Local Animal Shelter Support Org
About Local Animal Shelter Support Org
In Elko, L.A.S.S.O. is the group that raises the money behind the care. Its support helps the Elko Animal Shelter spay and neuter animals, vaccinate and microchip them, and offer low-cost clinics for the community. If you care about fewer unwanted litters, less suffering, and a shelter that can do more for the animals already inside it, this is the kind of work that matters.
L.A.S.S.O. is the fundraising arm for the Elko Animal Shelter, not a rescue or adoption service. That means its role is very specific, it helps pay for the clinic, the working cat program, emergency veterinary care, shelter expansion, and the day-to-day animal welfare work that makes the shelter run better.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Spay/Neuter Operations
Supports the Dumke-Weeks Spay/Neuter Clinic so animals adopted from the Elko Animal Shelter receive spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.
TNR/Working Cat Program
Spays or neuters community cats, returns them to their original location or relocates them into the ranching community, and places experienced mousers in barns or warehouses.
Public Low-Cost Vaccination Clinics
Provides low-cost vaccination clinics for low-income and vulnerable persons.
Animal Critical Care Fund
Supports outsourced veterinary emergency care for shelter animals.
Rescue Group Fund
Provides medical and transportation services for local rescue animals.
Shelter Expansion Fund
Supports building development and shelter expansion work.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
L.A.S.S.O. raises funds to establish and operate a spay/neuter facility and to improve animal welfare programs for the Elko Animal Shelter and its shelter animals. Its goal is to eliminate animal overpopulation, pain, suffering, and euthanasia in Elko County.
Who they serve
Elko County shelter animals, community cats, working cats, local rescue animals, and people who use low-cost vaccination clinics in the community.
Their impact
- Over 8,500 shelter animals have been spayed, neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
- The Elko Animal Shelter provides care for over 2,000 animals each year from across Elko County.
- As of 2023, the Elko Animal Shelter achieved "No-Kill" status and received the Best Friends Touchstone Award.
- In 2025, the shelter achieved a SAVE Rate for animals to be considered a "No-Kill" Animal Shelter.
How your donation helps
- Construction and operation of the Dumke-Weeks Spay/Neuter Clinic
- Spay/neuter equipment and medical supplies
- Veterinary services for shelter animals
- Low-cost vaccination clinics
- Emergency veterinary care for shelter animals
- Medical and transportation support for local rescue animals
- Shelter building development and expansion
Our story
L.A.S.S.O. began as the dedicated fundraising arm of the City of Elko Animal Shelter. With support from the Val Dumke Estate, the Antje Weeks Estate, and other donors, it raised the funds for a modular building, equipment, and medical supplies, and the Dumke-Weeks Spay/Neuter facility was established in 2010.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Local Animal Shelter Support Org’s services.
Animals adopted from the Elko Animal Shelter receive spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping through the Dumke-Weeks Spay/Neuter Clinic. For information about the Working Cat Program, call 775-777-7333.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Together we can eliminate pet overpopulation in Elko County
Thou shalt go for it!
Got Mice? We've got a cat for you!
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Local Animal Shelter Support Org has shared.
Current needs
- Support for shelter building expansion
- Dog and cat food
- Toys and leashes
- Dog and cat beds and blankets
- Aluminum cans
- Scrap metal donations
- Kennel sponsorships
- Corporate sponsorships
Volunteer opportunities
- Animal socialization
- Event support
- Administrative tasks
- Fostering vulnerable kittens
- Volunteer fair outreach
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Best Friends Touchstone Award, 2023
- No-Kill status for the Elko Animal Shelter, as of 2023
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What services do adopted animals receive through L.A.S.S.O. support?
Animals adopted from the Elko Animal Shelter receive spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping through the Dumke-Weeks Spay/Neuter Clinic.
What is the Working Cat Program?
It places altered and vaccinated cats in barns, warehouses, and similar settings as experienced mousers. L.A.S.S.O. sponsors the adoption fees.
Does L.A.S.S.O. operate as a rescue or adoption service?
No. L.A.S.S.O. raises funds and supports animal welfare programs at the Elko Animal Shelter.
Similar nonprofits
Other animal protection & welfare nonprofits in NV.