Rising Reno Rents Have Sparked Pet Surrenders
Pet owners in Reno are facing increased surrenders as housing costs rise and pet-friendly rentals remain scarce.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Pets — General
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Reno residents are increasingly forced to surrender their pets due to financial strain, with 93 animal surrenders linked to housing or lifestyle changes this year. This surge comes as families struggle to balance the high costs of local housing with the annual expenses of pet ownership.
Why it matters
Rising rental costs in Reno have made it difficult for families to secure pet-friendly housing, leading to difficult decisions for many pet owners. Evictions and restricted housing access are forcing households to choose between their homes and their animals.
The SPCA of Northern Nevada has tracked 93 housing-related surrenders this year, while average Reno rents for two-bedroom units sit at $1,800 per month. Annual costs to care for a dog are estimated to range from $1,695 to $6,025.
The players
SPCA of Northern Nevada
A local animal welfare organization that provides community support programs, such as low-cost medical care and pet food assistance, to help families keep their pets.
Cares Campus
The primary homeless shelter facility in Washoe County that provides emergency housing and allows residents to bring pets if they follow established facility rules.
The details
Pet owners often find themselves in crisis when rising rent consumes their household budget or when they are forced to relocate to housing that prohibits pets. To mitigate these surrenders, local animal shelters offer support programs that provide free pet food and low-cost medical care. For those facing homelessness, the Cares Campus in Washoe County offers pet-friendly options, though residents must adhere to strict management rules to qualify.
Timeline
Over 2,000 people have been living homeless in Washoe County between 2024 and 2026.
On October 8, 2026, the Cares Campus shelter reported only 10 beds available out of 549.
The Home Front
This trend highlights the ongoing pressure on local housing affordability in Reno and the broader Washoe County region. It reflects a growing tension between rising cost-of-living benchmarks and the availability of pet-inclusive housing options.
If you are struggling to keep your pet due to housing costs, reach out to the SPCA of Northern Nevada to inquire about available food assistance or low-cost care programs. If you are facing potential displacement, verify pet policies at any prospective housing and research pet-friendly emergency shelters.
The takeaway
The intersection of rising local rents and pet ownership costs requires proactive planning for many Reno households. Families facing financial instability should prioritize contacting local shelters early to access assistance programs before housing situations reach a crisis point.
Further reading
Find more resources on navigating pet ownership during financial difficulty on our Pets — General page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 2 News Nevada.
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