Washoe County Regional Animal Services is still housing dogs displaced by the Bug Fire, even as the blaze has grown to roughly 88,422 acres and reached 31 percent containment.

The shelter at 2825 Longley Lane in Reno continues accepting small animals, including dogs, from residents who cannot yet return home.

Dog owners who evacuated with pets earlier this month are being asked to consider a friend or family member’s home first if one is available, since space at area shelters remains limited.

A separate large-animal shelter at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center is housing evacuated livestock and other large animals.

The fire has grown dramatically since Dog Friendly Las Vegas first reported on shelter space opened for displaced dogs, when it covered roughly 15,000 acres and was just 3 percent contained.

It has since merged with the nearby Fred Mountain Fire and pushed back across the California line, according to News 4 KRXI.

For dog owners, that growth means the situation remains fluid even as some Washoe County road closures ease.

Limited access has reopened in the Hungry Valley, Red Rock, and Lemmon Valley areas, but officials warn conditions can shift quickly with dry fuel and afternoon winds in the forecast.

Dog owners returning to evacuated neighborhoods should check that their dog’s collar tags and microchip information are current before letting them outside again.

A fast moving fire can scatter a startled dog from its yard in seconds, and up to date identification is often what reunites a family with a missing pet.

Those still displaced should keep a pet go bag ready that includes food, water, any medications, a leash, and copies of vaccination records.

Washoe County Regional Animal Services can be reached directly for the latest on shelter space and hours for owners looking to check on or reclaim a dog.

Dog Friendly Las Vegas will continue tracking how the fire affects Nevada dog owners as containment improves and evacuation orders change.