Thursday, January 5, 2012

No Adoptable Dogs Euthanized For The 3rd Year In A Row!

The final numbers are in for 2011 and the Humane Society of Utah is once again proud to have maintained itʼs high adoption standards. The past 12 months mark the third 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 of Utah found new homes for 7,389 animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, etc. despite the fact the number of animals the Humane Society of Utah received actually increased. 94% of all adoptable cats and dogs received in 2011 are now living in new homes.

In addition to all of these animals who were placed with new families in new homes, the Humane Society was able to reunite 415 animals with their owners (thanks to microchip implants and diligent screening of all animals taken in by the receiving department).

“The Humane Society of Utah may be the only organization thatʼs working to put itself out of business,” says Executive Director Gene Baierschmidt. “We are grateful for the support from our community this past year. Considering the state of the economy, we think our overall adoption numbers are a major achievement. We are especially proud of the fact that for the third 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 impressive number of adoptions, the Humane Society clinic performed more than 10,000 spay and neuter surgeries in 2011, along with tens of thousands of low cost vaccinations, helping further address the pet over-population problem and the overall health and well being of our companion animal community.