The final numbers are in for 2010 and the Humane Society of Utah is once again proud to have maintained the high standards set in 2009. The past 12 months mark the second consecutive year in which the HSU has not had to euthanize a single adoptable dog. A dog is considered adoptable when health and/or behavioral problems/issues are not a factor.

During the past year, the Humane Society found new homes for 7,664 animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. The 7,361 cats and dogs adopted represent a 4.4% increase over the previous year. For the first time in our shelterʼs history, more than four thousand dogs were adopted (4,099 to be exact...4.7% more than 2009). Meanwhile 3,262 cats were also adopted, representing a 3.9% upward trend!

“The Humane Society of Utah is grateful for the support from our community this past year,” says Executive Director Gene Baierschmidt. “Considering the state of the economy, we think the increases weʼve seen in adoptions is a major achievement. We are especially proud of the fact that for the second year in a row, not a single adoptable dog had to be euthanized. Credit goes to all of those who opened their hearts to a homeless animal, numerous rescue organizations, and the dedicated HSU staff members working tirelessly in our adoptions, outreach, foster care, animal rescue, education and volunteer programs.”

In addition to the increased number of adoptions, the Humane Society clinic performed 10,951 spay and neuter surgeries in 2010, helping further address the pet over-population problem facing our community.