Unleashed – PAWsitive Stories from Salt Lake County Animal Services
volunteer of the month kathy verde
March 01, 2017
Kathy Verde began volunteering with Salt Lake County Animal Services in May of 2016. She and her son, Jacob, decided that they would come in together and volunteer their time to the cats. You will see Kathy and Jacob in weekly come rain or shine (Literally).
Kathy takes time to give individualized attention to each of our cats. Whether she is cleaning their cages, brushing them, giving them treats or just making sure they are being petted and given the love and socialization that they are seeking while waiting for their forever home. Kathy has dedicated herself to being a part of helping them while they are here.
Kathy is happy to help potential adopters with any questions they may have while she is in the colony rooms working with the cats. She has attended our appreciation parties and events; bringing some of her other family members to show them what volunteering at SLCO Animal Services is all about.
She has no problem jumping in to help in any area that is needed and is a wonderful example of what volunteering is all about.
From all of us here at SLCO Animal Services:
Thank you Kathy!!!
We appreciate you!!!!
It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference. ~Tom Brokaw
lucky little dog free fix
February 17, 2017
Prevent your dog from getting lucky! Does your small dog need to be spayed/neutered? Register them for our Lucky Little Dog *Free Fix on March 16! They must weigh less than 20 pounds.
In order to qualify for free services you must live in one of the cities or townships we serve:
Cities - Bluffdale, Herriman, Holladay, Midvale, Millcreek, Riverton, Salt Lake City
Townships - Copperton, Emmigration Canyon, Kearns, Magna, White City
Space is limited! Register in advance with animal@slco.org.
Your dog must be over 8 weeks old and weigh more than 2 pounds.
IF your dog is not up to date on his/her vaccinations we will do most vaccinations for FREE at the time of service. We will also provide you with a free microchip! All courtesy of Salt Lake County Animal Services and Utah FACES!
* Licensing fees will apply.
volunteer of the month bri walton
February 02, 2017
Bri Walton began volunteering for Salt Lake County Animal Services in August of 2016. Bri was very enthusiastic and jumped right into working with the dogs.
Bri comes in to the shelter almost every Saturday with her roommate and between the two of them they try to work together to get each dog out for some sunshine and socialization and they also make sure they have clean kennels.
Making sure dogs are getting out and getting socialization, helps improve their behavior when potential adopters are coming in to look at them in kennels. It also gives staff important information on how they are interacting with the volunteers.
Bri quickly became an Orange collar volunteer which allowed her to work with more of our adoptable dogs and to help work on training with them.
Bri has also worked adoption events and helped co-foster one of our senior dogs,
who was struggling in the shelter.
Bri is a wonderful example of what volunteering is all about!!!
From all of us here at SLCO Animal Services:
THANK YOU BRI!!!!!!
WE APPRECIATE YOU!!!!!
Volunteers are love in motion! ~ Author Unknown
volunteer of the month jenelle aitken
January 03, 2017
Meet our volunteer of the month, Jenelle Aitken. Jenelle began volunteering for Salt Lake County Animal Services in September of 2016. Jenelle had lost her dog and after giving herself some time she decided the best thing she could do to honor her friend was to begin volunteering to help dogs at the shelter.
Jenelle dove right in and began volunteering at the shelter: socializing the dogs, getting them out of their kennels for play time, treats, training and love.
It wasn’t long before Jenelle was joining us at events and helping us to get the dog out of their kennels so that potential adopters could see them. Jenelle is an Orange collar volunteer which means she can work with more dogs in the facility as well as work with our Animal Behavior Team.
Jenelle regularly comes in on Saturday mornings to make sure that the dogs are getting out of their kennels on the weekends and getting sunshine and socialization. It didn’t take too long before she fell in love with an older Pitbull here at the shelter and became not only a volunteer but also a foster.
Jenelle and her roommate Bri (Who is also a volunteer) have taken him into their home and are giving him the chance to excel and show what his true personality is. Not to mention helping him heal from some medical issues.
Jenelle is a wonderful example of what volunteering is all about!
From all of us here at SLCO Animal Services
THANK YOU JENELLE!! WE APPRECIATE YOU!!!
Every action in our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity. ~Edwin Hubbel Chapin
free feline fix 1st thursday every month
December 22, 2016
The Free Feline Fix is back! Salt Lake County Animal Services will be offering this program thanks to our non-profit partner, Utah FACES. We will hold a free fix the first Thursday of the month throughout ALL of 2017! Get your cat spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped for FREE!!!
**PLEASE BRING ALL CATS IN CARRIERS**
The first 40 qualified cats in the doors at Salt Lake County Animal Services (511 W. 3900 S.) between 7:30 AM - 9 AM the first Thursday of the month, throughout 2017, will receive a free spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a microchip! All in jurisdiction cats will need to be licensed ($15) at the time of service. Any out of jurisdiction cats will receive the same services that day for a $50 fee.
This free opportunity is sponsored by our non-profit partner, Utah FACES. Help keep the program alive and donate to http://utahfaces.org/.
In jurisdiction cities: Bluffdale, Herriman, Holladay, Midvale, Millcreek, Riverton, Salt Lake City
In jurisidiction townships: Copperton, County Islands, Emmigration Canyon, Kearns, Magna, White City
Questions contact animal@slco.org.
december volunteer
December 02, 2016
Meet our December Volunteer of the Month, Jacob Verde, he began volunteering with Salt Lake County Animal Services in May of 2016. Jacob has a love for all animals but saw that the cats really need and enjoy the interaction of our volunteers and became one of our wonderful Cat Crusader volunteers.
Jacob comes into the shelter weekly to spend quality time with the cats while they wait to find their forever homes. Jacob helps clean up after them, play with them, groom them and just sit with them and give them love and socialization.
Jacob is quickly learning a lot about cat behavior and how they communicate with people when they are working with them. Jacob volunteers with his mother, Kathy, who is also one of our wonderful Cat Crusaders.
Jacob shows a lot of dedication and is always eager to learn and spend time volunteering. He is a wonderful example of what volunteering is all about.
From all of us here at SLCO Animal Services:
Thank You Jacob!!!! You are appreciated!!!
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness. ~Seneca
holiday coat drive for dogs and humans
November 23, 2016
Salt Lake County Animal Services is collecting winter coats, gloves, booties, socks and hats to donate to the Salt Lake City Mission. Items will be distributed to homeless dogs & humans to help keep them warm on cold days.
DEADLINE:
5PM December 19, 2016
DROPOFF LOCATION:
Salt Lake County Animal Services
511 W 3900 S, SLC, UT 84123
Questions? Email jjohanson@slco.org
AdoptUtahPets.com
letters to santa
November 23, 2016
Go online and look at our pets. Choose an animal that speaks to you.
Grab a pen and paper, and write a letter to Santa on their behalf. (You pick what they may want: treats, a home, a warm blanket)
Bring the letter to the shelter and leave it in our Santa Mailbox inside the lobby.
We invite children to write letters on the pets behalf and leave the letter in our "mailbox" at the front counter. The shelter is open from 10 AM - 6 PM, Monday - Saturday, and is located at 511 W 3900 S in Salt Lake City. We will be accepting letters until 3 PM Christmas Eve.
Some letters may be shared on our social media pages to help raise awareness about our awesome pets available for adoption.
If you need ideas for donations please visit our donations page or our Amazon wishlists.
stray horse auction
November 21, 2016
November 21st , 2016
NOTICE
State of Utah, County of Salt Lake,
In Salt Lake City,
I have in possession the following described estray animal, which, if not claimed and taken away, will be sold at public auction to the highest cash bidder at Salt Lake County Animal Services, 511 West 3900 South, Salt Lake City Utah 84123, ph 385-468-6051.
The auction will be conducted as a sealed bid process. The minimum bid for the following estray is $500. To participate please include the Lot# ,amount of your bid , your name, address and phone number.
All bids must be received at our office by 5:30 pm Wednesday, the 7th day of December, 2016. The highest bidder will be notified the following day.
LOT #1: 3 year old Black Grade Gelding with left hind sock,star ,snip and is appox. 15 hands tall. He is very friendly and loves to interact with people. He has been shod, is halter broke and will load in a trailer. Other training is unknown.
Said stray was taken up by me in said city on the 14th Day of November, 2016.
Director Talia Butler
Salt Lake County Animal Services Division
[Ord. 69-99 § 9, 1999: 24-89 § 1, 1989]
november volunteer of the month
November 03, 2016
Tracy Thomas is our November Volunteer of the Month! Tracy began volunteering with SLCO Animal Services in November of 2012. Tracy has volunteered within the shelter with both the dogs and the cats, as well as helped at events.
Tracy has offered her services as a real estate agent to those in the community seeking pet friendly housing who are struggling to find rentals who will allow their pets.
Tracy volunteers for UTAH FACES for the groom transport. The groom transport happens twice a week and volunteers pick up an animal from the shelter and take it to a local groomer offering their services for a bath and hair cut. This helps the animal to not only feel better and get a much-needed bath but it boosts their chance at adoption.
Volunteers like Tracy are essential to the program. Tracy has involved herself with in the animal community and is always willing to lend a helping hand.
Tracy is a wonderful example of what volunteering is all about.
From all of us here at SLCO Animal Services
THANK YOU TRACY! YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!
“Generosity is the heart of humanity.” ― Lailah Gifty Akita,
adopt a senior dog this november
October 24, 2016
This November, adopt a senior dog from Salt Lake County Animal Services. Adoption fees, for all dogs over the age of 5, will be half off from November 1st - 30th.
Have we mentioned some of the great reasons to adopt an older dog?
1. You CAN teach an older dog new tricks!
2. Older pets are usually less destructive than a puppy.
3. They appreciate the art of relaxation.
4. Adopted senior pets are grateful for your kindness, attention, and love.
5. You can adopt a purebred if that's what you're looking for. There are numerous breed specific rescues throughout Utah. Here at Animal Services, we see hundreds of purebred dogs on the adoption floor every year.
Older dogs tend to end up in the shelter for numerous reasons that have nothing to do with their behavior such as: allergies, death of a guardian, a new baby, loss of a job, a move, or the novelty of owning a dog wears off.
Come meet our seniors Monday-Saturday, 10 AM - 6 PM at 511 W. 3900 S., Salt Lake City.
muttster mash halloween party
October 10, 2016
Goblins and Ghouls join us for our first ever MUTT-STER MASH Halloween Party on Friday, October 21 from 2- 4 PM. This party is for HUMANS ONLY, ages 2-13 years-old.
Dress up in your costume, decorate pumpkins, munch on some "worms." When you're done swing into the cat colony rooms and read a book to them or just give them some loves.
At 3 PM there will be a costume contest by age group.
There will be 30 FREE pumpkins to decorate for the first 30 children. Get a shot of your ghoulish figure in our photo booth and more!
*** PLEASE NO MASKS ***
Questions? Contact jjohanson@slco.org
volunteer of the month romina rasmussen
October 07, 2016
Romina Rasmussen began volunteering with SLCO Animal Services in November of 2013. She was one of the first volunteers in our kitten nursery here at SLCO Animal Services.
The kitten nursery was a 24/7 project that took a lot of dedication from volunteers and staff members. It requires around the clock care for bottle babies that come into the shelter environment and need to be fed every 2 hours. Once the kitten nursery moved locations Romina decided not only to continue her help with the kitten nursery but to also become one of the Cat Crusaders.
Romina has helped with photographing our cats to help them with their chances at adoption. She has helped at adoption events, vaccine clinics, participated as a vendor at Petapalooza and has even transported a dog or two to K9 Lifelines for daycare.
Besides participating in the many events at the shelter, Romina fosters some of our bottle-fed kittens that come into the shelter and need extra help to thrive.
Romina has also donated her delicious baked goods from her business, Les Madelines, to many of our events for children, volunteers, and staff to enjoy. Romina is a wonderful example of what volunteering/fostering is all about.
From all of us here at SLCO Animal Services
THANK YOU ROMINA!!!!
You are appreciated!!!!
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. ~ Elizabeth Andrew
september volunteer of the month charlie ward
September 01, 2016
Charlie began volunteering with SLCO Animal Services in April of 2016. Long before Charlie started volunteering for Animal Services, he had adopted a very special dog with medical needs from the shelter. Charlie made sure he had a wonderful, full life.
Charlie jumped right into volunteering with the dogs and has become a very welcome addition to SLCO Animal Services volunteer program. Charlie comes in weekly to make sure the dogs are getting out of their kennels and going on nice, long walks.
Charlie has moved through the collar system here at county very quickly and this has given him the ability to work with more dogs in the facility.
Along with making sure that the dogs get out, Charlie also volunteers for the Utah Faces Groom transport. Taking dogs and cats to groomers who are offering their services weekly to help the animals have a nice “Spa Day” and increase their chance at adoption.
He is also often taking pictures and making videos to post on Face book to showcase an animal again increasing their chance at adoption.
But wait that is not all! In addition to all of the time Charlie spends making sure the dogs are getting socialization, sunshine, and a good groom, he wrote a well thought out proposal to improve our play yards. Staff and our volunteers will begin working on a feasibility plan to bring it to life.
Charlie is a wonderful example of what volunteering is all about and what a difference one person can truly make.
From all of us here at SLCO Animal services
THANK YOU CHARLIE!!!
YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!!!
I've seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives. ~Tracy Chapman
free feline fix september 15
August 30, 2016
Get your cat spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped for FREE!!!
The first 40 qualified cats in the doors at Salt Lake County Animal Services (511 W. 3900 S.) between 7:30 AM - 9 AM on Thursday, September 15, will receive a free spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a microchip! All in jurisdiction cats will need to be licensed at the time of service ($10 fee.) Any out of jurisdiction cats will receive the same services that day for a $50 fee.
This free opportunity is sponsored by our non-profit partner, Utah FACES. Help keep the program alive and donate to http://utahfaces.org/.
In jurisdiction cities: Herriman, Holladay, Midvale, Riverton, Salt Lake City
In jurisidiction townships: Copperton, County Islands Emmigration Canyon, Kearns, Millcreek, Magna, White City
Questions contact animal@slco.org.
volunteer of the month jillian odell
August 01, 2016
Jillian began volunteering with Salt Lake County Animal Services in May 2016. Although Jillian is new to volunteering with the shelter, she dove in with incredible enthusiasm.
Jillian comes into the shelter several times a week to make sure that the dogs are getting out of their kennels for some sunshine and socialization. Jillian quickly became an Orange Collar volunteer which allows her to work with more dogs in the facility.
She helps out with the enrichments for the dogs, handing out pupcicles and making a batch for the next day, she made a video for a dog who had been here for awhile to help him get adopted, and even spends time volunteering while at home making new kennel cards for the dogs.
The kennel cards are eye catching and bullet point the specifics about each animal. This is very helpful for potential adopters to be able to see at a glance if the dog is the right fit for their home before asking to meet them.
Jillian also made a video and posted it to our Facebook page showing why she loves to volunteer. She wanted to encourage other people to volunteer and make a difference to the animals waiting to be adopted.
Jillian is a wonderful example of what volunteering is all about!
From all of us here at SLCO Animal Services
THANK YOU JILLIAN!!!!
YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!!
The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. - DeAnn Hollis
Become a volunteer today! Find out more about volunteer opportunities.
petapalooza festival
July 27, 2016
Live Music! Delicious Food Trucks! And hundreds of adoptable animals from local shelters and rescues! Join us for our 2nd Annual Petapalooza Festival at the Viridian Event Center on August 27!
We are so excited for this event and all the fun vendors that will be there. Pet Psychic Jennafer Martin can give readings of your pet whether they're present or in a picture. Pawsitive Healing & Avani Massage will be providing massage for humans and reiki for pets.
Les Madeleines will have tasty treats for humans and pets! The California Chi, The Dog's Meow, The Puppy Pub, Camp Bow Wow, Barley's Canine Recreation Center, The Dog Dive, and more will be there. Course A 'Lure will have an obstacle course set up for you to run your dog through.
Music will be provided by Twist of Blues! They'll be playing from 10 AM- 11 AM and 1 PM - 3 PM.
For the Dogs: A pet pyschic, pet reiki, a photo booth and dozens of local pet vendors to spoil your 4-legged friends.
(PLEASE NO DOG/OR HUMAN AGRESSIVE DOGS)
For the Humans: Food trucks, music, fun games and activies, a photo booth, and local vendors!
Don't forget to register for the FANG 5K! This is a 5K to run/walk with your 4-legged and 2-legged friends and family. Proceeds from the 5K will go directly to the pups at Salt Lake County Animal Services to build them a covered dog run. Sign-up!
Salt Lake County Animal Services will have clinic staff on hand to vaccinate, microchip, and license owned pets as well.
Thank you to KUER 90.1 FM for being our media sponsor for this event. We greatly appreciate they're support!
If you're interested in being a food or product vendor at this event please contact Kip Peterson. The Viridian Event Center is located in West Jordan at 8030 S 1825 W.
july volunteer of the month
June 30, 2016
Candice Mason began volunteering with Salt Lake County Animal Services in July of 2011!
From the very beginning Candice has been full of heart and we knew she would be a wonderful example of what volunteering is all about.
Candice has a true love for animals and you can see it when you see her work with them. She is truly compassionate not only to the animals but to those who also work with them whether it is staff or other volunteers.
Candice spends many Saturdays coming into the shelter getting the dogs out of their kennels to make sure that they are getting sunshine and socialization.
If you don’t find Candice at the shelter helping you are sure to see her at an event helping out in any way she is needed. She helps staff by: working with the dogs, the cats, helping with potential adopters or just making sure staff is taken care of by bringing them a plate of cookies.
Candice has also set up a job shadow for a girl that she knows to come into the shelter on her career day from school to learn all about what each of our jobs here at the shelter entail. This allowed this girl to know if this is a career path she would like to follow.
Candice is an inspiring example of what volunteering is all about.
From all of us here at SLCO Animal Services
THANK YOU CANDICE!!!
YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
dogs die in hot cars
June 27, 2016
Take the Pledge and NEVER leave a pet or a child in a hot car!
Come into Salt Lake County Animal Services and sign the pledge. In return we will give you an Auto Alert (while supplies last) to place in your vehicle to help warn you of extreme temperatures. Help us save more lives! Suggested Donation $1 ( so we can purchase more alerts and educate more people.)
It’s COOL to leave your dog at home this summer. Even if it’s a quick trip to the store. A dog can die in as little as SIX minutes when being left in a hot car despite the windows being open. On a warm day temperatures inside a car can reach 120 degrees in just a few minutes. A pet can suffer irreparable damage to internal organs such as brain damage, or death from heatstroke or suffocation.
Salt Lake County Animal Services wants dog owners to be prepared this summer when the temperatures climb above 70 degrees. Even if it feels cool outside, it doesn’t mean it’s cool in the car.
If your dog is exposed to extreme heat:
- Look for signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a deep red or purple tongue, vomiting, and staggering.
- If your pet is overheated take emergency steps: gradually lower their body temperature in cool water, place cool wet towels on their belly, ears, or paws, and offer them cool water.
-
Immediately take them to a veterinarian.
What to do if you see a
dog in distress in a hot car:
- Take a photo of the license plate number and make/model of the car.
- Go into the nearest store and ask them to make an emergency announcement about a pet left in a hot car.
- Call Dispatch at 801-743-7045 and
wait for Animal Services or the police to arrive.
Leaving a dog in a hot car is animal abuse. Pet owners can be cited and face
misdemeanors or possibly felony charges.
If you see a child in a hot car, please call 911 immediately.
Salt Lake County Animal Services has received an achievement award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its Humane Education program. It is a program to educate children and teens about how to be responsible pet owners.
Animal Services Director Talia Butler said, “We are very proud of this innovative program, which is designed to make life better for animals and the humans who care for them. It means a lot that our peers in county government are recognizing our effort.”
The Animal Services Humane Educator gives over 250 presentations to schools and large groups every year. Presentations range from 20 minutes to 2 hours. They teach children a range of activities, from how to approach animals to highlighting training techniques for older youth.
The success of this program has led to the creation of other youth programming. The Book Buddies program provides children a place to come read to animals at the shelter and a Happily Ever After program highlights fairytale stories and shares with children how the pets at the shelter can find their “happily ever after” as well.
Butler says Salt Lake County Animal Services is always looking for innovative and original ways to provide better service to the citizens and animals served. The Humane Education program illustrates what makes Salt Lake County’s shelter different from other shelters throughout the country. Animal Services believes this programming will reduce the number of animals that wind up at the shelter and create sustainable, responsible pet ownership in the Salt Lake community.