New volunteer group emerges with animal shelter facility

Pahrump has no lack of compassionate animal lovers, many of whom continue pitching in ideas for the troubled animal shelter that had been in financial strife for months.

Recently, Desert Haven Animal Society had been formed in response to the need to have an open-admission animal shelter in Pahrump. The organization is currently registered as a nonprofit and is awaiting approval for a 501(c)3 status.

On Wednesday, Nye County commissioners gave the nonprofit the green light to bring back a plan of operational lease agreement after one of the organization members, Suzanne Zervantian, presented the costs and the means of raising the funds for the operation.

"Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, redeem and return to owner and permanently rehome companion animals," Zervantian said.

The plan calls for utilization of the existing facility at 1511 Siri Lane as a start-of-operations point and eventually building a new space.

"Ultimately, the plan is to build a new modern state-of-the-art facility that our community can be proud of," she said.

The plan also aims to reduce the overall intake and euthanasia numbers and increase return to owner numbers and adoption numbers.

"We need an integrated, cooperative effort with the community, Nye County Animal Control and the board of county commissioners," she said.

Under the nonprofit's direction, the animal shelter will continue to have the revenue source of income fees, quarantine and boarding fees, licensing and adoption fees as well as direct public contributions and grants, Zervantian said.

The organization is currently funded by Zervantian and several other volunteers. Future fundraising that would have to be done for the construction of the new facility is one of the main concerns of the organization, she said.

"This is a huge challenge. This is one of our biggest fears," she said.

Desert Haven Animal Society plans to have records for all incoming and outgoing animals, regular veterinary oversight and care. In addition, she said all animals will be spayed, neutered, microchipped and vaccinated prior to leaving the animal shelter.

According to the presentation, Desert Haven Animal Society has a business plan that specifies how the shelter will operate in a cost-effective manner and provide maximum benefit for the people and animals of Nye County.

To proceed with the effort, the organization said it needs a resolution by Nye County commissioners that would include a low-cost lease for the existing animal shelter, a low-cost lease for an expansion site on the county property, continued access to the telephone and Internet on the property, an agreement with Nye County Animal Control for services, an agreement regarding the existing protective custody of animals on the property and an agreement regarding the fees and rates for animals brought in by Nye County Animal Control.

Contact reporter Daria Sokolova at dsokolova@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @dariasokolova77