Salt Lake County - Frequently Asked Questions, Animal Services

No. The other shelters in the area are managed and funded by the various cities within the valley and the Humane Society shelter is a private, non-profit shelter.

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What is the difference between Salt Lake County Animal Services and the Humane Society? Aren't you the Humane Society?

The Humane Society of Utah is a private, non-profit shelter which is funded through grants and private donations. Their purpose is to house and find homes for owned animals when the animals owner can no longer keep them.

Salt Lake County Animal Services and the other municipal shelters are funded with tax dollars and our purpose is to enforce local ordinances and shelter those animals which are stray, lost, or abandoned as well as those animals being held for violations such as biting or aggression.

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What are the requirements to adopt a pet from your shelter?

First of all you must be 18 years of age or older. You must own your own home or be able to provide proof of landlord (or parental) approval to house the pet where you live. If you live in a condominium or other type of planned development with association bylaws or regulations regarding pets you must provide a copy of those regulations showing any restrictions or requirements of pet owners. You must complete our "Pet Match" questionnaire and watch "Welcome Home Your New Dog/Cat" video that we provide. One of our Adoption Specialists will interview you and discuss the information provided on the questionnaire as well as any questions you may have or that relate to the particular pet you have chosen. After the interview the pet will be taken to the veterinarian of your choice for sterilization. You will be able to pick the pet up from the veterinarian at the end of the next business day following your interview.

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How much does it cost to adopt a dog/cat?

The cost to adopt a cat is $60. The cost to adopt a dog is $90. If the cat or dog has already been sterilized the adoption fee is $25. In addition if licensing is required for the pet you have adopted the license must be purchased.

My pet was brought into your shelter. How much will it cost to get him/her out?

Each time a pet is in our shelter the circumstances are probably different. So the cost to redeem the pet will be different. It is best to contact the customer service staff at the shelter between 9 am and 5 pm or visit the shelter in person so they can determine the costs based on your particular circumstances. Review the fee schedule.

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I am missing my pet. What should I do?

You should first visit every shelter in the area at least every two days to see if your pet is in one of them. The reason for this is that your description of your pet may not be the same as the description provided in kennel intake records. If you want to be sure your pet is or is not in a shelter you or someone who can recognize your pet must be the one looking. Check your neighborhood and talk to your neighbors especially the kids that are always out playing in case some Good Samaritan has taken your pet in. Put up flyers describing your pet with a recent picture if you have one. Be sure that there is adequate information about you so someone can contact you with information. Advertise in the paper. Give as much information as you can afford.

I found a stray dog/cat. Can't I just keep it?

The answer to this is definitely no. Pets are property with added emotional value. The owner must be provided the opportunity to find their pet. When the pet is turned over to the appropriate animal shelter the owner can come in or call a logical centralized place to look for their pet. If you keep the pet at your home it is highly unlikely the pet owner is going to have the opportunity to find it. In addition ordinance requires the finder of a pet to turn it in to the local shelter within 24 hours. If you are interested in adopting the pet if the owner does not reclaim it we will give you the first opportunity. This insures the pet will be "legally" your pet.

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Why do I need to license my dog/cat?

First of all because it's the law (and cats in Taylorsville need to be licensed as well). Also dogs and cats impounded with current license tags are assured a minimum five-day holding period while we try to contact the owner. (The law-mandated holding period is only three days.) Animals that are licensed will be charged a smaller impound fee as well.

What are my responsibilities as a pet owner? A: We can only list a few here but some of the most important (besides licensing) are as follows:

All companion animals must be properly contained on the owner's property. When your dog is not on your property it must be on a leash with a responsible person holding the leash who can physically handle the dog.

Your animals should not be allowed to relieve themselves on someone else's property. You are legally responsible to clean up after your pet. You must also keep your own property clear of feces.

Any person having an animal that causes damage to property; is vicious, fierce, dangerous; unreasonably fouls the air; barks, whines, howls, makes other disturbing noises in excessive, continuous, or untimely fashion; molests passersby or vehicles, or attacks other domestic animals is in violation of local ordinances.

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How many dogs or cats can I own legally?

Two adult dogs and two adult cats can reside at the same address. There are also limitations on the length of time a litter of puppies or kittens can be maintained at a residence when the limit of adult animals has been reached.

What can I do about stray cats on my property?

If you can contain the cat in a box or carrier you can call for an officer to pick it up. If the cat is too wild you can obtain a cat trap from the shelter. There is a $50 cash only deposit for the trap which is refunded when you return the trap at the end of your 10-day use of the trap. Once again if a cat is caught an officer can come to pick up the animal or you can bring it to the shelter.

What do I do if I find a stray animal running loose?

In order for the owners to have the best chance of finding their animal it should be taken to the appropriate jurisdiction's shelter. This is determined by the location where the animal is found.

It is a violation of animal control ordinances to harbor a stray. If you find a stray you must contact Animal Services within 24 hours. Call 801 268-3647.