Reno Pet Owners Faced Housing Challenges

Rising rent costs and limited housing options in Reno have forced many residents to surrender their pets this year.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Pets — General

Bold vector illustration of an empty pet food bowl placed before a doorway, representing housing challenges for pet owners. — Rising housing costs in Reno are forcing an increasing number of residents to surrender their pets to local shelters this year. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should your community mandate that rental housing policies allow for pet ownership?

The SPCA of Northern Nevada has reported 93 housing-related animal surrenders so far this year as residents struggle with increasing rent prices. High monthly costs for two and three-bedroom apartments are exacerbating the difficulty for pet owners in Reno.

Why it matters

Pet owners frequently face surrenders due to evictions, high housing costs, and strict pet restrictions that limit access to available housing. These factors contribute to an ongoing housing crisis that keeps regional shelters consistently near capacity.

The average monthly rent in Reno has reached $1,800 for two-bedroom units and $2,695 for three-bedroom apartments, while the annual cost of dog care ranges from $1,695 to $6,025. These figures ground the financial strain facing local pet owners.

The players

SPCA of Northern Nevada

This organization manages animal welfare and pet adoption services throughout the region.

Cares Campus

This is a regional homeless shelter facility that provides emergency bedding and support services.

The details

Local animal shelters are attempting to mitigate these surrenders by offering free pet food and low-cost medical care to residents. Additionally, the Cares Campus homeless shelter in the area allows pets provided that owners adhere to specific facility rules.

Over 2,000 people have been homeless in Washoe County at any given time between 2024 and 2026.
On October 8, 2026, the Cares Campus had only 10 of 549 total beds available for residents.

Culture Shift

This trend highlights the ongoing friction between the rising cost of living and the societal value placed on pet companionship. As housing affordability fluctuates, families increasingly face the difficult choice between their financial stability and their pets.

Local pet owners should reach out to shelters for resources like free pet food and medical assistance to help prevent the need for surrender. Residents searching for housing should prioritize asking about pet policies and fee structures early in the application process.

The takeaway

Maintaining pet ownership during financial hardship requires utilizing community resources like local assistance programs. Residents are encouraged to inquire about shelter pet policies early to ensure they can remain with their animals.