Unleashed – PAWsitive Stories from Salt Lake County Animal Services

kitten season

April 20, 2018

Top 5 things you can do to help the shelter during kitten season

Kitten season has officially started! Kitten season usually starts in March and lasts until about October.
In 2017, we got in a total of 1,137 kittens under the age of 5 months! Because of the large number of cats and kittens shelters get in during kitten season, it puts a tremendous strain on them. Here are a few things you can do to help at Salt Lake County Animal Services!

Volunteer: Shelters need volunteers year-round, but because things are a lot busier in the warmer seasons, there’s a lot more things for the volunteers to do and help with. The most common volunteer tasks include; enrichment's, grooming, exercising, socializing, and cleaning. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Salt Lake County Animal Services you can email animalvolunteer@slco.org.

Foster: During kitten season we always need fosters. We send kittens to foster homes until they are big and healthy enough for surgery and adoption. When we get small kittens brought into the shelter we like to get the kittens out of the shelter as soon as possible. The longer they stay in the shelter they are more likely to get sick. We provide all the supplies and vet care to take care of your foster kittens, you provide the home and love. If you are interested in becoming a kitten foster email Mallred@slco.org.

Adopt an older kitten: During kitten season we get so many cats and kittens. A lot of times during kitten season older kittens and cats get over looked, everybody wants that tiny kitten. Some kittens spend over 6 months waiting to find their forever home.

Know when to leave kittens with their mothers:  It's hard to see tiny kittens outside and not want to grab them to bring them to a shelter. But doing this isn't always the right course of action for new born kittens. To increase their chances of survival, sometimes it's better to leave the kittens be. Unless the kittens are obviously hurt or in danger, you should first watch them from far away and see if they need immediate intervention. Check on them a few more times throughout the day, and if you are certain mother is not coming back, take them to the shelter.

Donate: Even if you can't foster or adopt, you can help make sure this year's kittens get all the supplies they need. If you would like to donate to help the kitties of Salt Lake County Animal Services, here is the like to the Amazon kitty wish list amzn.to/2t85GLY.

first aid awareness

April 11, 2018

April is pet first aid awareness month. All pet owners should have a first aid kit for their pet in case of emergency.  However, there is not a one-size-fits–all answer to what is best for a first aid kit. 

There are many pre-made kits that may be purchased for your pet but building your own kit or adding to a pre-made one may be the best way to have a kit that is built and customized for your pet’s needs.

There are first aid items that are necessary:

Scissors - you may need to free your pet from an entanglement or cut matted fur.

Bandage Scissors - these have a blunted blade that can easily slip between skin and bandage material, so you do not cut the patients skin.

Tweezers - to remove foreign materials from wounds.

Nail Clipper and a Styptic Pen - for torn nails and skin wounds (cornstarch also works)

Quick Clot - stops bleeding

Sterile Eye Wash - make sure it is eye wash, not contact solution

Ear Wash – ask your vet what would be best for your pet

Tape - 1” medical tape. Easy to tear off and holds well.

Roll Gauze - used to bandage, pad for splints and aid in stopping bleeding.

Telfa Pads - non-stick dressings for bandaging a wound.

Antiseptic Wash/Wipes - look for non-stinging such as Chlorhexidine or Betadine.  Rubbing alcohol is not good for any open sores or wounds.

Antibiotic Ointment - over-the-counter “general purpose” antibiotic ointment for light use with a minor skin wound. Not for use in eyes. Caution advised for animals that may lick or ingest. Use with discretion. The antibiotics are absorbed via the skin.

Vet Prescribed Pain Relief - speak to your vet about obtaining as needed first aid kit pain relief. Do NOT use human prescription or over-the-counter pain medications for pets.

Latex Gloves - for your protection and your pet’s.

Muzzle - even the most well-trained animals may bite when injured or afraid

Thermometer - know what is normal vital signs for your dog and cat  and how to use the thermometer.              

Hot/Cold packs - cool down skin after a burn or keep an animal warm if hypothermic.   Always use a cloth between the pack and skin and check frequently for redness or irritation.

Water-based lubricating jelly - for use with rectal thermometers.

Extra towels, wash cloths and a blanket - use for washing, keeping warm/cool, and if necessary, a way to transport the injured pet (sling).

Diphenhydramine (aka Benadryl) - for stings and allergic reactions. Speak with your vet first about proper dosing.

Syringe/Large Eye Dropper - to flush wounds or administer fluids by mouth.

List of Phone Numbers - your regular vet, the emergency vet, animal control, and animal poison control numbers. Program these into your cell phone.

Sturdy Box - ideally plastic or metal, to hold all your supplies and is easy to carry and pack with you will complete your kit.

When customizing a first aid kit for YOUR pet include what is needed for YOUR pet’s specific needs. For example, a diabetic pet kit should include honey or Karo syrup in the event of a low blood sugar episode. Pets who have regular medications should have a couple of days supply of all current medications.

Your veterinarian can help you customize a first aid kit to meet your pet’s additional needs.

While purchasing or building a first aid kit is a great first step it will not be enough in the event of an emergency if you are not familiar with how to use the items. Here are some recommendations for preparing yourself in the event of an emergency.

*Take a pet first aid class

*Use the Pet First Aid by the American Red Cross app

*Read pet first aid or animal health books

*Familiarize yourself with pet emergency clinics in your area and places you travel to.

Being prepared in the face of an emergency helps ensure the health and safety of your pets. 

volunteer of the month rachael

April 04, 2018

Rachael Prenkert has been volunteering with Salt Lake County Animal Services since 2014. Since then she has been invaluable to our program! She is a dog lover and has always gone above and beyond. She transports dogs to training's and outings, helps out at events, participates in our shelter Thanksgiving day, donates items, and is a part of our Sunday Team. Rachael gives great feedback about the dogs she works with and can always be counted on when she signs up for something. We are sad to see her go but we are happy for her in her next adventures. The shelters in her new home town will be lucky to have her!

Want to know more about volunteering? Find out more on our volunteer page for potential opportunities to get involved. 

Get to know our volunteers:
What brought you to SLCoAS? I started volunteering with Salt Lake County Animal Services (SLCoAS) because of a very special pup named Gracie.  I met Gracie at the Best Friends Adoption Center in Sugarhouse (PAC) and instantly fell in love.  She is a total doll of a pup but she was not getting adopted because she had to be an only dog.  She was adopted and returned and after being returned, I started taking her off-site for some additional training to help her be more comfortable around other dogs.  She was the last dog adopted in 2014 and I still get to visit her.  She is doing great and now lives with a canine brother in addition to her human siblings.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering?  I love getting to know the dogs that are at the shelter longer.  My favorite thing is taking these longer term residents on special adventures, like swimming at Barley's canine recreation or special treats like the shelter thanksgiving.  Also, I love seeing dogs make progress and that can be learning better manners/behaviors, seeing shy dogs come out of their shells, or dogs that haven't been treated the best start to develop trust again.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Spare time, what's that?  I am a full time student (almost done) and work full time.  I like to volunteer with SLCoAS and Best Friends, weight lifting and yoga, going to concerts and movies, taking my dogs to scent detection, and traveling.

Tell us about your family and fur kiddos:  I have three pups.  Alfie is a 7 year old English bulldog we adopted from the local bulldog rescue in 2012, Big Al is an 8 year old pit bull type dog who was adopted from West Valley Animal Services and one of their Animal Control Officers helped the adopter re-home Al to us in 2016, and last year, we adopted Amelia who is a 2 year old English bulldog Boston terrier mix from Weber County Animal Services.

What advice do you have for new SLCoAS volunteers? Volunteer as much as you can.  You can learn so many things from volunteering and the animals really appreciate you taking them out of their kennels.

Tell us about your favorite adoption story: My favorite adoption story of late is Iggy Piggy Pie.  He is such a good pup and spent so much time in the shelter and it is kind of magic that his now family fell in love with him without knowing how long he had been in the shelter.  Or Rocko Morocco, but I am not sure his adoption is finalized, but after seeing him in and out of the shelter for a few years, it is amazing to see him be totally calm and relaxed in his home.

Tell us something unique about you:  I learned Latin for fun.

Where is your favorite place to travel?  Europe; I love old churches.

Don't be a nuisance

March 20, 2018

Spring is here, and you and your pup are going to be heading out into the great outdoors to sniff the flowers, roam the neighborhoods (on leash of course), and most likely poop on the neighbor’s yard (your dog, not you.)

Leash’em Up!
Prevent your dog from getting hit by a car or starting a dog fight with another dog by keeping them on leash. Your dog is REQUIRED to be on leash at ALL times, unless you’re at a designated off-leash dog park. If you’re caught with your dog off leash, you will get a ticket and have to pay a fine because your dog will be considered a public nuisance.

Many violators of this ordinance will claim that their pet is friendly, or less aggressive when on leash. But Salt Lake County Animal Services would remind them that not everyone likes a “friendly” dog off leash, nor do other dogs that are on leash. A leash is not an optional accessory, it’s the LAW to wear one.

Eww Pooh!
Poop is a reality. Every dog must poop and nope, they don’t only poop at home. It’s the law to clean up after your dog, if you get caught not picking up their poop, expect to pay a fine. This is another public nuisance violation. Be a considerate neighbor or hiker and carry poop bags to cleanup after your dog when they defecate out on an adventure, whether it’s in the neighborhood or on a busy hiking trail, you must pick it up.

Don’t think anyone is watching you walk your dog? Think again. Thanks to our smart phones it’s extremely easy for your neighbor, another park goer, or someone on the trail to take video or pictures of you not cleaning up after your pet. They then submit that information, along with your name or address to Salt Lake County Animal Control Officers who will then write you a ticket.

Curious about the ordinances in your city or township? Check out AdoptUtahPets.com and visit our Laws section to look up the ordinances in your area. Need to contact an officer? Call dispatch at 801-743-7045.

gummy bear

March 09, 2018

Salt Lake County Animal Services is all about second chances. Many pets come to our facility in poor physical condition and need lots of love and rehabilitation. Gummy Bear (aka Grimsby) is one such story. Here's to taking second chances on old cats.  

Gummy Bear came to the shelter as a stray in January 2017. When we first saw him, he was in horrible condition: matted, very sick (upper respiratory infection), and his mouth was in bad condition. We started him on antibiotics for the URI and housed him in our infirmary until that was resolved. We then realized how bad his mouth was. He was missing several teeth, and the ones he had left were not in good condition. We did full blood work and a dental, removing all remaining teeth.

Once we had resolved his major medical issues, he went up for adoption but still had a lot of issues with his gums, and couldn’t stop drooling. The veterinarians diagnosed him with stomatitis, making it hard for him to keep up on grooming. We sent him off to the groomers for a nice spa day!

He continued to struggle with the stress of the shelter life, but that didn’t stop our vets from trying! We kept him on a soft food diet, steroids, and green tea to help with the inflammation.

In March 2017 Liz Garcia came into the shelter and decided to adopt this handsome guy, and his life changed forever!

A note from Gummy Bears mom Liz Garcia:

Gummy Bear (aka Grimsby) was adopted March 25, 2017. He had stomatitis and was under weight. I asked my family veterinarian Dr. Llewellyn at Alcor Cresta if he was up to the challenge of helping Gummy Bear and he was. We didn't expect him to live long, but didn't want him to die at the shelter. We tried different dosages of steroids, multiple sessions of laser treatments, and finally added a new med, Atopica, to the mix. About two months after starting Atopica Gummy's life changed. He now eats kibble, his favorite food!

Because he no longer needs to worry about pain in his mouth he concentrates on more important things like chasing his sister Mini, playing with his toys, soaking up the sun, watching the birds, being his human's shadow, and biting everyone with his toothless mouth. 

Gummy Bear is the most loving cat. He is a great example of why it is worth taking a chance on an old raggedy cat. They may just turn out to be the best pet you've ever had!

A year later, he no longer looks like the skinny 16 year old scraggly cat we once knew!

Thank you Liz for taking a chance on Gummy Bear!

get ready for spring

March 08, 2018

It's time to get ready for spring with your pets! We can all hope that this cold weather will be behind us soon and that Spring is truly “in the air”. This does not just mean it will be time for spring cleaning. It is also a time to get your dog ready for spring!

Here are some simple steps that we can take to get our canine companions ready for the warmer seasons so they can enjoy it to the fullest.

Take your dog to the vet:
First and foremost, you should take your dog to see the veterinarian for their annual check-up. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, which is as applicable to dogs as it is to humans.

Make sure your dog is vaccinated:
Since your dog will be spending more time outdoors in the summer it is important to make sure that their vaccinations are up-to-date. This will help them to be protected from a wide range of serious medical conditions that they are more likely to be exposed to.

Grooming:
Your dog is ready to shed their winter coat. Get ahead of the furry mess by grooming them regularly. If you are strapped for time check out a local grooming salon. For a fee, these groomers will scrub and brush your pup while you run around doing errands. 

Keep those New Year’s resolutions:
People are not the only ones who pack on the pounds in winter. Your dog has likely spent the last few months staying warm and being a little less active. Remember to start slowly with short walks and gradually build up to longer walks.

Sensible fashion is a must!
It's important to take a look at your dog’s collar and leash and other accessories to make sure that they are still in good condition. If they are breaking or fraying, replace them before you start any outdoor activities. Make sure that their tags are in good shape and all your information is up to date.

Microchip:
Every pet owner wants to keep their pets as safe as possible. Placing a collar with an Identification tag is important, but sometimes collars become lost so you want to make sure that your pet is properly identified. That is where a microchip comes in handy. A microchip is a way to ensure that your pet finds their way back home.

Watch for allergies:
Pet can get seasonal allergies just like we do.

• Is your dog scratching more?
  
• Is his/her skin red?
  
• Are their ears dirtier than normal? Or smell?
  
• Are their tear stains darker?
  
• Are they licking their paws more?

These can all be signs of allergies. When the seasons change, these symptoms can come on hard.

Watch for overheating:
Some breeds can handle the heat better than others. However, no matter what breed your dog is, you need to make sure they will not overheat. Make sure that they have access to plenty of water for hydration and provide them with shaded places to rest and relax. Above all else you should never leave your dog alone in your car. The interior can become much hotter than the exterior because of the absorbed sunlight and can be fatal to your dog. If you do see a dog in a hot car please call your local animal control or 911. 

march volunteer of the month

March 02, 2018

March Volunteer of the Month is Michelle Larson!

Michelle Larson is one of our first and most dedicated rabbit volunteers! She has experience with bunnies and offered to come to the shelter and assist in their care and enrichment. It was clear from the get go that Michelle had a lot to offer Salt Lake County Animal Services.

Michelle immediately began bringing in enrichment items, the bunnies favorite hay, getting to know their personalities, and attending events. She even wrote up a wonderful FAQ for adopters! Not only does she stop by every day, she has also recruited other volunteers to join the Salt Lake County Animal Services volunteer family. Michelle is now a volunteer Bunny Mentor and helps train new volunteers in the bunny area. We couldn’t do what we do without her and her passion for the rabbits.  

Thank you Michelle for helping us make a difference. People like you should volunteer in abundance.

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — William Shakespeare

Interested in volunteering, find out more on our volunteer page. 

national pet dental health

February 14, 2018

"Open your mouth kitty....please? Say AAAAH"?

We know brushing cat teeth can be quite difficult. Here are some tips and tricks on making it a little easier. February is National Pet Dental Health Month and we want to help your kitty have pearly whites.

• Massage and handle your cats face often to get them used to having part of their face held. Do this for a few minutes each day until they feel comfortable with their face being touched.

• Once they have gotten used to you handling the outside of their face, you can start massaging their teeth and gums. You can do this with your finger, a soft cloth, or gauze. Also do this for a few minutes each day until they become comfortable.

• Choose a toothpaste and toothbrush made specifically for cats! Let your cat sniff and taste the toothpaste before using it.

• Don’t force them through any of it. If they aren’t ready for the next step, keep working on the previous step a bit longer.

• Brush their teeth every day. Brushing is most successful at preventing oral disease if it’s done every day. Plus, if you do it every day your cat won’t have to get familiar with the process each time.

• Give praise and reward when finished! Cats love praise and treats! Definitely find the tasty treats too.

• Some other helpful things to keep your cats teeth clean if brushing is just not working
  - Dental treats
  - Dental wipes
  - Chew toys
  - Dental cat food

If your cat refuses to brush their teeth, you can visit your local vet, who can clean your cats' teeth. If your cat is refusing to eat or chewing, it may be because of tooth pain, and we would recommend you take them to the vet immediately.  

love your pet month

February 14, 2018

With February being National love your pet month we thought this would be a fun time to talk about the many reasons we love our pets and the way we describe our pets.

There are so many descriptions that apply to our dogs and how they enrich our lives on a daily basis. 

Is your dog a: 

*Comedian*Food Critic

*Couch Potato

*Hiking Partner

*Good Listener

*Alarm Clock

*Muse

*Co-Pilot

*Teacher

*Family

And of course……

*Best friend

It's hard to imagine life without pets. Every animal brings their own joy, laughter, frustration, learning, adventure and enrichment to this world.

Here at Salt Lake County Animal Services, we have the privilege of sharing our space with them, learning from them and having a job where we not only get to work with them but get to work for them and help be a part of the solution in advocating, educating and adopting.

 For National Love your pet month we would love to know how our readers describe their pet? Have a story about your pet you want to share with us and our followers? Please email kpacker@slco.org and we will highlight you and your pets. 

Interested in pampering your pet this month? Join us for our Spa Day at Dirty Johnson's Dog Wash on February 25 from 10 AM - 3 PM. For $25/dog, volunteers will wash and dry your dog and trim their nails. Find out more on our event page. 

potbelly pig official notice of sale

February 09, 2018

Official Notice Of Sale

This Potbelly was brought into the shelter in January 2017. He is a male approx. 6-month-old and available for adoption at 10:00am on 2-10-18.

His adoption price is set at $100 and will be adopted to the first qualified adopter to come in on or after the 10^th .  

Adopter must be in an area zoned for livestock.

If you have questions please email animal@slco.org.

february_volunteer_2018

February 01, 2018

Salt Lake County Animal Services would like to thank our February 2018 volunteers of the month: our student group from Post High!

A group of students from Post High come every single week and make pupsicles for our dogs, clean the cattery for us, and socialize the cats. All of them have a deep love for the animals and are a joy to have volunteering at Salt Lake County Animal Services. This program helps give these students new skills out in their community, cultivates empathy, and also benefits the animals here at the shelter, which is a win-win situation. 

We enjoy getting to know each of the students every school year and celebrating with them when they graduate. Some students have come back to volunteer after graduation and it brings it all back full circle.

 We appreciate all that you do for us Post High! Thanks for volunteering and giving our organization the most precious thing you will ever own – your time and talent.

 “Life’s most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” ~Martin Luther King Jr.

Animal Services for Riverton Residents

January 31, 2018

NEWS RELEASE:

January 16, 2018

Animal Services for Riverton Residents Shifts from Salt Lake County to Riverton City

Salt Lake City, UT – Beginning February 1, 2018, citizens with questions or concerns regarding lost or stray pets, licensing, complaints, etc. will contact Riverton City at (801) 208-3108 for assistance.

All animals from Riverton currently in Salt Lake County Animal Services care will be turned over to Riverton City on February 1. To ease the burden of the transition Salt Lake County Animal Services is seeking to send these stray and abandoned pets, that came from Riverton, to local animal rescues where they can find new families. This should hopefully ease the burden on Riverton City and ensure a positive outcome for these animals.

Below is information provided by Riverton City for its citizens:  

Riverton residents have two options to license pets:
Riverton City Offices: 12830 S. Redwood Rd.
Stone Ridge Veterinary Clinic: 1381 W. Stone Ridge Ln.

Riverton City Animal Control services can be contacted using the following numbers
Office: (801) 208-3108
After hours UPD dispatch: (801) 743-7000

Office hours for animal control will coincide with regular City Office hours, Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  An on-call service for Animal Control is also available so residents can contact a code enforcement officer throughout the day, as well as at night and on weekends.

Riverton City has two locations for animal placement. To retrieve a lost pet, residents should call Animal Control at (801) 208-3108 to coordinate animal pick up.

What or where can someone find the fee schedule for redeeming lost animals?
Proposals for animal control fees are in the process of being approved by City Council and will be available online.

An adoption program has been created in partnership with Stone Ridge Veterinary Clinic, located at 1381 W. Stone Ridge Ln. We will help promote the program as animals become available.

###

 Salt Lake County Animal Services is the largest no-kill municipal shelter in Utah. Our Animal Control Officers provide responsive, timely assistance to animal related issues in the community, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Animal Services provides a variety of amenities to current and potential pet owners: low cost vaccinations and sterilizations, pet adoptions, and free/low-cost microchips to ensure pets return to their loving owners. For more information visit AdoptUtahPets.com.

a shelter cat wants to come home with you

January 11, 2018

Choosing the shelter cat that wants to come home with you can be intimidating. 
If you're in a shelter with colony rooms, like the ones at Salt Lake County Animal Services,
take your time, sit down in the room and give the cats a few minutes to show you who they are. 

The following are a few tips to help you know if a shelter cat wants to come home with you.  

Tripping You: This cat doesn’t want you to go anywhere without them! When cats rub against you, they are trying to mark you with their smell.

Talking to You: “Chirps,” “Meows,” and “Purrs,” these cats have so many stories to tell, and are great company at home.

The Lap Cat: This cat will always love you, and love to sleep on you.

Making Muffins: Kneading, is said to be one of the ways cats say they love you, and means they are super happy.

The Sleeping Cat: Because really every cat wants to go home. This cat is nice and relaxed and wants you to choose them, but please let the sleeping cat lay.

We want you to play more in 2018 which is why we're promoting $18 adoptions throughout January. Want to know more about cat's available at Salt Lake County Animal Services? Contact mallred@slco.org, or visit our adoptable cats at 511 W 3900 S, or look online to see them all. 

notice of sale goats

January 04, 2018

Official Notice Of Sale

Three Pygmy Goats were brought into Salt Lake County Animal Services in December 2017. All of them are females, two of them approximately 3-years-old and the third is approximately 3-months-old. They will all be available for adoption at 10 AM on January 16, 2018.  

The adoption price is set at $45 each and they will be adopted to the first qualified adopter to come in on or after the 16^th .  

Adopter must be in an area zoned for livestock.

Additional questions please email mtalmon@slco.org

sassy_sabrina

January 04, 2018

Sabrina was originally adopted from Salt Lake County Animal Services as a puppy but returned to the shelter 5-years later. Sabrina had the cards stacked against her coming into the shelter environment. She was a 5-year-old, black pit bull, who wasn’t well trained and often did not get along with other dogs.

It did not take long for Sabrina to become a shelter favorite with her sassy personality.  Staff quickly realized that Sabrina was too smart for her own good and needed to have her energy directed into positive experiences.

Sabrina spent mornings in an office playing in the toy box (literally), chewing on bones and having some down time before starting with basics: not jumping on the table, learning to wait until called for, and walking politely on leash. After the “boring” lessons, she would play with food puzzles and the bubble machine. Then Sabrina would head to the play yard where she would open the toy box and jump in to retrieve the toy she wanted. She would finish her enrichment time with a stuffed Kong in her kennel.

During this time, a previous adopter, Theresa, began volunteering at the shelter and met Sabrina.  It was not long before Theresa fell in love with Sabrina and her quirky personality: jumping in toy boxes, sitting “frog-legged” and so on.  Theresa would take Sabrina to the park on outings, Barley’s Canine Recreation Center to swim, and eventually became her biggest advocate on “Team Sabrina,” taking her through a 6-week training course.

In August of 2017, Theresa was determined to foster Sabrina at her home. For Sabrina to live in a home with other dogs, Theresa had to redesign her home to provide a separate, safe space for Sabrina. Once they settled in, Theresa began training Sabrina on scent work and giving her all the luxuries of a home life again.

On November 25^th Theresa and Paul knew it was time to make Sabrina an official family member. After spending 8 months in the shelter and several months in foster, Sabrina found her forever family.

Sabrina’s story is not uncommon in the world of animal rescue but her happy ending wouldn’t have happened without enrichment, training, and a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and fosters. The life-saving programming provided at Salt Lake County Animal Services is due to the support of the community.

A special “thank you” to Theresa and Paul for volunteering, fostering, donating and adopting. Thank you for giving long-term shelter dog, Sabrina, the happy ending she deserved. Happy Trails Sabrina!

Here are links if you are interested in volunteering,fostering,  or adopting from Salt Lake County Animal Services or for questions about volunteering email animalvolunteer@slco.org. 

a new years resolution for your pet

December 22, 2017

As humans many of us set a resolution for ourselves for the new year. Since our pets can improve our physical and mental health, lets improve the lives of our cats and dogs this year as well.

• Update Their Tags & Microchips: If your contact information has changed, get your pet a new tag and update your info that’s attached to their microchip. Also, make sure the info on their tag is still readable, often it rubs off.
• Bring Out the Brush: Not only does brushing improve their coats, it helps you connect.  
• Declutter! Throw away those dirty, germy, broken toys. Get them something new to play with.
• Make Time to Play: Whether it’s swimming, hiking, or learning new tricks; your pet needs time to play and bond with you because they love you unconditionally.
• Measure They’re Food: It’s easy to overfeed a pet who acts like there’s never enough food in the bowl. Throw a measuring cup in their food containers and use it every day. Food is often a way we say, “I Love You.” Love your pet with other things like attention, play dates, or more car rides.
• Take Them to the Vet: Just like humans, pets should see their veterinarian for an annual check-up. They need to have their yearly vaccinations to keep them healthy and happy. Often when pets get sick, there is something going on with them that we can’t see.

As part of your resolution, resolve to play more! Salt Lake County Animal Services will be offering $18 adoption fees from January 2-31 for all pets EXCLUDING puppies and livestock. 

Licensing or renewing a license? Every pet that lives in: Bluffdale, Copperton, Emmigration Canyon, Herriman, Holladay, Kearns, Magna, Midvale, Millcreek, Salt Lake City, and White City can walk-in to Salt Lake County Animal Services, Monday – Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM, and receive a free DHPP (vaccine for dogs), FVRCP (vaccine for cats), and a microchip. Rabies vaccinations are done by appointment only.

For more information visit AdoptUtahPets.com or come by 511 W 3900 S, in Salt Lake City. 

volunteer tracie harrison

December 21, 2017

Meet Salt Lake County Animal Services January 2018 Volunteer of the Month, Tracie Harrison. Tracie started volunteering with us in July 2017 and can often be found working with our green collar dogs or in our barn visiting with the rabbits! She always has such a great attitude when she comes in and has a smile for everyone. We love having Tracie here as she is so understanding and hard working!

Tracie is a wonderful person to have as part of our volunteer program. Her love for the dogs and rabbits is clear and apparent, and we are thankful she chooses to spend her time with our animals!

By volunteering you have just given the most expensive and priceless gift anyone could have ever given – kindness and love. Thank you Tracie!

“We have to do what we can to help wherever and whenever it is possible for us to help.” — Jackie Chan

Interested in volunteering? Found out more or email animalvolunteer@slco.org. 

keep pets safe in cold weather

December 21, 2017

photo credit: Andrea Reiman

The temperatures are dropping, and snow is in the air! Keep your pets safe during the cold weather with a few tips:

• Grab your pup a coat and some dog booties to protect their paws. Check your dog’s paws for snow clumps when they come in after being outside.
• Ice melt is dangerous to our pets if ingested. Please wipe their paws when coming inside from a dog walk or a cat outing. There is animal-safe ice melt you can purchase at your local hardware stores.
• If your dog stays outside in your backyard during the day, please be sure that they have access to shelter and un-frozen water.  During night freezing temperatures, please bring your dog inside. If you’re cold, your dog is cold. Dogs can suffer from hypothermia.
• If you have a community cat colony at your residence, please make sure they have adequate shelter.

On behalf of all of us at Salt Lake County Animal Services, we wish you and yours a very merry holiday season! If you’re looking to collect holiday donations for the pets here at the shelter, we’re always in need of soft treats for the pups and canned cat paté for the kitties. If you would like more ideas please visit our website, AdoptUtahPets.com or visit us at 511 W 3900 S, Salt Lake City.  

bello the goat for adoption

December 21, 2017

Bello, was brought into Salt Lake County Animal Services in December 2017. He is a male approximately 1 year old and available for adoption at 10:00am on January 3, 2018. 

His adoption price is set at $45 and will be adopted to the first qualified adopter to come in on or after the 3^rd.

Adopter must be in an area zoned for livestock.

Salt Lake County Animal Services is located at 511 W 3900 S, SLC. 

esther the pig for adoption

December 18, 2017

“Esther,” the Landrace pig (A462957) will be available for sale on Monday, December 18, at 10:00 AM when the shelter opens. The adoption fee is $150, and she will be adopted on a first-come, first-served basis. If more than one qualified adopter comes in on Monday morning, a random drawing will be held.

She is friendly and is approximately four months old.