New State Testing Mandate Adds Costs to Rescue Operations

Red Desert Humane Society faces financial hurdles due to new Brucella canis testing requirements for dogs entering Wyoming

Mar. 15, 2026 at 9:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new state testing mandate in Wyoming requires any dog over six months old entering the state as a permanent resident to test negative for Brucella canis before crossing the border. This applies to animals entering shelters, rescues, or private homes. The Red Desert Humane Society, which rescues dogs from overcrowded and underfunded shelters in Texas and New Mexico, must now cover the $40-$90 testing cost per animal, creating financial challenges for their out-of-state rescue operations.

Why it matters

The Brucella canis bacteria can spread easily between dogs and to humans, posing a public health concern. However, the new testing requirement puts a financial strain on already cash-strapped shelters that partner with the Red Desert Humane Society for rescue transfers, risking discouraging their participation if funding isn't available to cover the testing fees.

The details

The Wyoming Livestock Board implemented the new testing mandate at the end of last year. The Red Desert Humane Society rescues 5-10 animals per month from overcrowded and underfunded shelters in Texas and New Mexico, two states with some of the highest euthanasia rates in the nation. The organization receives no government funding and operates solely on donations, so the added testing costs are a significant burden.

  • The new state testing requirement went into effect at the end of 2025.
  • The Red Desert Humane Society rescues 5-10 animals per month from Texas and New Mexico shelters.

The players

Red Desert Humane Society

A non-profit animal rescue organization that pulls dogs from overcrowded and underfunded shelters in Texas and New Mexico to find them homes in Wyoming.

Heidi Driggs

The shelter manager at the Red Desert Humane Society.

Wyoming Livestock Board

The state agency that implemented the new Brucella canis testing requirement for dogs entering Wyoming.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's a really nasty bacteria that can spread pretty easy to other dogs and humans.”

— Heidi Driggs, Shelter Manager, Red Desert Humane Society

“They're just these city shelters who are overrun and they don't have the funds to do that kind of stuff. That's where we kind of play a role in trying to raise some donation money for that specifically so that we can keep helping and they don't have to keep euthanizing very adoptable animals.”

— Heidi Driggs, Shelter Manager, Red Desert Humane Society

What’s next

The Red Desert Humane Society is actively seeking donations to help cover the cost of Brucella canis testing fees for their shelter partners in Texas and New Mexico.

The takeaway

This new state testing requirement, while necessary to address public health concerns, has created an additional financial burden for the Red Desert Humane Society and the underfunded shelters they partner with for rescue operations. The organization is relying on community donations to help offset these testing costs and continue their lifesaving work.