Adoption Information

Adopting an animal is gaining a family member for the life of that pet. This can be a commitment of up to 20 years for a puppy or kitten!

Our shelter is a stray facility, which means the animals we shelter have been lost or have been abandoned. These animals have been rescued by Animal Services Officers and citizens who have been unable to locate an owner.

Based on Utah state law, we must hold every animal for at least five days to give the owner an opportunity to redeem their lost pet. If the pet is not claimed during that time, and the animal is healthy and friendly, it will become available for adoption.

Adoptions are offered during our operating hours Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM through 6:00 PM.  Potential adopters should plan for some time to meet with their new pet before starting the adoption process. You can also fill out an adoption application before coming in and email it to adoptions@slco.org. 

Adoptions include:

Adoption fees include spaying or neutering the animal (if needed), a certificate for a veterinarian's health exam, first vaccination, microchip, and a small bag of dog or cat food. Plus you get a great new forever friend. What a deal!

Please note we often have specials and promotions throughout the year, please check at the front counter when you come in to meet your match!

Adoption Fees

If you are an active member of the military or veteran, please find out more about our Pets For Patriots Program. 

Check out our adoptable dogs online! All adoptions are done on a first come, first serve basis. Things to know about adopting a dog from our shelter.

1. You will come to the shelter, check out the adoptable pets, then go to the front counter, and ask for a "dog get acquainted." This is where a staff member will escort the dog out to a run to meet with you and the family members that live in the home. Please note, if there's a long line, it may take awhile for our staff to get with you. We value every adoption.

2. If you currently have a family dog in the home, it will need to come to the shelter to meet the dog you're interested in adopting. We call this a "dog to dog." Just like humans, not all dogs get along with all dogs. Our staff can explain more once you get to the shelter, or you can email for more information, especially if you live far away.

If you're interested in adopting a cat or rabbit, these are done on a first come, first serve basis. When you arrive at the shelter, you can head into the cattery to see the adoptable felines. Don't forget to check out Spencer's Room, it's adjacent to the dog kennels and is separate from the other cattery. 

If you're there to see a rabbit or inquire about any other animal that is not on the adoption floor, please speak with the associates at the front counter for assistance. 

Check out Adoptable Cats or Rabbits Online. 

Questions? Email adoptions@slco.org.

Let our WORKING Cats help you! 

What is the working cat adoption program?
The working cat adoption program aims to find adopters who are looking for natural rodent deterrents for enclosed properties such as barns, warehouses, churches, factories or other facilities. This program is for specific cats from Salt Lake County Animal Services who are not eligible for indoor placement.

What is the process to adopt working cats?
Cats participating in the working cat program are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, microchipped, and ear tipped before going to a new home. These cats, available in groups of two or more, are FREE to those who have a safe, suitable place for these community cats to reside.

Caretaker responsibilities include providing daily food and water, shelter and veterinary care.

How does an adopter care for working cats?
Adopters are given instructions on how to introduce their working cats to their new environment during the first two weeks and how to transport cats for veterinary care, should medical care become necessary.

If you would like to adopt working cats, please fill out this APPLICATION FORM and email it back to adoptions@slco.org. 

Thank you to our community partners who help Salt Lake County Animal Services throughout 2023 with various pet adoption events. 

• Do you live in an apartment/condo or a home? Do you have a fenced yard to exercise a pet?
• Do you have other animals? If you currently have a dog (or dogs) you will need to bring them to meet their potential new canine friend.
• Do you or anyone in your household have allergies to pets?
• What is your lifestyle like? Are you more of a couch potato or very active?
• If adopting a puppy or kitten, are you prepared for the extra work?
• What is your family structure? Do you have kids or plan on having kids around?
• Do you want a pet that follows you everywhere or is more of an independent companion?

When adopting a pet it takes time for them to settle into their new home and routine. We recommend following the Rule of 3's. Check out our monthly trainings on our Humane Education page for additional help or reach out to adoptions@slco.org for further suggestions. Salt Lake County Animal Services wants to make sure every home is a FUREVER home.  

The First 3 Days

• Your dog is feeling afraid, overwhelmed and unsure of what is happening.
• Likely too uncomfortable to act like themselves.
• May hide under furniture and keep a distance.
• Likely to test boundaries and act out.
• May sleep more than normal the first few days.

The First 3 Weeks

• Learning the routine.
• Settling in, and starting to feel comfortable enough to show personality.
• Figures out the environment and gets into a routine.
• Realizing this home is forever and lets their guard down.
• Behavioral issues may start to appear.

After 3 Months

• Feeling at home
• Finally completely comfortable in their home.
• Building trust and a deep bond with you.
• Gained complete sense of family security
• Fully understands and settles into the routine