The Humane Society of Utah has an "open-door" policy. We are not a limited-access facility. All domestic animals (excluding livestock) which are turned in to our shelter are evaluated in terms of their adoptability factors like temperament, age, health, etc. are considered before they are put up for adoption. The HSU adoption rates for adoptable dogs in 2006 was 90%, and 87% of the cats found good new homes. (The national adoption rate is only about 25%.)
The Most Adoptable Pets |
The animals that we find to be most adoptable are puppies and kittens (at least 8 weeks of age), and small-breed dogs. Adult cats and large mixed-breed dogs are not as highly adoptable, and we therefore recommend that if you have any of these animals, you try to place them in new homes yourself (family, friends, newspaper advertising, Internet listings, etc.) before bringing them to the Humane Society.
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What Animals Can't We Accept? |
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We cannot accept any animal that has bitten within the last ten days. By law, such an animal must be taken to the local Animal Control facility. We also are not legally allowed to accept wildlife. Please contact the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (538-4700) in these cases. In the case of skunks, raccoons, and coyotes, contact the Utah Department of Agriculture at 538-7100. |
| Exotic Animals |
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Exotic animals (birds, reptiles, etc.) must be turned in with the proper caging and other specialized equipment included. |
| Stray Animals |
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If you find a stray animal, we recommend that you first contact the Animal Control facility in the area where the animal was found, since this will provide the animal with a better chance of being reunited with his or her family. However, as stated above, we will accept any animal that is brought to us. |
| Policies |
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We cannot guarantee that any animal will be adopted, and we do not release any information on an animal to anyone once an animal has been surrendered to us.
Our overall goal is to eliminate euthanasia in the next few years. We are working with other animal-welfare organizations both statewide and nationally to achieve this goal. |