DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE!
The L.A.S.S.O. Dream
L.A.S.S.O. (Local Animal Shelter Support Organization) is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization. Its purpose is to raise funds to establish and operate a spay/neuter facility, as well as to improve the animal welfare programs for the Elko Animal Shelter and its shelter animals.
With the support of the Val Dumke Estate and Antje Weeks Estate, alongside contributions from animal welfare foundations, corporations, and individual donors, L.A.S.S.O. successfully raised sufficient funds to purchase a modular building, equipment, and medical supplies for establishing a spay/neuter program.
In addition to the new spay/neuter building, L.A.S.S.O. renovated the current animal shelter, added a much-needed isolation unit, incorporated an outdoor exercise and bonding area, and installed a security system.
The Dumke/ Weeks Spay/ Neuter facility was established with private donations and the support of L.A.S.S.O. in 2010. Over 8,000 shelter animals have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
All funds raised go directly to support the Elko Animal Shelter through animal equipment, medication, building improvements, and veterinary services.
L.A.S.S.O Board has no paid staff or salaried administration costs.
The City of Elko separately funds the Elko Animal Shelter. The Elko Animal Shelter accepts surrendered and stray animals from all over Elko County, including Wells and Spring Creek, Nevada.
Current & Future Projects
- Feral/Working Cat Program:
This program has reduced the number of animal euthanasia by Spaying/Neutering Feral/Working cats.
Then returning the cats to their original location or relocating cats into our ranching community.
The program is so successful that the Elko Animal Shelter has achieved a "No Kill Status".
- Animal Critical Care Fund.
Includes outsourcing veterinary emergency care for shelter animals.
- Rescue Group fund
Veterinary assistance & Critical Care Fund & access to spay & neuter services for local rescue animals
- Shelter Expansion Fund
Expansion Fund for Building Development
Current Strategies: L.A.S.S.O. is committed to pursuing additional Grants, community events, personal & professional donations, and bequests.
Exciting Announcement
The City of Elko Animal Shelter is incredibly proud to announce that, for the first time in our history, we have achieved a SAVE Rate for our animals to be considered a “No-Kill” Animal Shelter.
The Elko Animal Shelter & LASSO have worked tirelessly this year to save as many pets as possible
As we reflect on 2024, we are proud of what we accomplished and all the lives that we saved but the need continues to grow. We want to be there to help the pets and people that need us in 2025 – will you join us?