Spay and Neuter All Pets and Strays (SNAPS) has a simple goal: to ensure that every cat or dog is spayed or neutered, thus decreasing the need to kill animals that end up cast off in shelters.

"We're killing over 15,000 adoptable animals in Nye County a year, and it's just ludicrous," Denise Scherer, president, said. "So why not just stop it now?"

Scherer, who was co-founder of Spay our Strays (SOS) in Las Vegas, a similar organization, came to Pahrump in 2004, where she started a local branch of SOS.

This year, Scherer began and applied for 501(3)(c) status for SNAPS.

When it comes to strays, SNAPS volunteers trap the animals and bring them to Las Vegas, where they are treated at a feral cat clinic.

The strays are treated for any diseases or mites, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and their ears are tipped.

The animals are then returned to the area where they were trapped.

On the home front, SNAPS helps people who may not be able to afford a full veterinarian visit get animals at low or no cost.

However, Scherer emphasized that service is specifically -- and only -- meant for people who need the financial assistance in keeping their pets healthy.

"I don't want to take business away from the vets," Scherer explained. "But if they can't afford (spaying or neutering), we can help them. And most of the people who can afford it are doing it anyway."

Furthermore, Scherer added, SNAPS is not a sanctuary. They do not accept pets that have been found. However, they are expanding their services in order to ensure that Nye County animals are healthy.

SNAPS holds a shot clinic once a month, where dogs and cats can get their necessary vaccinations.

They are also accepting food donations in an effort to begin a food clinic program.

And if residents are looking to bring a new member into their families, they can head down to the SNAPS office every from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, when adoptable animals will be waiting to be taken to their new home.

The office is located at 1061 E. Gamebird Rd. in suite 9.

There seems to be no question that SNAPS and the services it offers are much needed here in Pahrump.

Scherer estimated that the organization spays or neuters an average of 50 to 55 animals a month, and since SNAPS has begun, it has fixed about 25 dogs and more than 200 cats.

But like any volunteer organization, SNAPS needs community support to continue its work.

They are in need of volunteers both to work with the animals and for "creative fundraising." And of course, donations are always welcome.

If you are interested in volunteering to work for SNAPS, or making a donation, you can contact Scherer by calling (775) 751-8513.

Any mail should be sent to P.O. Box 3771, Pahrump, Nevada 89048.