Unleashed – PAWsitive Stories from Salt Lake County Animal Services
2020 at a Glance
December 23, 2020
Salt Lake County Animal Services is the largest, lifesaving (no-kill) municipal shelter in Utah. In 2020, we helped over 11,500 animals. We cared for a variety of pets including: cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, chickens, goats, pigs, reptiles, birds & small mammals.
Salt Lake County Animal Services in 2020:
- 11,500 pets were cared for or received services from Animal Services.
- 3,400 owned pets received food from the Pet Crew Pantry
- 1,850 pets were returned to their owners
- 2,600 pets were adopted or sent to a rescue
- 2,500 pets were spayed/neutered by the on-site clinic
- AND SO MUCH MORE!
As we wrap up 2020, the Staff at Salt Lake County Animal Services want to share some of this years successes with you.
When the pandemic hit, our staff had to adjust to a new way of operating. We broke into smaller teams to ensure that we would always have healthy employees to feed and care for the animals at our shelter and also to continue to respond to animal control calls and emergencies.
At the beginning of the pandemic, some of our staff were reassigned in the county to help the Health Department organize the supplies coming in, that had to be disbursed to the homeless population living in hotels with Covid-19. We also coordinated the care of pets for individuals who we’re suffering from COVID-19 with no other resources.
Our clinic was mandated to put all non-essential surgeries on hold, including spay/neuter, while they're was a shortage of PPE. But they were still busy caring for sick and injured animals that came to the shelter. In May they had a backlog of several hundred animals that were living in foster-to-adopt homes, that needed to be sterilized.
In April, our staff could see that there was a very real need to help feed the pets in the community. Our team applied for grants and sought out donations to help secure pet food for those who would sacrifice their own meal to feed their pets and their children. We have held 9 Pet Crew Pantries since May.
Thank you to our community who has stepped up to help us throughout the year. The threat of Covid-19 will still be with us in 2021 and we will still be operating on an appointment only basis in the building for the foreseeable future. We appreciate your understanding so we can keep both our staff and the public safe. We also appreciate the unwavering support YOU give which helps us care for the pets in the shelter and throughout our community.
If you would like to make a year-end donation to help pets that enter the shelter in 2021, please visit our donations page. Or contact jjohanson@slco.org for assistance.
Thank you,
Staff at Salt Lake County Animal Services
15 Holiday Safety Tips
December 10, 2020
The holiday season is upon us and the best gift for your pet and you would be to prevent a holiday disaster. Here are 15 pet safety tips from Salt Lake County Animal Services.
Even with this year’s changes in our schedules and so many people working from home, you may not notice what your pet is up to, if they snuck a “toy” off the Christmas tree and swallowed it. Maybe you had to run a quick errand and come home to presents under the tree torn, or the tree toppled over.
Pet parents need to be especially diligent during the holidays. Decorating the house with holly and mistletoe are common, however, these can prove fatal for pets. Even plants like amaryllis and daffodils are toxic for pets.
Here are a few good tips to make sure your pup is safe.
1. Anchor your Christmas tree securely so pets can't knock it over.
2. Get a Faux tree: An artificial tree is much safer for your pets.
3. Don’t decorate the bottom part of the tree. This could prevent your dog from being enticed to reach those easy to grab ornaments.
4. Block off the Christmas tree by using a pet gate in front of it.
5. Avoid glass ornaments. Glass ornaments can easily break and your pet could eat the glass.
6. Be careful of the water in the Christmas tree stand, stagnant water can contain bacteria.
7. Keep wiring and extension cords out of reach. You do not want your pet to become tangled, bite the wires, or pull them off.
8. Keep wrapped gifts and wrapping paper out of reach. If your pet eats wrapping paper it can cause an upset stomach or even worse, a blockage.
9. Chocolate is a very popular Christmas treat but can be very toxic to your pet.
10. "No" to table scraps. Not only can this cause unwanted behaviors (begging) but it can be unsafe to your pets and cause medical problems.
11. Keep an eye on your dough if baking and do not give your pets cooked bones they can easily splinter and cause dental damage as well as internal perforations.
12. Monitor entrances in snowy weather and make sure that no ice melting chemicals are tracked in on your shoes; they are very toxic to dogs.
13. Ensure all children are familiar with your pets and know how to interact with them safely.
14. Do your best to keep your normal schedule. Animals thrive on routine. Make sure to keep as close as you can to their normal routines of feeding, sleeping and walking.
15. Make sure that your pets’ new toys are size appropriate and monitored to make sure they do not chew or swallow small pieces.
Most of all have a very Happy and Safe Holiday and a Happy New Year.
Homemade Dog Treats are the best way to show your pet that you love them like family! These Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats are an easy dog biscuit recipe that your fur baby would request every week if they could.
If you are interested in adopting one of our wonderful pets waiting to find their forever home, please visit adoptutahpets.org to view our available animals.
If you are opening your home to a pet in need and fostering please email fosters@slco.org for more information on our foster program.
PAWliday Crafts & Workshops
December 09, 2020
Join Salt Lake County Animal Services this PAWliday Season for fun, easy to follow along crafts for kids. Select whichever Virtual Workshop you would like to sign your child up for (or yourself). Links for each workshop is in each description along with supplies, and brief instructions. Sign-Up Links for each workshop is in the description below, along with materials you need, and steps to use to follow along with.
Questions? Email hblack@slco.org.
PAWliday Workshops
Monday, December 21st, 4:00-4:30pm: PAWliday Craft - Cat Wands
Being indoors doesn’t mean your cat shouldn’t stay active and have fun. Here’s a crafty way to enhance your cat’s day by playing on her hunting instincts and see the world through your cat’s eyes within the comfort of your own home. Don’t have a cat? Donate your wand to the animal shelter!
You can get the whole family to join the fun, and these toys will help keep everyone busy, including your furry friend. You can make each wand as unique as you!
Benefits of a DIY Wand Cat Toy:
How can these toys enrich your cat’s day? You can wave, twitch, flutter and circle the wand around randomly so that the ribbon moves enticingly like an insect or bird or other prey. A key added benefit of the wand toy is that it lets you keep some distance between your cat's claws and your skin.
Before you get started, here are a couple things to consider:
When enjoying your creation, be mindful that these cat toys are made of small parts. Please supervise your furry friend while playing and collect the pieces when done to help ensure safety. Put wand and toys away when not in use.
Supplies you will need:
One sturdy stick, around 12 inches long
Ribbon, shoe laces, thin craft rope, yarn or other kind of string. Approx. 18-24 inches long. (will need at least one length of 'string', but can have additional strings for a fuller wand.)
Bells, small cat toys, feathers or fabric scraps
Optional supplies:
1/2 inch sturdy wood dowel instead of stick
Multiple strings and toys
Steps:
Take your stick and string and tie a knot in the string around the end of you stick. Take your toy/bell/fabric/feather that you chose and tie a knot around that with the other end of the string. You can do this as many times as you want to make a fuller wand, alternating empty strings with strings with fun things on the end! Now you can wave, twitch, flutter and circle the wand around randomly so that the ribbon moves enticingly like an insect or bird or other prey.
Pawliday Crafts with Kids: Day 2. Four DIY sock dog toys
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 11:00-11:30AM
DIY Sock Toys:
Learn how to create 4 different types of dog toys on a budget. Your dog is going to love these! These are great for fetching or tugging. Plus, you have the added benefit of recycling old socks to a new and useful purpose. These 4 easy DIY dog toys can be made using old socks you have laying around the house, and by recycling from some old, worn out toys too.
Option 1:
1 knee high sock
Option 2:
1 knee high sock
1 tennis ball
Option 3:
1 knee high sock
1 empty plastic bottle
Option 4:
1 Knee high sock
1 old Stuffed Squeaky toy (poly-fil and squeaker)
Scissors to snip a hole in the old toy to pull out the stuffing and squeaker
Instructions
Toy option 1: Tie knots in the sock to make a fun tug toy
Toy option 2: Tie knot at the heel of the sock, insert ball, tie 2 more knots above the ball and then tie the ends two together with a square knot
Toy option 3: Tie knot at heel, insert empty plastic water bottle (the sturdier the better), and tie two knots above the bottle
Toy option 4: Use scissors to snip a hole in an old stuffed squeaky toy. Pull out poly-fil and squeaker. Tie knot at heel of sock, stuff in half of the poly-fil, insert squeaker, stuff in the other half of the poly-fil, and tie two more knots above that.
Pawliday Crafts Day 3: Salt Dough Paw Ornament
Wednesday, December 23rd, 4:00-4:30pm
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup water
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Baking sheet
Straw/pen for punching a hole
Yarn, string, ribbon or twine for hanging ornament
Optional for personalizing:
Acrylic paint
Mod Podge and glitter
Directions:
Step 1: Mix the salt, flour, and water in a bowl until it becomes firm. Knead the dough for 30 seconds. Use a rolling pin if you want a flatter ornament and then cut individual circles with a cup or cookie cutters.
Step 2: Press your dog’s or cat’s paw into the salt dough and use a straw/pen cap to make a small hole at the top.
Step 3: Bake at 200 degrees in the oven for 2-3 hours or until completely dry.
Step 4: Once it is cooled, you can grab some acrylic paint or mod podge and some glitter to decorate! Finish it off with a pretty ribbon to hang on the tree!
SAFETY: Make sure to hang ornaments out of reach of pets as these are toxic due to the large amount of salt in salt dough ornaments.
Pawliday Crafts for Kids: Day 4 Recycled Enrichment
Monday, December 28th 4 PM - 4:30 PM
Supplies needed: Whatever you have in your recycle bin! Such as:
Cardboard boxes of different sizes
Toilet rolls/paper towel rolls, empty wrapping paper rolls.
Packing paper, newspaper, wrapping paper
Plastic bottles and jugs (caps and labels removed)
Cardboard egg cartons
Plus:
Kibble or treats
Tape
Instructions
Paper tubes/rolls: Use these singularly and fold over the ends to make a challenge for your pet to empty.
Empty bottles/jugs: Use old empty plastic bottles (well washed) to dispense dry food/treats. For your pets safety remove the lid, ring and label as well as supervise. Some pets will chew the bottle and could ingest the plastic or cut their gums.
Cardboard Boxes: Throw in kibble or treats into an empty box. Fold or tape lid shut for an extra challenge. Scrunch some paper to make it hard for your pet to find the reward.
Try Putting a box inside of another box with only 1 reward in each box.
Put out several boxes and only put a treat in one or two to get your pet searching and using its natural instincts to hunt and find the reward.
Pawliday Crafts for Kids: Day 5 Cardboard Cat House
Tuesday, December 29th 11:00-11:30am
Supplies:
Cardboard Box – approx 20-24″ cube (or large enough to comfortably fit your cat!)
Scissors (to cut openings in box)
Embellishments – Craft Paint, Markers, Colored Pencils, Colored Paper, Ribbon, Etc.
Blanket, pillow, towel or cat bed
Instructions:
Flip Box upside down, flaps out to stabilize box (or you can tape flaps closed)
Cut round hole in side for a door, large enough for your cat to fit through.
Cut smaller windows on sides of box
Now for the fun part – painting and decorating! There are SO many different ways that you can be creative with it!
Put blanket/pillow inside the box
Now your cat can enjoy their new hideaway house! Place some of your cat’s favorite treats inside to help encourage them to go in.
Pawliday Crafts for Kids: Day 6 Pupsicles
Wednesday, December 30th 4:00-4:30
Supplies needed:
Plastic cups or muffin tin
Can of 100% pumpkin puree
Dry kibble
Canned dog food
Peanut Butter or Plain Greek Yogurt
Milk bones, bully sticks or other long treat for the “handle”
Low sodium chicken or beef broth
Water
Instructions:
Layer the ingredients in a cup or muffin tin
Add the handle treat
Add a splash of broth and fill the rest of the cup with water
Place in freezer and freeze
To thaw and pull popsicle out of cup, run some warm water on the outside of the cup and then tip cup over and pull on handle
Pawlidays Crafts for Kids: Day 7 Cat Pom Poms
Thursday, December 31st 11:00-11:30am
Supplies:
-Cotton or wool yarn/string
-Scissors
Directions:
- Start by selecting a type of string and holding the end in the palm of your hand. Wrap the string around and around your hand, looping it at least 50 times.
- Now slide the looped string off your hand and tie around the center with a length of string.
- Work your scissors through the looped sides of the string and cut, creating the pom-pom kitty toy.
- Cut the other half of the looped string and trim around the pom-pom as needed. Make several so your feline has a toy for every room in your house.
Home for the Holidays: Foster a Shelter Pet
November 30, 2020
Give a shelter pet, and your family, a holiday to remember! Salt Lake County Animal Services invites you to foster a pet for the holidays, and give a pet a few days in a home to show off their personality, and tell us about it. This kind of information helps us get a pet adopted even faster!
For the month of December we would love to get all of our shelter pets into a home for the holidays. 2020 has been a difficult one for many, why not foster a pet and make it a Paws-itively good holiday?
Enjoy all the love a shelter pet can give while helping them get a break from the shelter. It’s a win-win situation. You never know, maybe Santa Paws will even stop by for a visit!
Email Fosters@slco.org for more information and to get a shelter pet into your home for the holidays. You can also learn more about our year-round foster program online.
Teach Your Dog To Pose For Family Photos
November 24, 2020
It's the time of year where you gather up all the family, the 4-legged ones in particular, to look cute in a holiday photo. Salt Lake County Animal Services will walk you through step-by-step on how to get your pups to look great in a photo.
Including your dog in your next family photo session.
- Practice Commands: (recommend sit, stay and down). If your dog has a cute trick that highlights their personality, practice that as well, so that they’re fresh in your dog’s mind. Check out our video on teaching your dog to ‘stay.’
- Exercise your dog the day-of: Take them for a walk or hike, let them play at doggy daycare. If weather is bad and you can’t get out to excise them, playing nose games in the house or your yard will help tire them out by using their noses. (we have a nose games video as well)
- Bring high value treats that your dog loves: boiled chicken, cheese, hot dogs, etc. This will help them stay focused. You can also bring a toy for your dog: but if your dog is highly toy motivated and gets distracted by them easily, wait until the end of the session to get photos of your dog with their toy.
- Bring a squeaker toy for photographer to get your dogs attention. Practice teaching your dog to stay in position around squeaky toys so that they don’t get up to get the toy
- Make sure pet is cleaned and groomed beforehand. If your dog has a lot of dandruff that shows, you can take a lint roller and lightly roll it down your pets back to pick up the dandruff. It’s also good to have one on hand to use on your clothes right before photos if your pet sheds.
Don’t worry if your dog isn’t doing what you ask, never stress a pet by asking it to do something that it’s not comfortable doing. Stress will show in the photos. A good photographer will be able to use the unpredictability of pet photoshoots and make them fun! What is important is that your dog’s personality and the tender moments between you and your pet are captured.
Volunteer Highlight: Sundyn Woolf
November 18, 2020
Salt Lake County Animal Services has amazing people who volunteer and foster for our organization. They help socialize pets, groom them, walk them, and foster. Meet this months Volunteer Highlight, Sundyn Woolf, she volunteers and fosters! Find out more about her experience and become a VOLUNTEER or FOSTER.
Q&A with Sundyn:
What brought you to Salt Lake County Animal Services?
I have thought about volunteering at a shelter for years, but haven't had the time. Now I'm more available and happy to have the opportunity to help out.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
I love meeting all the different cat personalities. From sweet to salty, they all have something special.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoying snowboarding, reading, Bikram yoga and creating encaustic/found object art.
Tell us about your family and fur kiddos:
Right now I'm living with my sister and “Double Trouble”. “Double Trouble” are my two bunnies Jax and Harley. Jax is a Holland lop and Harley is a Holland lop/lion head mix. Jax is pretty laid back. Harley is the independent, sassy type.
What advice do you have for new SLCoAS volunteers?
Approach each animal with a blank slate. They are all different and I wouldn't assume one animal is like another. Let them lead the relationship.
Do you have a favorite adoption story?
I'm currently fostering Semi who is a cat with Cerabeller Hypoplasia. His adoption will be my favorite. He's such a special guy.
Tell us something unique about you:
I've been learning how to communicate with animals telepathically for about a year. I stumbled onto it and because of some very cool experiences I've had, I'm a believer.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I went to France when I was 16. I would love to go back.
Adopt A Senior Pet Month
November 05, 2020
November is National Adopt A Senior Pet Month — a month dedicated to helping older pets find loving forever homes. Shelters and rescues across the country hope those looking to adopt a new furry friend will consider adding a senior pet to the family this month. Check out Salt Lake County Animal Services senior pets online.
Senior pets have trouble finding adoptive homes and while we can all agree that puppies and kittens are adorable, older pets are just as loving and loyal as their younger counterparts. Not to mention, adopting a senior animal companion comes with some great advantages:
*Senior pets are typically calmer than puppies and kittens
*Senior pets are typically already House trained and past the teething stage
*Senior pets typically know all of their basic commands but are still willing to learn some more.
*Senior pets low-key nature makes them great fit for homes with small children, so long as the children know how to gently interact with an animal
*They are less demanding and usually fit into many households, including apartments.
From November 5-30, 2020 - Salt Lake County Animal Services is offering:
$40 Dog Adoption Fees for dogs over 5 years-old
$11 Cat Adoption Fees for cats over 5 years-old
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Understanding the personality of a pet is key in finding a perfect match and a successful adoption. Puppies and kittens are still developing their personalities, with a senior pet what you see is what you get. You will know if a senior dog is a “Lovebug” or if your Senior Cat is an “Independent Companion” You will not need to worry about drastic personality changes, too much energy or how big they may get.
Bringing any animal into your home you should expect that you will need to face unique challenges, all pets will need regular vet visits, dental care and checkups to stay in good health.
Senior pets often make the most grateful adoptees, they seem to know that you opened your heart and your home to them, and they are loved and will be cared for. We have often heard once a person has adopted a senior and seen the love and gratitude, they have they will always adopt a senior.
If you are interested in adopting a senior pet please visit our website at adoptutahpets.org to view all of our wonderful animal hoping to find their forever homes.
Interested in fostering? Email our Foster Coordinator at fosters@slco.org to find out more.
Our Senior to Senior program offers adopters 55 years of age or older adoption an animal 5 years of age or older a free adoption. Find out more at adoptions@slco.org
Giving Tuesday Challenge: Cats Vs Dogs
November 02, 2020
Salt Lake County Animal Services will be participating in Giving Tuesday on December 1st but starting November 3, we will begin a friendly challenge to see who can raise more money for our Injured Animal Fund, CAT people or DOG people? We have a goal of $10,000!
During this year’s Giving Tuesday, help support the hundreds of injured animals that enter Salt Lake County Animal Services every year. Our on-site veterinary clinic treats everything from colds, abscesses, minor surgeries, and amputations, and we bring in outside orthopedic surgeons to help us with other major surgeries. In 2020, we spent over $20,000 to help these animals either return home or be adopted out to new families.
There are two different ways to DONATE:
- Simply text "adoptutahpets" to phone number 56651. Follow the prompts to make and pay for your donation.
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- In the comment section enter “cats” or “dogs”
- Visit the online portal and enter in your information: bit.ly/donate2slcoas
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- Enter the amount of your donation in the "Injured Animal Fund."
- In the comments section enter "cats" or "dogs."
- Share your donation with your friends and family and encourage them to donate.
- Follow Salt Lake County Animal Services Facebook page to find out more about the pets our Injured Animal Fund has helped.
Donate over $50 and we will give you a goody bag for your pet! Stay tuned, we will send you an invite to a drive-thru pick-up party in December. Questions? Email jjohanson@slco.org
GivingTuesday emphasizes opportunities to give back to communities and causes in safe ways that allow for social connection and kindness even while practicing physical distancing.
Halloween Pet Safety Tips
October 22, 2020
The Halloween season can be scary for pets, especially dogs, when they encounter spooky houses or people in costumes. Please be prepared and prevent your dog from getting lost or injured during this time. Here are some tips from Salt Lake County Animal Services to use during this Halloween. Check out our video below as well.
Identification:
- Make sure tags and microchip are current
- Write phone number on collar
- Write phone number on duct tape and then wrap it around collar (If you don’t have time to get somewhere to get a new tag)
On Your Walk:
- Get walks in early
- Take your dogs favorite treats with you in case they see anything scary
- Emergency lure: take a bunch of treats in your hand, glue it to your dogs’ nose and lure them out of the situation
- Have two points of contact on your dog:
- One leash on collar and one on harness
- Hook two carabiners together and clip one to harness and one on collar and use one leash on either collar or harness
- If you see a stray pet while on your walk, please be cautious before approaching, especially if you have on a costume that can scare them. Scared animals may either bolt or bite.
- If you restrain a lost pet, please call your local animal control. In Salt Lake County: 801-840-4000.
In Your House:
- Set up baby gates or ex-pens around doorways to prevent pets escaping
- If dressing up pets, make it positive! Play with them, feed them their favorite treats, give them breaks
- Some signs of stress: lip licking, yawning, shaking off and panting. Wearing a costume may stress out your pet.
- Safe place to go such as bedroom or crate, with music/tv playing and a frozen Kong
- Keep candy out of reach! Supervise pets if candy is out, ask dogs to leave it, send them to their beds. If you can’t supervise, make sure candy is stored up high, preferably in a cabinet and out of reach. Xylitol and chocolate are toxic. If your pet ingests either of those things call your local animal hospital for further instructions.
Vote: Cutest Pittie Pageant Photo Contest
October 16, 2020
Foster Highlight: Elizabeth Stallings
October 14, 2020
Opening your home, heart, and time to pets in need can be rewarding. Every year, hundreds of pets grow healthy and strong in a foster home, enabling them to be adopted into a new home. Find out more about fostering from our kitten foster, Elizabeth Stallings, our October Foster Highlight.
Q & A with our Foster: Elizabeth
How long have you been fostering?
Two years at the Salt Lake County Animal Services, 7 years at a different organization prior.
What had you interested in joining our foster program?
Salt Lake County Animal Services is an incredible asset to the community and I wanted to be a part of it.
What types of animals have you fostered?
Kittens!
What is the most rewarding aspect of fostering?
Watching their little personalities bloom. They are the most fun to watch, play with and love on!
What advice would you give to a new foster in the program?
Old towels and rags are a must.
Learn the signs of illness.
Check their weight every few days.
Spend all the time you can just enjoying them.
What is your favorite foster memory?
My very favorite is teaching my nieces and nephews to love and respect animals.
Pittie Pageant Photo Contest
October 05, 2020
A $10 donation is required to enter. Please follow the directions below:
The winning photos will be determined by the number of votes.
ACO Cares Earns National Achievement Award
September 30, 2020
Salt Lake County, UT – The Animal Control Officer (ACO) Cares Program has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) is pleased to grant Salt Lake County a 2020 Achievement Award for its program titled “ACO Cares Program” in the category of Human Services. Salt Lake County Animal Services operates a much-valued program wherein Animal Control Officers can identify patrons in our community that are in the most need of special services and opt to provide veterinary assistance when appropriate. The Officers carry special cards that they can distribute to residents who need spay and neuter services and the residents can then work with our Clinic to schedule these services. The ACO Cares Program has become one of many tools Animal Control Officers use to help serve the public. Since implementing the program in 2018, nearly 400 animals have received surgeries via this opportunity.
“Salt Lake County Animal Services is constantly looking for ways to improve the lives of the pets and people served within the jurisdiction. Ultimately, their programming and educational opportunities have helped change the image of a municipal shelter both in our area, and across the country,” says Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson.
NACo President Mary Ann Borgeson said, “We are seeing firsthand now more than ever that counties work tirelessly to support our residents. This year’s Achievement Award-winning programs showcase how counties build healthy, safe and vibrant communities across America.”
Nationally, awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.
Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize county government innovations. Each nominee is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received.
Salt Lake County Animal Services is located at 511 W 3900 S, SLC. Hours of operation are Mon-Sat, 10 AM – 6 PM. Due to Covid-19, all services are done by appointment. For additional information call 385-468-7387, email animal@slco.org, visit AdoptUtahPets.org.
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About Salt Lake County Animal Services: Salt Lake County Animal Services adopted a No-Kill philosophy in 2010. Our mission is to provide comprehensive service and care to the animals and citizens we serve in the Salt Lake County Municipal Services District and the cities of Bluffdale, Holladay, Midvale, Millcreek, Murray, and Salt Lake.
About Naco: The National Association of Counties (NACo) unites America’s 3,069 county governments. Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. Learn more at www.naco.org
Pitbull Awareness Month 2020
September 28, 2020
October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month and Salt Lake County Animal Services will be holding a variety of programs this month to educate, advocate and of course celebrate our favorite blocky headed fur friends.
Through the years it has gained momentum and Pit Bull pet guardians and advocates decided to make the month of October National Pit Bull Awareness month with National Pit Bull Awareness Day falling on October 24th this year.
Look at what Salt Lake County Animal Services has planned:
October 1st-31st Pittie Pageant:
We will be kicking off the festivities with our very own Pittie Pageant Photo Contest starting on October 1st. This is a photo contest for you to show off your Pitties.
Submit Photos Oct 1st - 15th: For a $10 donation you can submit a photo of your dog and then let voting begin.
Voting Runs Oct 16th - 31st: Tell you friends, family, neighbors and have them go and submit a dollar to vote for your pup. The Dogs Meow and Paw Paws self-serve dog wash and boutique have both generously donated some wonderful gift baskets for your 4 legged friends. We will be announcing the 1st and 2nd prize winners November 2nd. All proceeds will go to our Enrichment program to help the animal in our care.
Get your pup signed up today!
October 15th Pit Bull Basics and Beyond Workshop:
Whether you are new to 'bully breeds' or have been their guardians for years, we all know they NEED mental stimulation. This virtual presentation is geared towards terrier guardians who would like to know more about how to work with their instincts, provide mental stimulation, potential health issues and the importance of training. The best part of all is that this is completely FREE for you to join us in celebrating our Pit Bulls for National Pit bull awareness month.
Taught by Certified Behavior Consultant Laurie Schlossnagle, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, KPA CTP of Side By Side Dog Training.
In order to reserve a spot:
1. Register here: bit.ly/slco-workshop5
2. Then we will email a confirmation to you with a Zoom invite.
Free Pittie Fix: October 19th-23rd 2020
Appointments are limited and you must live and license in our jurisdiction to qualify.
Your dogs must be a “Bully Breed” to qualify for the Free Pittie Fix.
Free Pitbull Fix sign up.
Pet Owners in our jurisdictions, use the code PITTY.
When you schedule your appointment, you will be prompted to fill out a surgery authorization waiver and schedule their pick up appointment. Our scheduler will follow-up with you to confirm your details.
If you are interested in adopting please visit our Adoptable Pets for more information.
History of National Pitbull Awareness Month
National Pit Bull Awareness Month started as National Pit Bull Awareness Day in 2007 By Bless The Bully’s and was established as a day to educate and foster positive communications and experiences in the communities in which we and our dogs live. It is a special day to focus on these incredible dogs and their devoted, responsible owners; a day to change perceptions and stereotypes.
The goal of National Pit Bull Awareness Day/Month is to promote the truth about pit bulls. Knowledge is power! We believe that with education and advocacy, the truth will save lives in terms of negating the fear and bias generated about Pit Bull type dogs, and help to circumvent knee-jerk reactions such as breed bans, and the truth will result in fewer pit bulls ending up in animal shelters.
As breed advocates we routinely find ourselves educating and advocating just by including our dogs in our daily routines. You can show others that every dog is a product of the environment and upbringing they are in and that a “pit bull” is just a dog.
Late License Fee Amnesty
September 01, 2020
Make a fresh start for you and your pet! Salt Lake County Animal Services is providing an Amnesty Late License Fee Forgiveness Program for all pet licenses from Sept 2-Oct 31. All residents in our jurisdiction are invited to take advantage of this program to get pet licenses up to date without having to pay a late penalty fee.
Visit the Licensing section of our website and download the licensing application. You can complete the process online (no contact!) Or if you have questions or need assistance please email animal@slco.org or call 385-468-7387. Licenses can be paid online or via check.
Microchipping/Licensing Drive-Up Event:
September 18, 2 PM - 5 PM
Salt Lake County Animal Services
511 W 3900 S, SLC 84123
Masks are required and social distancing is observed. Do not attend if you are feeling ill. Please bring all current rabies documentation and proof of spay/neuter, no appointment is necessary. All pets in Salt Lake County qualify for a free microchip with a free lifetime registration. If you license in advance, just bring proof you paid in advance and bring your pet: cats must be in carriers, dogs must be on-leash.
Why Pets Must Be Licensed:
- It’s a mandatory Utah state law.
- A license is the best way to reunite you with your dog if he/she becomes lost
- A pet wearing a license tag can quickly be identified and returned to you
Jurisdictions We License:
*Cities: Bluffdale, Holladay, Midvale, Millcreek, Murray, Salt Lake City
*Townships: Brighton, Copperton, County Islands, Emigration Canyon, Kearns, Magna, White City
License Fees:
$15.00 – Sterilized pet license
$5.00 – Senior citizen license (only offered for sterilized pets to residents 60 years and older)
$40.00 – Unsterilized pet license
Salt Lake County Animal Services is located at 511 W 3900 S, SLC. Hours of operation are Mon-Sat, 10 AM – 6 PM. Due to Covid-19, all services are done by appointment. For additional information call 385-468-7387, email animal@slco.org, visit AdoptUtahPets.org.
Volunteer Highlight: Catherine
August 24, 2020
Thank you to Salt Lake County Animal Services Volunteer of the Month, Catherine McIntosh. She is one of many, who helps provide enrichment, attention, and love for the pets at our shelter. Find out more about her experience volunteering below. You can also find out more about becoming a volunteer at our facility on our Volunteer Page.
More from Catherine:
What brought you to Salt Lake County Animal Services?
I was looking for another way to give back during Covid. Most of my volunteer work has to do with helping people and so I wanted to branch out and reach a different part of our community. Salt Lake City Animal Services seemed like the perfect fit for me!
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
I absolutely love how free-range the shifts are. You get to interact with so many animals while also helping some pets get accustomed with being around people. So many of the cats I work with are just the sweetest, loving, and most playful creatures so I never get bored!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Coming to Utah made me a lot more open to outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. There are so many beautiful spots to explore! When I'm not really feeling the weather, I usually will curl up with a good book. I recently finished "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moyes which has got to be one of my favorites.
Tell us about your family and fur kiddos:
I am the middle child in a family of five. My mother is from Switzerland and my dad is from the states. I have two amazing siblings who I consider my best friends. My younger brother just graduated high school and my older sister is in her senior year of college. My "non-human" siblings consist of our 11 year old lab Hilo and my 7 year old cat Tommy. All of them are a joy to be around!
What advice do you have for new SLCoAS volunteers?
Honestly, just be your happy, kind self! Treat all the animals with love and respect and you'll get along great!
Do you have a favorite adoption story?
I haven't actually had the opportunity to see an adoption occur in person yet unless you count the one where I adopted my cat a few years back.
Tell us something unique about you:
Due to my mom being Swiss, I am fluent in both German and Swiss German. I can also pogo stick while jump-roping.
What is your favorite place to travel?
Europe is probably my favorite get-away spot. Specifically Switzerland as this is where most of my family lives.
Virtual Petapalooza
August 18, 2020
Join us for our Virtual Petapalooza, where we will highlight adoptable pets throughout the day Aug 24-29.
Interested in meeting an adoptable pet? All Adoption are done by appointment. Email adoptions@slco.org.
Remember we're offering Pick Your Price Cat Adoptions through Aug 31, 2020. Minimum adoption fee is $1. All cats/kittens are spayed/neutered upon adoption.
Check out our adoptable pets here.
The Good Dog Campaign
July 23, 2020
Salt Lake County Animal Services is recruiting “GOOD DOGS” and GOOD PET OWNERS, to help us educate others who are unaware of pet ordinances and laws.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a rise in the amount of people walking their dogs off-leash and not cleaning up pet waste. Many pet owners and city officials have seen an alarming trend in neighborhoods and on the trails; more dogs are being walked off-leash and more dog poop is being left on the trails.
Animal Control Officers will be placing signs at some of the major parks in the valley to help raise awareness and reward responsible pet ownership.
How the Campaign Works:
Be part of our GOOD DOG Campaign! Salt Lake County Animal Services is launching this new public awareness program to help build a better community of dog owners who keep their dogs on leash and pick up their poop. We will be putting up signs at various parks across the valley and letting the public know where they are on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
What You Can Do to Help:
- Find the sign at the park.
- Take a photo of your pup by the sign and tag us on Facebook or Instagram: @Salt Lake County Animal Services.
- Be sure to use the Hash Tag: #SLCOGoodDog
- Can’t find the sign, but your pup is such a good dog and on-leash? Still tag us like mentioned above! (We can’t say no to GOOD DOGs on-leash!)
Once you post this, we will enter your name to win a HUGE basket full of treats for your GOOD DOG! We will pull the name of the winner after Labor Day and announce it on social media.
Thank you for helping us make our community a better place!
Find out more about leash and waste ordinances in your area. Go to AdoptUtahPets.org and visit our “LAWS” section. Need to contact an officer to report an off-leash dog? Call Dispatch at 801-743-7000 or email animalcontrol@slco.org.
Besides being the law, what is the concern with off-leash dogs?
- Dog Attacks against people or other dogs
- Dog Bites
- Dogs Hit by Car
- Nuisance Pollution (dog poop does not disintegrate)
Foster Highlight: Olivia
July 06, 2020
It takes an army of volunteers every year to foster all the neonatal kittens that come into animal shelters like Salt Lake County Animal Services. Olivia Coleman is one of these people who help kittens grow big and strong so they can be adopted by loving families. Find out more about fostering and about Olivia's experience.
Thank you Olivia! Here's a Q&A we had with her:
- I’ve been fostering for about a year and a half!
- It’s actually a funny story! I was wanting to volunteer more with animals and I was really interested in fostering kittens. One day, I came in for a volunteer shift, and about a minute after I walked in, two ladies walked in with four 3- week-old kittens. I took them home within the hour!
- I’ve only fostered kittens at this point, along with the stray injured bird.
- I think that the most rewarding aspect is knowing that your kittens are going to a safe, happy home. It’s rewarding to know that you’ve gotten them past the most vulnerable stage in their life, and now, someone new can get them through the rest of their lives!
- My experience only extends to bottle baby kittens, but here is my advice: I know that bottle babies are delicate, but make sure not to make things into a catastrophe! Just keep an eye on things if you suspect something is wrong, but try not to freak out. You can do this!
- One of my first foster kittens was quite the messy eater. On his first day on wet food, he got it all over his paws, his face, and incredibly, his tail! I don’t know how he managed that!
Pets & Firework Safety
June 29, 2020
Keep your pet safe during fireworks season. Throughout July, Salt Lake County Animal Services sees an increase in lost pet’s due to the number of pets who escape from their homes or yards because of the noisy fireworks. Here are a few tips to make sure your pet stays safe:
- Be sure your pet is wearing their ID tag and that their information is up-to date.
- Keep windows and doors closed, we often hear of pets breaking out screens when they get scared.
- Leave your pet at home when you head out to set off or see fireworks. Don’t leave them in the car, it’s too hot and too noisy. They would prefer to be at home with a tasty treat or food puzzle.
- Provide a safe place for them to retreat (hide) when the fireworks start going off. Close bedroom doors to prevent them from getting stuck under beds. Take them to the basement, turn on some mellow music, and snuggle with them.
- Take your dog for a walk earlier in the day before the fireworks start going off.
If you find a lost pet, contact Animal Control Dispatch at 801-743-7000 to have an officer come get the animal. Salt Lake County Animal Services is located at 511 W 3900 S, SLC, 84123. Questions? Email animal@slco.org or call 385-468-7387. Look for lost pets.