Like many devoted pet owners, spouses Cody Smithey and Jordan Connelly were heartbroken when they had to say goodbye to their beloved beagle, Jazzmine.

Jordan wanted to adopt another companion for their friendly Chow mix, William, right away, but Cody wasn’t emotionally ready to make another long-term commitment.

That’s when Jordan had an idea.

“Let’s try fostering.”

Cody, a captain in the U.S. Air Force, agreed.

Three years later, the couple is still fostering dogs for the Las Vegas Valley Humane Society—and they haven’t looked back.

“I love it so much, I almost feel like it’s selfish in a way,” says Connelly, who also volunteers with Pawtastic Friends. “They come into my house, sometimes very shy, maybe scared. I get to see them open up and show their full personalities, and then I get to help them find their forever home. It’s the cutest, sweetest experience.”

---

Volunteers Make Rescue Possible

Volunteers like Smithey and Connelly are invaluable to local animal rescues, where the need for help is constant and often urgent.

Shelters throughout Southern Nevada are overflowing with cats, dogs, rabbits, pigs, birds, and many other animals waiting for loving homes.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Nevada shelters and rescues accepted 72,377 animals in 2025. While that represented a decrease of 2,708 animals from the previous year, nearly 10,000 animals still died or were euthanized.

Fostering allows rescues to save more lives by giving pets a safe, less stressful environment while they wait for permanent families.

But fostering is just one of many ways volunteers can make a meaningful difference.

---

There Is a Place for Everyone

From socializing animals and helping at adoption events to assisting at veterinary clinics or working behind the scenes, there are volunteer opportunities for nearly every interest and schedule.

Local nonprofit Hearts Alive Village, which operates:

• Low-cost veterinary clinics
• An adoption center
• A cat café
• A veterinary forensics program
• Veterans support programs
• A pet food bank

considers volunteers to be “the heartbeat” of animal rescue.

“Volunteers bring not just helping hands, but compassion and connection,” says Executive Director Christy Stevens. “They are the bridge between animals in crisis and the homes, healing, and second chances those animals deserve.”

Stevens welcomes volunteers from every walk of life.

“Whether you’re a student, a professional, retired, or simply someone with a few hours and a big heart, there’s a way to plug in,” she says.

---

Taking the First Step

Getting started is easy.

Simply contact your favorite rescue organization or visit its website and look for a Volunteer page.

If you haven’t found a favorite rescue yet, you’ll discover many reputable organizations throughout Southern Nevada, including those featured in this issue of Las Vegas Pet Scene.

---

Why Volunteering Matters

According to Stevens, there’s something uniquely powerful about helping animals.

“The rewards aren’t transactional—they’re felt. You see fear turn into trust, illness turn into healing, and loneliness turn into companionship. Whether it’s a shy dog learning to wag its tail, relax, and smile again or a kitten thriving because someone showed up, those moments stay with you. It’s grounding, hopeful, and reminds you that small acts of care can completely change a life.”

---

Be the Bridge

Every volunteer makes a difference.

Whether you’re fostering a pet, walking dogs, helping at events, transporting animals, or supporting rescue organizations behind the scenes, your time and compassion can change lives.

For the animals waiting for a second chance—and for the people helping them—that bridge begins with one simple decision to get involved.

---

About the Author

Aleza Freeman is a freelance travel and entertainment writer born and based in Las Vegas. She loves her pets even more than coffee.

❤️ Ready to Volunteer?

If you’ve been thinking about helping animals in need, there’s never been a better time. Contact your favorite Southern Nevada rescue organization to learn about fostering, transporting, socializing animals, fundraising, or other volunteer opportunities. Every hour donated helps save lives.

This article also has excellent SEO potential because people regularly search for phrases like “animal rescue volunteer Las Vegas,” “foster dogs Las Vegas,” “volunteer at animal shelter,” and “how to help homeless pets.” It’s another evergreen article that can continue bringing visitors to your website long after this issue is published.