Reno’s streets are home to more than just people seeking shelter; they also host loyal companions like Zeus, an eight‑year‑old golden Lab mix who lives with his owners, Pilar Corrigan and David Bush, on the sidewalks of Fourth Street. The couple, who have been living without stable housing for two years, say Zeus provides essential emotional support and companionship.
Rising rent pressures families with pets
According to Zillow, average rent in Reno has risen $45 over the past year, with a two‑bedroom apartment now costing about $1,800 per month and a three‑bedroom unit averaging $2,695. Corrigan and Bush, who previously split a $1,300 monthly rent with roommates, can no longer afford the payment after their roommates moved out.
The cost of caring for a dog adds another financial strain. A 2026 Rover survey estimates annual dog‑care expenses between $1,695 and $6,025, depending on breed and level of care, and those costs continue to climb year over year.
Animal shelters see a spike in housing‑related surrenders
“For this year to date, the SPCA of Northern Nevada has seen 93 surrenders related to housing or lifestyle changes,” said communications manager Sydney Denham. These surrenders stem from moving, eviction, loss of housing, or pet‑restriction policies that impose steep fees and deposits.
Denham explained that the shelter tries to intervene early, offering low‑cost medical care and free pet food to help owners keep their animals. “Keeping pets with their people is always our ultimate goal,” she said, urging those facing a housing crisis to reach out for assistance promptly.
Homeless shelters also near capacity
Washoe County’s homeless shelters remain nearly full. Data from the county’s dashboard shows that over the past two years, more than 2,000 people have been homeless at any given time. As of Oct. 8, the county’s largest shelter, the Cares Campus, had only 10 of its 549 beds available, a figure that has stayed relatively steady for the past month.
While the Cares Campus does allow pets, Corrigan and Bush feel the shelter’s conditions are not suitable for Zeus. Nonetheless, the couple remains hopeful. Bush recently secured a job and believes housing is within reach with his dog by his side. “He’s more than a dog. He’s a friend I can talk to,” Bush said.
Community response and outlook
Local nonprofits and the SPCA continue to provide resources for pet‑owning individuals experiencing homelessness. Their efforts aim to prevent the heartbreaking decision many face between keeping a beloved animal and securing stable housing.
As rent prices keep climbing and shelter space stays limited, stories like Zeus’s highlight the resilience of Reno’s most vulnerable residents and the importance of community support for both people and their pets.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
