," said Stefanie Geckler, Supervising Animal Control Officer. 

 Both the County and Sammie’s Friends will continue to operate under the mandate that no animals will ever be euthanized for space, which reflects our community's values.

The shelter will reopen for walk-in services on Nov. 15, with renewed energy and a strengthened partnership focused on the well-being of every animal in our care.