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Adoption

A cat and a dog. A cat and a dog. A cat and a dog. A cat and a dog.

Come meet your new furry best friend!

We make it easy to adopt a new furry family member and when you rescue a pet from Salt Lake County Animal Services, you're saving a life.  We have puppies, kittens, dogs, cats, bunnies, critters and more ready to be adopted pets. 

Adopting your new best friend has never been easier! Simply search our available pets below to find your perfect match and then visit us at Salt Lake County Animal Services for a meet and greet.

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Adoption Process

Adoptions are offered during the hours of 10:00 AM through 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. Potential adopters should plan for some time to meet with their new pet before starting the adoption process.

Questions?

Adopt an Animal

Adoption Fees

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!

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

Senior Dogs (5 years and older):
FREE to Senior Citizens! (55 yrs+)

Large Dogs (21 lbs or more): $75

Small Dogs (20 lbs or less): $125

Puppies (6 months or younger): $200

VIP & VIP Puppy: TBD

Senior Cats (5 years and older):
FREE to Senior Citizens! (55 yrs+)

Adult Cats: $25

Kittens (6 months or younger): $50

Want more than 1 cat? We offer a 2 for 1 Adoption Fee for 2 cats adopted at the same time.

$35

All other types of adoptable birds, small mammals, as well as not so common exotics, (i.e. chinchillas, peacock, fish, etc.) will be priced as they come in to the shelter.

Adopting a Dog

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.

A cat sleeping on a book. A cat sleeping on a book.

Adopting a Cat/Rabbit

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.

Adoptable Cats & Rabbits

Adopting a Working Cat

Let our WORKING Cats help you!

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.

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.

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 email:

Adopt a Working Cat

A person petting a cat. A person petting a cat.

Post Adoption

When adopting a pet it takes time for them to settle into their new home and routine. We recommend following the 3 Day, 3 Week, 3 Month Rule. 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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
BISSELL PET FOUNDATION' Until has a

2023 Adoption Partners