Unleashed – PAWsitive Stories from Salt Lake County Animal Services

Foster Family Spotlight: Sarah Jeffs

June 12, 2020

Fostering is a rewarding way to help pets awaiting adoption. By living in a foster home, a pet can show off their personality and show a potential adopter that they can live in a home. Become a foster.

Meet our June Spotlight: Sarah Jeffs & her family

How long have you been fostering? 
We have been fostering for 1 year almost exactly.

What had you interested in joining our foster program? 
We adopted our cats many years ago from Salt Lake County Animal Services and had a very positive experience. I had a friend on Facebook advertise that it was kitten season and fosters were needed. We thought fostering would be a good way for our family to provide service so I looked into your program since we had such a good experience adopting our cats through you. The rest is history!  

What types of animals have you fostered? 
We mostly have fostered kittens but once we also fostered a momma cat. We're about to pick up our 22nd cat today!

What is the most rewarding aspect of fostering? 
Being able to love and take care of little fluffy kittens until they are big enough to go to their forever home. It can be hard to let go of them once they are big enough to be adopted but knowing that they are going to loving homes helps enormously.

What advice would you give to a new foster in the program?
Most people we talk to about fostering are concerned about being able to give the animal back. We have to say that the first kitten we fostered was hard to give back and we cried. Since then, the goodbyes are still bittersweet but it does get easier. We've also learned that each kitten is different and when you first take them into your home, sometimes you need to give them time to get used to their new environment. We've learned a lot about life in general while taking care of these little guys. Also, a humidifier can be your best tool for a sick kitten (after antibiotics, of course). 

What is your favorite foster memory? 
We have many favorite memories from taking care of these babies. We have had a couple  of kittens that started purring as soon as you picked them up. We've had a few kitties that like to hang out on your shoulder and they are the best. Breakfast time is always fun because most of them are excited to get some wet food and make sure to let you know. The funniest memory I think we've had is when the momma cat we fostered stole a whole slice of pizza from a plate on the counter and we had to chase her down to take it away. She was so small, I think the slice of pizza was almost as big as she was!

BFAS Virtual Super Adoption

May 30, 2020

Join Salt Lake County Animal Services and other participating organizations for the Best Friends Virtual Super Adoption happening NOW! With so many pets to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect pet for you. This is the first virtual adoption of its kind so sit down, relax, and start scrolling! To view the adoptable pets please visit bestfriends.adopets.com. Let's get them adopted!
#VirtualAdoptionEvent #AdoptDontShop

Dogs in Hot Cars: What to Do

May 28, 2020

You pulled into a stall at the grocery store, you notice a dog in the car, alone. What do you do? Here's what Salt Lake County Animal Control Officers recommend.

First DO NOT break the window! Utah does not have a good Samaritan law at this time that protects you from breaking that window.

What to look for: Is the dog excessively drooling/panting, listless, unresponsive?

Call Dispatch ASAP! 801-743-7000. Outside our service area dial 911. 

Is the car parked in the shade with the windows down, and the dog appears to be in physical distress? 

Call Dispatch 801-743-7000.

Give the license plate number and make/model to the dispatcher. They will pass that information onto the Animal Control Officer. When the officer arrives, and if the car has left, they will be able to track down the driver and educate them on the dangers of leaving their pet in the car. Video and photos of the pet in duress can be helpful to the officers case. 

What not to do: Don't take your dog with you to run errands and leave them in a car for a "few minutes." A few minutes is all it takes to kill your dog or cause massive internal damage. We invite you to read more about what happens to your dogs body and why they overheat so fast. It's a terrible way to die, and we wouldn't wish it upon any dog. 

Here's info from IFLScience:

If a dog’s internal temperature goes above 41°C (105.8°F) it is at risk of heatstroke, which only 50% of dogs survive. Some breeds are more susceptible than others – large dogs, dogs with short faces such as bulldogs and boxers, and overweight or long-coated dogs are most at risk – but every dog has the potential to suffer from heatstroke. It doesn’t have to be boiling hot for this to happen either – when it’s 22°C, (71.6°F) outside, the inside of a car can easily reach 47°C within an hour(116.6°F).

The science behind heatstroke

When a dog starts to overheat, it will lose heat by increasing its heart rate and opening up the capillaries in the skin. It will also pant to lose heat through the mucus membranes in its mouth and nose, and may lick its body to cool it by evaporation.

Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat. And as the heat increases, bodily functions start to break down. The dog enters a vicious spiral where the heart starts to fail and pushes out less blood – which means the heat cannot be carried away – its blood pressure drops, blood pools in the organs and the body goes into shock.

When a dog’s internal temperature reaches 44°C (111.2°F) its circulation will fail, which causes kidney failure, lack of oxygen in the brain, and internal bleeding. At this point, even if you can reverse the physical damage and save the dog’s life, it’s likely to have suffered brain damage, which can result in personality changes, loss of sensory perception and cognitive problems. So it’s not just a case of getting a bit too hot and not being able to cope. It’s total body breakdown.

And can lead to death.

Hiking with Your Dog Tips

May 14, 2020

The beautiful scenery of Utah is calling your name and you must go, and you want to take your dog. Here’s a few tips from Salt Lake County Animal Services on how to make sure you and your pup have a successful adventure.

Before You Go:

• Can your dog hike in the area you want to go explore? Many areas in Utah are declared a watershed, which means dogs are not allowed, such as Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Most national parks or monuments do not allow pets on trails.
• Prepare your dog for long hikes, they need to build up physical endurance, if not your dog could collapse on the trail or injure themselves.
• Trail manners! Make sure your dog is accustomed to having strangers or other dogs approach while on a trail. You will likely pass others on your trek; aggressive behavior could put a quick end to your adventure. Be aware other hikers or dogs, may not be dog friendly either. If they yell to ask you to put your dog on leash, please respect their request, it’s often for both your safety.
• Wildlife & Vegetation. Respect the animals that live in the forest and recognize the dangers that your dog may encounter: moose, rattlesnakes, open range cattle, poisonous vegetation, or stagnant water.

Hiking Supplies:

• Poop bags
• A collar with ID tags and a sturdy 6-foot leash
• A water supply and a portable water bowl
• Dog food and/or snacks
• A pet first aid kit.
• Pet-safe insect repellent
• Dog booties for hiking in rough terrain

Let Your Pet Be Our Muse FUNdraiser

May 10, 2020

Covid-19 Operational Updates

May 10, 2020

At this time Salt Lake County Animal Services is open by appointment only. In accordance with the CDC, masks are required in the building unless you are fully vaccinated (2-weeks after your last vaccine.) Masks are recommended for children 12 and under. Animal Control Officers follow Covid-19 protocol stated by the National Animal Care & Control Association. 

Returns to Owners: If someone believes their pet is at the shelter, call 385-468-7387, please leave a message, or email animal@slco.org, during normal business hours to set up an appointment. Please leave a message if the line is busy. Allow up to 48 hours for an enforcement specialist to respond.

Licensing: by mail or online: Have questions email animal@slco.org or leave a message at 385-468-7387. Allow up to 48 hours for a licensing specialist to respond.

Adoptions: Adoptions are available by appointment only, email adoptions@slco.org. Allow up to 72 hours for an adoption specialist to get back to you.

Fosters: If someone is interested in fostering a specific pet, please email fosters@slco.org to set up an appointment. Allow up to 72 hours for a foster specialist to respond.

Animal Emergencies/Incoming Stray Pets: If someone has an animal emergency or a stray/lost animal, please call Dispatch at 801-840-4000 and an Animal Control Officer will be in contact to assist you. You can also email them at animalcontrol@slco.org. Allow up to 72 hours for a response to an email. 

Clinic Services: You can book your clinic services here. 

Volunteers: If you are interested in volunteering please email animalvolunteer@slco.org for more information.

Donations: Here is a list of items that we always need donated, or make a monetary donation. Please email events@slco.org for additional information.

The pets at Animal Services are healthy and well cared for by staff at all times. Updates will be posted on our social media channels. Visit AdoptUtahPets.org for animal related questions or information.

May Volunteer Spotlight: Lindsey Hadley

May 01, 2020

Salt Lake County Animal Services has many volunteer opportunities available. Meet our volunteer of the month, Lindsey Hadley, and find out more about what brought her to our shelter. 

What brought you to SLCoAS?
I came through Salt Lake County PIT CREW.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
Knowing that my time gives  happiness to animals while waiting for their forever home.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Movies, time with my family. 

Tell us about your family and fur kiddos:
I've been married for 10 years  with an almost 7 year old daughter  and almost 4 year old son. I currently have a 10 year old blind/diabetic pitbull  named Sammy and a aprox 15 year old cat, Jessie.

What advice do you have for new SLCoAS volunteers?
Even the tiniest  amount of time spent volunteering, can make a life changing difference to an animal in need of a home.

Do you have a favorite adoption story?
My own dog, Sammy whom I adopted from Best Friends Animal Society when she was about 1.  I was helping set up one of their super adoption events on Friday morning and I saw her in a kennel so vibrant and full of life. Happy. I knew she'd get adopted.  When I returned Sunday evening to help tear down the event she was still there looking very defeated and sad.  I took her home and she's been the four legged love of my life for over 9 years!

Tell us something unique about you:
I enjoy cosplaying at the fanX events each year. Harley Quinn is my favorite!

Where is your favorite place to travel?
I love camping or going anywhere with a beach and a drink in hand. 

Pet Crew Pet Pantry - Food Pick Up

April 21, 2020

Salt Lake County Animal Services will be holding a Pet Crew Pantry food pick-up July 18, from 9 AM – 12 PM at the shelter. In order to keep social distance, this will be held in our east-side drive thru at 511 W 3900 S. PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW.

This pet food pick-up is for dog and cat owners struggling to purchase pet food for their furry family during this difficult time. Traffic cannot be backed up 500 W or 3900 S. DO NOT LINE UP BEFORE 9 AM, or you will be asked to leave.

1. For pet owners seeking cat/dog food, we will be giving out 1-gallon bags of packaged cat or dog dry food. There will be a small amount of canned food available. Due to demand, we will only be able to give 1-2 bags of food per pet (depending on size) in the household.

2. Drivers MUST enter from the North entrance on 500 W.

3. ALL INDIVIDUALS MUST REMAIN IN THEIR CAR. Employees will direct you to 1 of 2 clearly marked stations. You will pull up, tell the employee what pet food you need: dog or cat, the size of your dog, how many pets are in the house. We will handout pet food while supplies last.

6. EMPLOYEES WILL OPEN YOUR TRUNK AND PLACE THE FOOD INSIDE.

This PET FOOD has been generously donated by the The Dog's Meow, George Q. Morris Foundation, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Humane Society International, Petfinder Foundation, Save Our Local Pets Utah, Walmart Foundation, and other generous individuals in our community.

Giving Tuesday Now Challenge

April 20, 2020

Help Salt Lake County Animal Services reach our goal of $10,000 for #GivingTuesdayNow on May 5! The money raised from this will help our COVID-19 relief response for our community to purchase food, treats & provide housing for pets whose owners are ill. DONATE NOW!

Help Us Meet Our Matching Grant!
In response to our goal, the George Q. Morris Foundation is offering a $5,000 matching grant if we can reach our goal! Your donation will help us nearly double our efforts to pets in need. 

Why Is Giving Tuesday Early This Year?
As an emergency response to the unprecedented need due to COVID-19, GivingTuesday, the groundbreaking global generosity movement,  announced #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity, is set to take place on May 5, 2020.

How Will Your Donations Help?
SUPPORT our Life-Saving mission, we have a goal of $10,000! From now until May 5th, Salt Lake County Animal Services will be collecting donations in support of GivingTuesday and the animals in our care. As so many of us are currently struggling to adjust to the world around us, now is the time we come together as friends, families and communities. Hold your pets and loved ones closely. They need you just as much as you need them. Please donate now. Thank you for believing in our no-kill mission.

Questions email development coordinator!

What to Do With My Pet If I'm Sick?

April 17, 2020

Due to COVID-19 being highly spreadable, at Salt Lake County Animal Services, we want to help you be prepared if you do get ill and come up with a plan for caring for your pets while you may be quarantined either at home or in a hospital. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), there is currently no evidence that people can get COVID-19 from pets, though there have been a handful of cases that suggest people may be able to transmit the disease to animals.

If you are infected with COVID-19, the CDC recommends isolating yourself and limiting contact with your pet just as you would with other people in the home.

• If there are healthy people still residing in your household, they can take over the responsibility of day to day care of your pet so that your animals can remain in a comfortable, known environment. Avoid close contact with your pet while you’re sick and do not handle their food and water bowls, toys, etc.

• If all the people living in the residence are sick at the same time or you live alone, arrange with a temporary caregiver to care for your pets. The biggest risk of infection is by entering the home of the infected person so do everything possible to minimize that exposure. Supplies should be placed as close to the door as possible. The caregiver should wear Personal Protective Equipment, sanitize surfaces, and wash their hands thoroughly after being in the home.
  • Caring for someone’s pet in THEIR OWN home:
    • This may be a preferred option for cats, who don’t generally require as much daily care as a dog would and may take longer to adjust to the stress of a new environment.
    • Provide for as many days of care as possible on Day One to limit the frequency of trips. Example: Many cats can be left with several days’ worth of food, water, and litter.
  • Caring for someone’s pet in CAREGIVER’S home:
    • Collect the pet’s emergency kit and supplies
    • According to the CDC and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), bathing the animal once it leaves its home is not necessary and may further stress the animal in a new environment.
  • If you must leave your home for hospitalization and there is no one to care for your pet, contact your local animal control agency for assistance. If you're in Salt Lake County Animal Services jurisdiction please email animal@slco.org or call Dispatch at 801-743-7000. 

• Things to do NOW, before you get sick:
  • Find someone who can be a temporary caregiver. You can also contact pet-sitters and boarding facilities. If you cannot afford boarding fees, organizations like RedRover.org offer Emergency Boarding Grants. If your pet requires extensive medical treatment that cannot be provided by a temporary caregiver (ex: diabetes, IV treatments, etc.), boarding at a medical facility may be required. *Make sure your caregiver of choice has a way to access the home in case you are hospitalized (access to spare keys, landlord contact, etc.)
  • Fill out an authorization form in case your pets have to be removed from the house if you go to the hospital.
  • Put together an “emergency supply kit”
    • Name and contact information for the person who can care for your pets
    • Name and contact information for a back-up caregiver in case your first choice is unavailable
    • Food, treats, a leash, toys and any other supplies necessary to care for your pet for at least two weeks
    • A crate or carrier to transport your pet
    • Collar with ID tags (don’t forget to make sure their microchip information is up to date)
    • Medications and prescriptions, along with instructions
    • Daily care instructions
    • Vaccination records and your veterinarian's contact information

Chickens and Fowl Requirements

April 12, 2020

So you want to add fowl to your backyard? Chickens and ducks can be a great addition to your home: providing eggs as well as a lot of entertainment and companionship. But there are a few things you should know before getting chicks!

All homes with chickens within Salt Lake County Animal Services’ jurisdiction need to have an annual permit, pay the permit fee of $75 and have a coop inspection. While the shelter’s services are currently limited, we can still provide chicken permits.

To acquire a chicken permit please email animal@slco.org. We will send you a copy of the permit requirements and an application. You can send back the completed application via email or mail and we will reach out to you to collect payment. Inspections will be scheduled later.

Residents of Salt Lake County Metro Townships and Unincorporated County:

Coops must be 25 feet from the entrance to your home, 40 feet from any neighboring buildings and no more than 8 feet tall.  Chickens must have a predator proof, well-ventilated and well-maintained coop with 2 square feet per bird. Birds may free range in an enclosed yard during the day.  Depending on your zone, you may have 3-8 adult hens or ducks. *Roosters, crowing hens, peafowl, geese, or turkeys are NOT PERMITTED in any residential zone.

Residents within Salt Lake City limits:

The regulations are slightly different from the county and allow for different options in coop setup and number of fowl. *Roosters are only permitted under the “50-foot rule” designation, and only if they do not become a nuisance.

*It is important to consider rooster allowances when choosing your chicks. There are breeds of chickens that have different coloring for males and females, making it easy to ensure you are only getting hens.

For a full list of regulations please email animal@slco.org or visit our website:

Salt Lake County regulations 

Or

Salt Lake City regulations

To see what residential zone you live in (for Salt Lake County regulations), look here.

*Edited 2/2023 to reflect current fee schedule.

April Volunteer Spotlight

April 09, 2020

Volunteers at Salt Lake County Animal Services are invaluable! Find out more about NIloofar's experience in our Q & A below as a volunteer. Check out our online application process. Our pets would love to meet you! 

What brought you to SLCoAS?

I wanted a way to volunteer for my community and I love playing with and training dogs. I looked around at different places to volunteer and found SLCoAS and that its needs fit into my hectic schedule and that they were looking for additional help so I felt I could help where it is really needed.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering?

 As I am allergic to cats I take care dogs when I go in to volunteer. I like that I get to experience dogs with all sorts of personalities and know that I make a difference in their day and help them more likely get adopted!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

 I like going on hikes, baking, cooking, and generally spending time outside.

Tell us about your family and fur kiddos:

The past ten years I have had a shared dog between my parents and myself that I trained and raised and often take care of, a standard poodle Pashmaloo (word for wooly in farsi). Since he lives with my parents due to better quality of life in their home I jokingly call him my half-dog :). My husband and I just moved to a house with more space and are currently are working from home due to COVID19 crisis. Since we are home all the time now have decided to foster a sweet greyhound mix Sophie from SLCoAS. We are hoping we can adopt her (depending on her long-term needs) and keep her forever!

What advice do you have for new SLCoAS volunteers?

Have fun and take it slow. Don't push yourself to do things that make you uncomfortable. But be cooperative and communicative with other volunteers and staff, everyone is friendly and willing to help if you have questions.

Do you have a favorite adoption story?

I don't have a specific one I can recall.....I'm just really happy whenever long-term residents get adopted.

Tell us something unique about you:

I was born in Singapore but I have now lived in Utah for 20 years.

Where is your favorite place to travel?

I wouldn't say I have a specific place but my favorite types of travel involve mixing both city and nature. For example I really enjoyed visiting Portland because I got to experience the natural beauty of the forests of the pacific northwest while enjoying the delicious eats and breweries in the city.

Find out more about volunteering online or email animalvolunteer@slco.org. 

Pet Waste: AKA POOP

April 09, 2020

The weather is warming up and more dog owners are heading outdoors to their neighborhoods and the hiking trails. Unfortunately, with that comes another problem, dog poop. At Salt Lake County Animal Services, our Animal Control Officers and staff members are inundated with complaints about all the poop! So be part of the solution, not the problem. Plus your neighbors will like you better if you clean up. 

Here are some of the reasons why you should clean up after your dog:
 

1. Disease Causing Bacteria and Parasites – Harmful For Humans And Dogs

   Nitrogen and phosphorus isn’t the only thing that dog poop has a lot of.  Dog waste is even more full of disease causing bacteria and parasites than other types of waste.  These bacteria and parasites are harmful to humans and spread disease to other dogs.  Dog waste is full of E. coli, salmonella and is a common carrier of the following: Worms (several types), Parvovirus, Coronavirus, Giardiasis, Salmonellosis, Cryptosporidiosis, and Campybacteriosis.  These bacteria and parasites can actually linger in the soil for years.  If you don’t pick up after your dog, you are putting other people and other dogs at risk of getting sick.

2. Dog waste takes a YEAR to breakdown - it DOES NOT wash away!

   Another common misconception is that if you don’t pick it up, it will quickly break down or wash away.  However, once again, this is not the case with dog poop.  In fact, dog waste can take as long as a year to naturally break down.  Especially since we live in a climate with a colder winter season.  The other down side here is that, as previously mentioned, the bacteria still lingers in the soil.  So even if you leave the poop on the ground and it does eventually break down, all of those bacteria and parasites will be left to linger there for several more years.

3. It’s Just Poop, It’s Natural Like Cows, It’s Fertilizer – Not True! 
   
   A common misconception, or excuse people use, is that poop is natural fertilizer.  However, this is not really true.  Not all piles of poop are created equal.  If that were the case, we probably would have to invest so much in sewage treatment of our own waste.  Cow manure is has a very different make up from dog waste because their digestive systems, and diets are very different.  Cows are herbivores, where as a dog’s are omnivores, and their diets are very high in protein.  Dog waste is actually so high in nitrogen and phosphorus that it can have the opposite effect of fertilizer.  It can actually burn your lawn if you don’t pick it up.  It also causes all sorts of issues for local watersheds, but that’s a blog for another day.

       There are many things that can ruin your day, but stepping in a steaming pile is definitely high on the list. There is not many things that are more unpleasant than getting in the car, and blasting the heat, only to discover a terrible odor emitting from the floorboards.  When you take your pet off of your property, you are entering public shared space.  It is the duty of pet owners to ensure that they pick up after their pets. Your dog’s waste is your mess, and you need to    pick it up yourself.  No one likes a messy shoe and a stinky car.

(courtesy: practica.ca)

What can you do if you see someone not clean up?

1. Make it Personal: Local communities across the country have created poop shame campaigns. 

2. Take a Photo: The best way to report the person who has not cleaned up after their dog, is catch them in the act. Take a video, a photo, get their license plate number and give it to your local animal control after you file a complaint. 

3. File a Complaint: Most cities and counties have ordinances that require people to pick up after their animals. If you live in Salt Lake County Animal Services jurisdiction, you can find the laws for your area online. 

WFH: What to Do With Your Pet

April 02, 2020

I am sure that we are all experiencing Quarantine and “Stay at Home” no matter where we live. It is important that we stay safe, healthy and stay at home.

By now, you may have caught up on all your Netflix and organized your closets and are wondering about what else can you do? Well, if you have pets at home there are so many opportunities that you can take while having this one-on-one time with them that you don't always get to spend.

Have you been hoping that Fido had better manners? Could do some fun tricks? Follow our Facebook or Instagram pages for 101 Things to do with your pet. How about a cat that can high five you? Or maybe even learn to fetch?

There is no better time than right now to start teaching and learning with your pet. Age is only a number and they can learn at any age.

Look at some videos and learn while teaching. Many trainers are offering virtual training lessons currently if you feel you need some professional advice.

Maybe you’re just looking for something for you and your dog to do? This is a great time for you to get out and go for a walk and learn leash manners, find some food puzzles to try, make their favorite treats, always had reactions at the door? Now may be a perfect time to practice learning better skills for when we can start having visitors again.

If your pet is also having some anxiety about this situation there are many tools you can look at to help. Chewing and licking are calming for dogs- Think about getting them a bone or a frozen Kong to work on.

Lavender oil or natural pheromones that you can find online can help. (Make sure they are pet friendly)

Hyperlick mats for dogs and cats are a great tool to help with stress and mind work.

Be creative! Use this time to bond, teach and learn. After all they are in this with us.

If you have considered fostering a pet we would love to hear from you. We are not currently open for adoptions. However, we still have animals in need of foster homes. If you or someone you know is interested in fostering please contact fosters@slco.org. 

 -Thank you and stay well, from your furry (and not so furry) friends at SLCO Animal Services!​​​ 

Pets & Vaccines During COVID-19

April 02, 2020

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Salt Lake County Animal Services has suspended most of its services to the public, including its vaccination programs. You may be wondering how this will affect your pets that are in need of vaccines during this pandemic.

Although Animal Services is not currently open to the public, Salt Lake County's "Stay Safe. Stay Home" public order designates veterinary clinics as essential services. If your pet is due for vaccinations at this time or has other urgent medical needs, please contact your local veterinarian to discuss what serves they can provide for you. Although many veterinary clinics are open, there is a state public health order limiting them from performing some elective procedures, so some vaccines many not be available.

If you are unable to find a place to vaccinate your pet or you can't/don't want to leave your house during this pandemic, don't fret too much about your pet's vaccines! As the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's (WSAVA)  recently-released guidelines point out, many animals that have received vaccines in the past will continue to have some immunity to those diseases for awhile after they are due for a booster. Additionally, for many of the diseases we vaccinate animals against, animals are most at risk of contracting the disease when they are in public places or around other animals, such as at groomers or boarding facilities. Because most animals are staying at home with their owners during this outbreak, they are at a low risk of being exposed to the diseases we vaccinate against. So if you have a well-vaccinated animal that is staying at home, there is little risk in waiting a couple months to have them re-vaccinated. Just remember to get them back up to date once this pandemic is over! Vaccinating your pets is an essential part of protecting not only their health, but yours as well.

Ryan Hill, DVM
Salt Lake County Animal Services

72 Hour Kit Essentials for Pets

March 18, 2020

COVID-19 Update & Available Services

March 17, 2020

Animal Services

** UPDATE 4/12/20

As ordered, Salt Lake County Animal Services is closed until further notice. For animal emergencies or to redeem your pet, please call Dispatch at 801-743-7000 to make an appointment. We apologize for the inconvenience and will keep you updated on the changing protocol. 

During this time, our employees continue to care for all the pets in our facility, Animal Control Officers are responding to calls for sick and injured animals, and once animals (after the extended stray/wait period) are going to rescues or foster homes, until they can find a new home. 

Our shelter is closed to the public but staff members are still working hard to return pets to owners, provide enrichment's and find pets new homes in these changing times. Please be patient with staff as we continue to navigate this crisis, COVID-19. We want staff, the public, and the pets in our care to stay as healthy as possible. 

Returns to Owners: If someone believes their pet is at the shelter, call 801-743-7000 to set up an appointment. Allow up to 48 hours for an enforcement specialist to respond.

Fosters: If someone is interested in fostering a specific pet, please email fosters@slco.org to set up an appointment. Allow up to 72 hours for a foster specialist to make contact.

Animal Emergencies/Incoming Stray Pets: If someone has an animal emergency or a stray/lost animal, please call Dispatch at 801-743-7000 and an Animal Control Officer will be in contact.

Events & Volunteers: At this point, we have made the decision to cancel all events and programs on-site through May 1. Both volunteers and community service workers will not be allowed in the building during this time as well.

Donations: Would you like to help keep the pets busy at the shelter while they wait to return to their owner or get adopted? Visit our Amazon.com Wishlists: Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits

The pets at Animal Services are healthy and well cared for by staff at all times. Updates will be posted on our social media channels. Visit AdoptUtahPets.org for animal-related questions or information.

Dog GPS & Fitness Trackers

March 12, 2020

Maybe you love to stay active with your dog or are needing some motivation to get more exercise. A dog health tracker may be just what is needed to help you reach your goals. Here's more information from Salt Lake County Animal Services on ways to track your dog’s activity and encourage you to spend more time with your best friend.

Just like our Fitbits, Health Trackers for dogs can help monitor activity and sleep, mobility and pain, stress and anxiety and even help with itchiness and skin diseases, not to mention that in the event that your dog became lost there is a GPS feature that can be linked through your phone.

You can link your Human Fitness Tracker to your dog’s and stay healthy together and most are even waterproof. Now that is a way to stay motivated!

There are several to choose from so do you research and see what trackers fits best for your lifestyle.

With spring on the horizon this is a great way to get you and your dog healthy together.

If you need a new exercise buddy and a lifetime friend check out our adoptable animals at adoptutahpets.org and do not miss our St. Pet-rick’s Day adoption event from March 16 - 21, adoption* fees for cats, kittens, large dogs, and rabbits will be $17!

All pets are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.

*Please note this excludes puppies, small dogs, VIP's, and livestock.
Questions? Email adoptions@slco.org

March Volunteer Spotlight: KC Hutton & Eric Schenfeld

March 02, 2020

Thanks to wonderful volunteers like KC & Eric, Salt Lake County Animal Services is able to give pets at the shelter extra love and attention. Find out more about their experience and more about what it takes to become a volunteer! 

What brought you to SLCoAS? 

We were looking for a place that had a wide range of hours available for volunteering, as our schedules don't often line up. When they do, we wanted to be able to take advantage of it and get in some volunteering. And, of course, we love animals.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering?

Volunteering has been a great way to get some puppy love. We are looking at moving out of our condo to a house and feel that volunteering will help us learn what kind of dog might be a good fit for us when we are ready to adopt. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

We love being outdoors and being with friends. We ski, back country tour, hike, camp, run, mountain bike and SCUBA dive. We love to travel, though returning home often reminds us of all that Utah has to offer.

Tell us about your family and fur kiddos:

We got married last July on Vancouver Island and have one furry member of the family, an adopted cat named Panda. Panda's favorite activities are meowing pitifully about a not-quite-empty food bowl and laying on our chests and purring disruptively loudly in the middle of the night. Prior to Panda, KC had always had dogs, so she's still figuring out this whole cat owner thing. Eric grew up with cats and concedes that Panda is a weird one, but we both love her anyway. 

What advice do you have for new SLCoAS volunteers?

Enjoy yourself and remember to take lots of pics! We love volunteering together, because one of us always has a hand free to snap photos of the pups. 

Do you have a favorite adoption story?

We met Skyy on our first volunteer day. As Eric puts it, "she warmed our hearts." We loved playing with her the next time we volunteered as well. We were nervous that she was going to be at SLCoAS for a long time, as she was an older pup, but was so smart and sweet. We were so happy to see that she was adopted shortly after being a Hound Around Town! 

Tell us something unique about you:

Up until a year ago, we both still had a baby tooth each. Eric had to have his removed, but KC's is still going strong.

Where is your favorite place to travel?

We go to Kauai about once a year for Eric to work at a medical clinic there and we love it. It's a beautiful island, with a laid-back pace that feels instantly home-y. And, the animal shelter there allows visitors to check out dogs in a program very similar to Hounds Around Town!

February Volunteer Spotlight: Nicole Korth

February 04, 2020

Meet our February volunteer of the month, Nicole Korth! Find out more about his volunteer experience at Salt Lake County Animal Services. If you're interested in volunteering find out more. 

Here's more about Nicole:

What brought you to SLCoAS?
I saw a post one of my Facebook friends had shared where SLCoAS was looking for fosters during kitten season.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
Getting to love on all the different kiddos. Being able to help them be a little happier. Scrubbing the pups during the dog washes.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Go to the gym and watch horror movies.

Tell us about your family and fur kiddos:
Currently have two lady cats, Elise & Avery, and a bearded dragon named Quinn. A couple years ago Elise survived not only a house fire but being trapped in the house for two weeks after the fire. She's my miracle kitty.

What advice do you have for new SLCoAS volunteers?
Just get into it. Find a way to volunteer that makes you feel good and is compatible with your life and schedule.

Do you have a favorite adoption story?
One handsome man, Hendricks, had had a tough time. He'd been hit by a car and had surgery on his back legs. He enjoyed being around my littles and gnawing the corners off of decorative pillows while his body healed. He was able to find a good home where he enjoys laying in the sun and monitoring activity through the windows.

Tell us something unique about you:
I have a soft spot for really awful horror films. Think Thankskilling, Human Centipede, Zoombies, Teeth, Zombeavers, Pan Man, Lavalantulas, etc.

Where is your favorite place to travel?
Anywhere warm and by the water so I can sun myself like a happy little lizard.