Frequently Asked Questions

The Humane Society of Utah knows that you have questions about how to adopt, what to do when you find a stray animal and other services that the clinic offers. Learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions section.

Adoption FAQs

Q1. How much does it cost to adopt a pet from HSU?

Answer: You can see the prices of the animals on our Adoption page.

Q2. How can I find out what kind of animals are available for adoptions?

Answer: You can visit our shelter firsthand to see the animals, call the Adoptions Desk at (801) 261-2919 ext. 227 or 231, see animals on the Adoption Listings page of the website, or see them on our electronic sign by the I-15 Freeway and 4200 South in Murray.
*Please keep in mind, however, that this list will change throughout the day as animals are adopted daily.

Q3. Can anyone adopt a pet from HSU?

Answer: You must be at least 18 years old and meet the necessary requirements to adopt a pet from HSU.

Q4. What type of payments do you accept?

Answer: Cash, check, debit cards, credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover)

Q5. What percentage of your animals are adopted?

Answer: The HSU adoption rate for dogs in 2012 was 100%, and 95% of the cats found good new homes. (The national adoption rate is only about 25%.)

Q6. What hours are you open for adoptions?

Answer: Our adoption center is open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Please plan on spending at least one hour to complete the adoption process.

Receiving FAQs

Q1. I have a dog/cat/other animal I want to give you for adoption. May I bring it in to you?

Answer: Please see our Receiving info, Hours & Fees page.

Q2. How long does HSU hold stray animals?

Answer: All stray pets are held for 3 working days to give owners who may be looking for their lost pet a chance to locate their animals. After that period, the animal may be placed for adoption. You can see what strays we have here at the shelter on our Stray Listings page.

Q3. How long does HSU hold animals turned in by their owners?

Answer: There is no set time limit for holding owner-released pets. We keep them as long as we have space and the animal's well being does not appear to be affected by being kenneled. (Some animals get adopted the same day they are placed for adoption, some it may take weeks, and others months. It depends on what the public is looking for and the amount of cage space available.)

Q4. Could you come pick up my dog? I can't keep him anymore and I don't have any transportation.

Answer: Unfortunately, we cannot provide this service. If you need to give an animal up and you cannot bring it, find a friend or relative that can bring you and your pet or contact your local animal control agency.

Q5. Do you perform euthanasia services? Can you euthanize my sick/old animal?

Answer: Yes, HSU's licensed veterinarians or certified technicians can perform this service. The method used is an injection of Sodium Pentobarbital, which causes death very swiftly and painlessly. If you would like to be with your pet when it is euthanized, you must make an appointment with our Clinic (801) 261-2919 ext. 230. Our clinic does euthanasia for dogs/cats only. The charge is $65 for an animal up to 70 lbs. $80 for an animal 71 to 100 lbs. for an animal over 100+ lbs. and up - $100.00 plus $1.00 for every lb. over 100 lbs.

If you don't want to be with the animal our Receiving department can accept the animal for euthanasia Monday thru Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The cost for euthanasia in Receiving is $60 per dog/cat, rabbit/parrots $15, rats/guinea pigs $5. Please call (801) 261-2919 ext. 214 for further info.

Q6. How does HSU get animals? Who brings pets to HSU?

Answer: Almost all animals received by HSU are brought in by private citizens who found them as strays or can no longer keep them for various reasons. Animal Control agencies occasionally bring animals to HSU after their holding period is up.

Q7. How many animals are received by HSU?

Answer: In 2012 we received approximately 10,344 animals. Most of these pets are turned in by their owners.

Clinic FAQs

Q1. Will spaying/neutering calm my pet down?

Answer: Surgical sterilization will reduce your pet's natural urge to roam in search of a mate. It will NOT change your pet's activity level. If your pet seems overactive or uncontrollable, enrolling him/her in an obedience training class and giving him/her plenty of daily exercise will benefit you and your pet significantly..

Q2. What services do you offer at the HSU Clinic?

Answer: Click here for vaccinations.
To schedule an appointment for a spay/neuter please contact our clinic at (801) 261-2919 ext. 230

Q3. I have an animal that is sick (or has been injured) may I bring it to HSU Clinic for treatment.

Answer: NO. We do not provide full veterinary services. You will need to take your pet to your own full service veterinarian. Veterinarians in your area are listed in the Yellow Pages of your phone directory.

Misc. FAQs

Q1. Where does HSU get the money necessary to care for the animals at the shelter and perform its other services on behalf of animals?

Answer: HSU is a non-profit, charitable organization. We receive our funding entirely through donations and fees from our shelter and clinic. Not one penny of your tax dollars or any other government monies, supports our operation.