The Five Domains: Animal Welfare and Wellbeing

Animal welfare science tells us that the welfare of an animal includes both their physical and mental state.

five domains paw print graphic

Ways you can apply the Five Domains for your pets

Nutrition

  • Providing a balanced diet suitable for your pet’s age, breed, and health status
  • Using feeding as an opportunity for enrichment e.g. puzzle feeders!
  • Making sure they always have access to clean, fresh water

Environment

  • Creating a safe, comfortable, and stimulating living space with:
    • Adequate space and freedom of choice
    • Opportunities for your pet to do the things they love, like being active!
    • Private places where they can retreat and a cozy sleeping area
    • Be aware of potential environmental stressors like loud noises, unpleasant smells, temperature variations, and other animals

Health

  • Keeping them up to date with preventative health care (e.g. parasite control, vaccinations) and routine veterinary care. Being aware of any signs of illness or injury and seeking veterinary care ASAP if you notice anything out of the ordinary about them!

Behavioural Interactions

  • Providing them with opportunities to play, socialize, and explore e.g. toys and scratching posts
  • Making sure they have choice and control over what they do and who they spend time with (as long as it’s safe!)
  • Spending quality time with them every day to help strengthen your bond
  • Using reward-based training techniques to reinforce good behavior and discourage undesirable behaviors

Mental State

  • Protecting them from situations where they might become scared, frustrated, or distressed
  • Doing your best to ensure they get all the love, care, understanding, and companionship they need to live their healthiest and happiest life!

What are the Five Domains?

The Five Domains framework is a way of thinking about animal welfare – going beyond just eliminating or minimizing negative experiences to achieve a neutral state of animal welfare. Instead, we’re encouraging positive experiences in four functional domains, which affect the fifth domain, the animal’s mental state.

To determine an animal’s well-being the following should be considered:

  1. Nutrition
  2. Environment
  3. Health
  4. Behavioural interactions
  5. Mental State

For every physical experience an animal has, there may also be an effect on their mental well-being.

The emotional needs of animals are important as well as their physical needs like food, water, exercise, etc.

To ensure all animals have a life worth living, they must have the opportunity to have positive experiences – such as excitement, anticipation, and satisfaction.

Pet owners and those that care for animals need to provide environments that allow and encourage animals to express behaviours that are rewarding. 

Blog written by Emma Lagoon, Communications & Media Manager for RSPCA Qld

$15,000 Reward Offered for Recent Wild Horse Killing

Woman's hands holding a piece of white paper that says reward on it.
Woman’s hands holding a piece of white paper that says reward on it.

News Release 

Murray – Utah, Mar. 25, 2023 

Humane Society of Utah offers a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for killing two wild horse stallions shot on the Onaqui Mountain Herd Management Area.

Humane Society of Utah urges anyone with information regarding the shooting to call the BLM Utah Law Enforcement Tipline at 800-722-3998. Any tipster can choose to remain anonymous.

###

About the Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear, and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the Utah Humane Society has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals. As the largest open-admission private animal resource center in the state, the Utah Humane Society welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. We work hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, independent 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization that does not receive any state or government funding and is not a branch of any national organization. It is funded by the contributions of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Read more online at www.utahhumane.org.

4242 South 300 West Murray, UT 84107 / 801-261-2919 / UtahHumane.org / @utahhumane 

Luna’s Story: Keeping Families Together

Luna the beagle sits in a medical kennel under a blanket in the St. George Spay and Neuter Clinic.

Luna, a senior Beagle, age ten, with big, beautiful eyes and long, drooping ears, was not doing well when her guardian, James, brought her to an emergency clinic in St. George late one January night.  She was lethargic and had stopped eating. She also had a distended abdomen and appeared to be in pain. 

 While at the ER, Luna was diagnosed with pyometra, a life-threatening disease resulting from hormonal changes in the female’s reproductive tract. The best and only prevention for pyometra is to have your dog spayed, which Luna was not. James was concerned for his beloved dog and over the cost of the surgery she needed to save her life. As a veteran living on a fixed income, he couldn’t afford it, and he’d already spent hundreds of dollars at the emergency clinic. 

Luna’s second chance

Upon hearing James’ concerns, the ER staff contacted the Humane Society of Utah’s St. George Clinic to see if we could help. After discussing the situation with James and realizing he would do anything he could to care for Luna, Dr. Gray, our compassionate veterinarian, offered to provide the surgery through our Pet Retention Program at an affordable price.  

Regarding her decision to help, Dr. Gray said, “Unfortunately, animals are sometimes euthanized for pyometra because their guardians cannot afford the cost of surgery. Our Pet Retention Program provides medical care and other support to guardians who have fallen on hard times or to individuals like James, who are caring veterans living on a fixed income.”

During Luna’s surgery, Dr. Gray discovered that her uterus was severely infected and filled with pus. She explained, “her uterus was one of the largest we have ever seen in a dog her size because of how pus-filled it was. Without the surgery, she would not have survived.” The surgery went well, and Luna reunited with a tearful James that same day. As he picked her up from our clinic, James expressed his sincere gratitude for our help in saving his beloved companion’s life.

Dr. Gray gives Luna an exam at our St. George Clinic.

While Luna’s surgery only took 30 minutes, it would take two full weeks for her to regain her energy and start eating normally again. Once she was feeling better, her sweet personality came to life, and when she walked into our clinic for a free check-up, her tail was wagging, and her eyes were bright. During the exam, Luna received lots of love and affection from our medical team, who were happy to see her doing well. 

Dr. Gray shared, “We want other guardians to hear Luna’s story so they can be aware of pyometra and take preventive measures for their beloved cats and dogs by having them spayed early on in life. Pyometra is quite common but 100% preventable. One in four unspayed female dogs over ten will get pyometra, which is life-threatening and generally expensive to treat. When female dogs are spayed, pyometra is no longer a risk later in life.”

Helping dogs like Luna

HSU offers affordable spay services to ensure our community members can easily access this critical service for their pets and to prevent pyometra. But HSU understands that even a low-cost service can be unaffordable to some. Through HSU’s Pet Retention Program, our St. George Clinic has helped many members of the homeless community and those who have experienced domestic violence by waiving or reducing costs for services and providing much-needed supplies like pet food, cat litter, etc. 

Luna receives pets from St. George Clinic staff.

“We don’t want anyone to have to surrender a pet due to lack of funds,” said Dr. Gray. “It means a lot to us to be a resource to our community members in this way.  We feel privileged to share our skills with individuals and families in need.” 

Learn more about Pet Retention Program here.

Howl-O-Ween Pet Safety Tips

A black kitten sits in front of pumpkins placed on an orange backdrop.

As spooky season approaches, it’s easy to get carried away with all the tricks and treats, but pet owners should remember that Halloween can be a stressful time for their furry friends. Follow these pet safety tips to keep your familiars, hellhounds, and riff-raff secure and delighted during this festive time of year.

Know which holiday treats are safe for your pet and which are not:

Keep pets away from anything containing chocolate or xylitol (sometimes called “birch sugar”), which is a popular ingredient in sugar-free candy. Don’t allow children to store their Halloween candy stash in their room, as pets have very strong noses and can likely find even the most carefully hidden treats. Keep candy up high and stored securely out of paws reach.

Loud noises and spooky animatronics can be scary for pets:

Don’t put up decorations that put your pets at unease in locations where they will routinely come across them. A piece of decor which makes loud noises or moves unexpectedly and jarringly could cause pets to panic and hurt themselves or others. Also, avoid taking pets to areas where these types of decorations are present, such as local Halloween displays.

A scary looking skeleton ghost dangles from a front porch with cobwebs around it.

Don’t leave pets outdoors and unattended on Halloween night:

With all the hustle and bustle that is typical on Halloween night, it is dangerous to leave pets out in the yard without supervision. Aside from this being a stressful commotion for animals overall, sometimes the “trick” part of Halloween gets out of hand, and pets are frightened, injured, or worse by overzealous trick-or-treaters.

Similarly, it’s a good idea to have a safe space set up indoors where your pet is away from the revolving door of trick-or-treaters. This can help stop pets from becoming overstimulated and from running out of the open front door.

A little girl in a blue princess costume reaches out to pet a large golden colored dog in a yard with halloween decorations.

Make sure pets have microchips and ID tags:

Should your pet be startled, they may react by running away from whatever startled them. In case of an escape, make sure all your animals have microchips and ID tags with up-to-date and accurate information. An often looked-over pet safety tip, this is an easy one to help reunite you with your pet should they get lost.

Keep pets away from jack-o-lanterns, candles, and glow sticks:

Pets can potentially burn themselves on candles used to light jack-o-lanterns and other decorations, or they could tip them over and cause a fire. Glow sticks, though typically non-toxic, have a bitter taste which may cause a negative reaction by any pets who decide to chomp on them.

A small black dog with a snaggle tooth sits next to a jack o lantern wearing a halloween sweater.

Know your pet before deciding to put them into a costume:

While some pets don’t mind dressing up for Halloween, for many, it can be an experience that causes undue stress and even injury. “Pets should never be in a situation where they are uncomfortable or fearful as that can create a situation where the pet has to protect themselves by growling or biting,” said Anjela Sullenger, HSU’s behavior and training manager. Don’t force your pet into a costume if they seem uncomfortable or nervous. There are plenty of other ways for them to celebrate the holiday!

Resources for Pets & People in Utah

**The inclusion of a service, organization or program in this listing is NOT an endorsement or recommendation. We are not able to guarantee the quality of services. We strongly suggest that you check them out yourself before using a specific service. **

Housing and Homelessness

Affordable and Low Income

Utah Community Action
1307 S 900 W, Salt Lake City UT, 84014
(801)359-2444
https://www.utahca.org/housing/
Can help with rent assistance if you are experiencing temporary financial issues that are prohibiting you from making rent. Clients must have a current lease in sign or will sign a lease. The assistance may cover deposits or rent only. They will be making the payments directly to the landlord/housing unit.

VOA Denver Apartments
770 S. Denver St., Salt Lake City, UT, 84116
(801)875-4558
https://www.voaut.org/denver-apartments
If you are currently a client of the VOA (Volunteers of America) who is suffering from mental illness you could qualify to live in the Denver Apartments. They have 24/7, on staff help for crises and mental health support.
Contact Bret Wayman ([email protected]) for more information. 

Utah Rent Relief
https://rentrelief.utah.gov/
Offer rent relief and assistance. You can apply on the online link if you are eligible (see website for qualifications).

2-1-1 Housing + Utilities Resources
(888)-826-9790
http://www.211.org
Provides an array of resources and connections for anything to do with housing and utilities, funding, and where to make those connections.

Utah Affordable Housing Database
https://jobs.utah.gov/jsp/housing
Gives the location and phone number for the housing association in your area based off of what is closest to your zip code. They will answer and help with eligibility for low-income housing programs, housing vouchers, and low-income rental housing availability.

FindLaw: Get Help with a Tenants’ Rights Issue

https://realestate.findlaw.com/landlord-tenant-law/get-legal-help-with-a-tenants-rights-issue.html
https://lawyers.findlaw.com/lawyer/state/utah
Can help you with low cost legal services for issues with landlords, housing, etc. The second link is what lawyers are available through Utah by city.

Tenant Rights, Laws, and Protections: Utah
https://www.hud.gov/states/utah/renting/tenantrights
A helpful FAQ page and a few links on what legal options you have and how to take next steps if you feel your landlord is doing something unlawful. Gives great help to those with disabilities and offers links to legal help in your area.

UofU Pro Bono Initiative
http://law.utah.edu/pro-bono-initiative/
Get legal advice for free from law students under the supervision of practicing attorneys at the UofU.

Utah Legal Services: Housing
(801)-328-8891
Office hours are 8am-5pm: Mon-Fri.
https://www.utahlegalservices.org/topics/1/housing
Offer a plethora of resources in terms of any legal issues you are having with rent, landlords, eviction, rent increase, etc. They have topic guide FAQs for basic questions and you can also submit your info to get one on one help.

Homelessness

Homelessness Hotline
(801)990-9999
First step to take when facing homelessness as they can provide you with current up-to-date information on what resource center would be the best for your situation.

Midvale Family Resource Center
529 W. 9th Ave., Midvale, UT 84047
(801)569-1201
[email protected]
Must be a female , 18+. They accept families and have beds available, they won’t turn you away. They can make room for service animals but don’t allow pets otherwise. They are mandatory reporters to DCFS if they suspect abuse/neglect is occurring. Just show up and they will make room for you.

Men’s Resource Center
3380 S 1000 W, South Salt Lake UT, 84119
(801)359-4142
[email protected]
A resource center run by The Road Home. Will need to contact them with info above to get more information on qualifications and referrals. 

Gail Miller Resource Center
242 W. Paramount Ave., Salt Lake City UT, 84115
(801)328-1894
[email protected]
A resource center run by The Road Home. Will need to contact them with info above to get more information on qualifications and referrals. 

Weigand Homeless Resource Center Catholic Community Services
437 W 200 S, Salt Lake City UT 84101
(801)363-7710
Open 7am-7pm everyday, closed holidays.
[email protected]
Daytime only shelter where you can do basic hygiene necessities (laundry, showers, etc.). You will fill out an intake form upon entry. 

Ramada Inn 
1659 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City UT, 84116
250 bed temporary overflow shelter for winter; take the most vulnerable (seniors) population from resource centers.

Shelter the Homeless
242 West Paramount Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
https://www.homelessutah.org/solutions/homeless-resource-centers
Help individuals experiencing homelessness and work with partners to develop safe facilities and expand solutions to prevent and end homelessness in Utah.They have a great hotline as well for those experiencing homelessness.

Fourth Street Clinic
409 W 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801)364-0058
https://fourthstreetclinic.org/
They provide affordable medical care to those experiencing homelessness and have many different support groups throughout the week as well. See online to schedule or call the number listed.

Valor House
720 Valdez Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84113
(801)582-1565 ext. 2746
https://firststephouse.org/programs/valor-house/
They provide housing and supportive services at the 72-bed transitional housing facility for Veterans experiencing homelessness.

VOA Geraldine E. King Women’s Resource Center

131 E. 700 S., Salt Lake City, UT, 84111
(801)893-6678
https://www.voaut.org/womens-resource-center
Emergency shelter to women who are experiencing homlessness. You must be 18 and older to qualify for services. They provide food, clothes, hygiene, showers, etc. They welcome service animals as well. You can call ahead of time to find out availability or show up and talk to them.

VOA Youth Resource Center
888 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801)364-0744
https://www.voaut.org/yrc
A resource center/emergency shelter for youth ages 15-22 who are at risk or experiencing homelessness. They have food, clothes, resources, life skills, employment help, and more. 
From 7:30pm to 8:30am they transition into being an emergency shelter. The other 15 beds are given away in a lottery-style system to 15 youths.

VOA Young Women’s Transitional Home
718 S 600 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
(385)500-3678
https://www.voaut.org/young-womens-transition-home
To enroll in this 18 month long program you must contact Erin Reynolds ([email protected]) and be a homeless woman between the ages of 16 and 20. Once in the program you are offered services such as case management, goal setting, groups, and more. The goal is to get to reunification or successful independent living.

Pet Friendly

Rentals

People With Pets
https://peoplewithpets.com/
Helps find your local pet friendly apartments, you can search by zip code. Can also help you find pet friendly businesses and pet friendly products.

RentCafe
https://www.rentcafe.com/
Use the search bar to find pet friendly apartments in your area.

SLC Housing, Rooms, Apartments, and Sublets
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2260902367467148/
A Facebook group to help find housing in your area. You can filter for pet friendly and it will be in the listing description as well.

Dog Friendly SLC
https://www.dogfriendlyslc.com/blog/dog-friendly-housing?fbclid=IwAR0Wshn_Kg0o3c0Q9zxCUMJD3g9K3MPGgAkHEl-muS2nAOv57TP0nGoI34I
A comprehensive list of pet friendly apartments in the Salt Lake City area. It also lists a vague estimate of rent and how much the pet deposit/fee will be at each place.

My Pitbull is Family 
https://www.mypitbullisfamily.org/housing/
Gives a great map tool and various apartment buildings that openly allow pitbulls in their rent agreement.

Hotels

Staybridge Suites Midvale
747 West Blue Vista Ln, Midvale, UT 84047
(801) 871-0871
Accept up to two pets with a $15 per night fee with a maximum fee of $150. The pet needs to be on a leash or in a container when in public areas at all times.

Holiday Inn Express Inn and Suites – West Valley City
3036 South, Decker Lake Dr, West Valley City, UT 84119
(801) 517-4000
Two pets of any size allowed for an additional fee of $15 per pet, per night. Both dogs and cats are permitted in all rooms and may be left in the room unattended. There is a grassy area for pets on the property.

Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Airport
52 N Tommy Thompson Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
(801) 363-1400 
2 pets per room, have to weigh under 50 lbs. The pet’s combined weight should not exceed 75 lbs.
1-6 nights is $65 dollars, 7-30 days $75 fee and up to $100 cleaning fee

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott – Downtown Salt Lake City
130 W 400 S Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 531-6000
2 pets up to 32 lbs for an additional $50 pet stay plus a $200 refundable deposit in case the pet does damage.

La Quinta Inn and Suites Orem – University Parkway
521 W University Pkwy, Orem, UT 84058
(801) 226-0440
2 pets of any size are welcome at no additional charge. If your pet is left unattended in the room you can contact the front desk. Pet relief areas and poop bags available.

Hampton Inn Provo
1511 S 40 E St, Provo, UT 84606
(801) 377-6396
Pets allowed with maximum size being 75 lbs. Contact the hotel for specific fees.

La Quinta Inn and Suites – Layton
1965 N 1200 W, Layton, UT 84041
(801) 776-6700
Two pets of any size are allowed for no additional fee. Additional pets may be considered with prior approval from the hotel. Both dogs and cats are welcome, but may not be left in the room unattended. There is a pet relief area with waste bags.

Holiday Inn and Suites – Cedar City
1555 S Old Hwy 91, Cedar City, UT 84720
(435) 865-7799
Welcomes two pets of any size for an additional fee of $15 per night. Pets are only permitted in Standard Rooms with two Queen beds. Both dogs and cats are allowed, but pets may not be left in rooms unattended. Waste bags are available at the front desk and there are grassy areas on the property.

Red Roof Inn – St. George
915 S Bluff St, St. George, UT 84770
(435) 688-8383
One dog up to 50 lbs is welcome for no additional fee. Dogs may not be left in the room unattended. Cats are not allowed.

Boarding

Ruff Haven
1370 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
(801)251-6765
https://www.ruffhaven.org
Not 24 hours, intake and visits are by appointment so you need to visit the website or call ahead of time.
Our mission is to provide a temporary safe haven for companion animals in order to keep pets and their people together in times of crisis, increase pet retention, and decrease the number of animals entering the shelter system. Up to 60 days of placement.

Camp Bow Wow
475 W 3600 South, Salt Lake City 
801-288-2275
$41 for first night
Requirements: assessment (free), proof of current vaccinations, at least 4 months of age, spayed/neutered, in good health, non-aggressive, current license, leash and collar.

DogMode
4030 South Howick St, Salt Lake City
801-261-2665
http://www.dogmode.com/index.html
$40/night
Requirements: Current vaccinations, spayed/neutered if over 7 months old, interview

PACT for Animals 
(610)581-4141
https://pactforanimals.org/find-a-foster/
Foster homes for pet owners temporarily unable to care for their pet due to military deployment or physical temporary medical issues or other emergencies not caused by the owner. 

Rover.com  
https://www.rover.com/
About $25-35 per night
Requirements vary, most require current vaccinations.

PetsHotel 
Taylorsville at 5748 S. Redwood Road 
801-840-2236
https://services.petsmart.com/petshotel
Around $30 for dogs, $20 for cats. 
Multiple locations, check website
Requirements: current vaccinations, flea/tick free, at least 4 months of age.

Utah Dog Park 
Two locations: Woods Cross: 596 W. 1500 S & Airport: 1977 W North Temple
801-683-3647
https://utahdogpark.com/
$35 for dogs, $23 for cats
Requirements: current vaccinations, annual physical completed by a veterinarian, parasite-free.

DogVacay.com
https://dogvacay.com/
About $22-$33/night
Requirements vary, most require current vaccinations

The Puppy Lounge For Little Dogs
60 W Burton Ave (2360 South), Salt Lake City, UT 84115
801-484-2582
http://www.thepuppylounge.com/
$35/night
Requirements: Must be a small breed dog under 30 lbs., current vaccinations, spayed/neutered if over 6 months, friendly toward humans and other dogs, free from fleas/ticks and diseases.

Coddled Critters 
80 Pacific Ave, North Salt Lake
801-294-2499
https://www.coddled-critters.com/
Starts at $30/night for dogs, $18 for cats

Old Farm Pet Resort 
3968 S 200 E, Salt Lake City
801-266-9016
http://www.oldfarmpetresort.com/
$28/night for dogs, $20/night for cats, $18/night for exotics (depending on care needs)
Requirements: Current vaccinations, pass a social evaluation test (no cost).

Unleashed Dog Hotel
5241 S. Commerce Dr, Murray
385-309-3647
http://www.dogsunleashed.com/
$42/night for standard room
Requirements: Current vaccinations, temperament test.

Boarding for Military Members
https://www.dogsondeployment.org/
Dogs on Deployment
Foster homes that care for pets while their owners are deployed. Search database by zip code.

Food

Food Pantries

The Road Home
210 S Rio Grande St., Salt Lake City UT, 84101
(801)-359-4142
Open 24 hours a day
You can call the number to hear more about what services are available based on your qualifications and needs.

Salt Lake City Mission
1151 S Redwood Rd. #106, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(801)-355-6310
Open until 4:00pm
Food pantry hours are 11am to 2pm on Mon., Wed., and Fri.

Murray Park Church of Christ Food Pantry
494 East 5300 South, Murray, UT, 84107
(801) 293-7000
https://www.murrayparkchurchofchrist.org/
Food pantries are Thursdays from 9am-5pm. No ID or paperwork is necessary, it is welcome to everyone who needs it from any background.

Taylorsville Food Pantry
4775 South Plymouth View Drive, Taylorsville, UT, 84123
(801)815-0003
Open Mon.: 1-3pm, Wed.: 4-6pm, and Sat.: 10am-12pm.
To qualify you must be a Taylorsville resident and fall within income guidelines.

St James Episcopal Church Food Bank
7486 Union Park Ave, Midvale UT, 84047
(801)566-1311
https://www.stjamesutah.com/about-1
The 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month from 1pm to 3pm.
No ID or paperwork necessary to receive food.

FreeFood.org
https://www.freefood.org/s/utah
A search engine to help you find food pantries in your area by zip code and state. Over 128 options for all of UT.

Womens, Infants, and Children (WIC)
https://wic.utah.gov/
This program provides nutritional services, breastfeeding services, and supplemental foods to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to 5 years of age. They offer a large assortment of nutrition education, personalized breastfeeding support, and referrals to other public health programs. They have a tool on the website to check and see if you qualify.

Food Pantries for Pets

Ruff Haven
1370 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
(801)251-6765
https://www.ruffhaven.org
Not 24 hours, intake and visits are by appointment so you need to visit the website or call ahead of time.
Our mission is to provide a temporary safe haven for companion animals in order to keep pets and their people together in times of crisis, increase pet retention, and decrease the number of animals entering the shelter system. Up to 60 days of placement.

Best Friends Pet Food Pantry
2005 1100 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
(801) 574-2445
https://utah.bestfriends.org/our-programs/food-pantry
[email protected]
To obtain food from this organization, proof of low-income must be provided. Individuals may receive food for their animal once per quarter. Pets must be spayed/neutered in order to receive assistance. An official request must be made to receive food. 

Nuzzles & Co.
(435) 649-5441
https://nuzzlesandco.org/pop-up-pet-pantries/
[email protected]
Nuzzles & Co will post the next pantry information on their website linked below. If there is not a pantry scheduled you can call to check availability, but they may not have food resources available at that time.

Hildegarde’s Food Pantry: Pets of the Homeless
231 E 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(801) 328-2303
www.petsofthehomeless.org
Pets of the Homeless provides relief to homeless people and their pets in the form of food, resources, emergency care, and support.

Street Dawg Crew of Utah
(801) 671-7374
www.streetdawgcrew.org
[email protected]
Every Sunday at 12:00 noon in Pioneer Park, the crew of volunteers are onsite with pet food and supplies as a part of their Pet outreach program.  

Because Animals Matter
44 W State St., Hurricane, UT 84737
(435)-773-5209
By appointment, Tues.-Sat.
This food pantry offers low-cost and even free pet food to those in the St. George area who struggle with food insecurity for their pets.When their Kibbles on Wheels project has a surplus they offer up their pantry to residents to ensure they can feed their pets. They ask that you schedule ahead of time and bring a clean container for the small kibble to go in.

Salt Lake County Animal Services
511 W 3900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84123
(385) 468-7387
https://slco.org/animal-services/
https://www.facebook.com/slcoanimalservices/
[email protected]
SLCAS has occasional drive up pet pantry services, when planned they typically post the announcement on their website and/or the facebook page. You can always call to ask for more information on what they can offer.

Transportation

Utah Transit Authority (TRAX)
https://www.rideuta.com/Fares-And-Passes/Current-Fares

Uber Pet Friendly Rides

https://help.uber.com/riders/article/pet-friendly-rides?nodeId=e4468070-c193-41cf-b792-fa66ecfb1163You can request pet friendly rides on the Uber app. It will cost a bit more in fees. There is no restriction on size but the driver has the right to refuse if they are worried about damage to their vehicle. You can also be charged cleaning fees if your animal does damage Service animals are exempt from this.
https://help.uber.com/riders/article/pet-friendly-rides?nodeId=e4468070-c193-41cf-b792-fa66ecfb1163You can request pet friendly rides on the Uber app. It will cost a bit more in fees. There is no restriction on size but the driver has the right to refuse if they are worried about damage to their vehicle. You can also be charged cleaning fees if your animal does damage Service animals are exempt from this.

Lyft Pet Friendly Rides

https://help.lyft.com/hc/e/articles/115013080648-Pet-Policy-(Non-Service-Animals)You can request pet friendly rides on the Lyft app. It will cost a bit more in fees. There is no restriction on size but the driver has the right to refuse if they are worried about damage to their vehicle. You can also be charged cleaning fees if your animal does damage. Service animals are exempt from this.

Pet Rehoming

Ruffhaven Rehoming
https://www.ruffhaven.org/rehome-your-pet
Can put your pet on their database to be adopted and rehomed to another family. 
Your pet needs to be spayed/neutered

Get Your Pet
https://getyourpet.com/
The online pet adoption community where people who want to adopt a pet connect with people who need to rehome a dog or cat.

Rehome
https://rehome.adoptapet.com/
This website, founded by Adopt-a-Pet.com and the Petco Foundation, allows you to rehome your pet with peace of mind. You can create a profile for your pet, review applications of potential adopters, screen and meet adopters, and finalize the adoption with Adopt-a-Pet’s personalized adoption agreement. 

ReHomeYourPets
https://rehomeyourpets.com/
ReHomeYourPets was created to encourage and empower people everywhere to rehome pets responsibly. The mission of the website is to help prevent pets from ending up, through no fault of their own, in a situation where they would be abused or neglected, or in a shelter.

SLC Utah Pets
https://www.facebook.com/groups/931174583608527/
SLC Utah’s Pets – Advice, Lost & Found, and Rehoming, a facebook group, is a place for posting and rehoming pets. You’ll need to be added into the group to post. 

Utah County Pets
https://www.facebook.com/groups/UtahCountyLostAndFoundPets/
Utah County’s group for lost, found, and rehoming pets in the Utah Valley area and surrounding communities.

Mental Health

Crisis/Counseling

Impact Mental Health
515 E 4500 S Building G Suite 220, Salt Lake City, UT 84107
(801)590-9557
Low cost mental health services for those who don’t have insurance or those who don’t qualify for things like Medicaid, Medicare, etc.
Call Mon.-Thurs.: 8:30am-4:30pm, Fri.: 8:30am-12:00pm to connect with an Intake Specialist who will conduct an intake over the phone.

Clinical Consultants
Three locations:
7601 S. Redwood Road, BLDG E, West Jordan UT 84084 – (801)233-8670
754 N Main St., Tooele UT 84074 – (435)228-6523
2661 Washington Blvd., Suite 102, Ogden UT, 84401 – (801)621-8670
https://www.clinicalconsultants.org/
They have a lot of services for things like substance abuse, domestic violence, family counseling, youth services, mental health assessments with a clinician, and drug and alcohol testing. Call for scheduling and referrals.

Salt Lake County Division Of Youth Services

177 W Price Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
(385) 468-4500
Open until 11:30 PM
https://slco.org/youth/programs/counseling/
They provide immediate crisis counseling for youth and families, as well as short-term 60-day counseling intervention, and longer term mental health counseling. Should schedule over the phone beforehand.

Valley Behavioral 
(888)949-4864
Various locations throughout the Salt Lake Valley
https://valleycares.com/

  • Employees are SSW, CSW, LCSW, RN, ACMHC, psychologists, medical support specialists, victim advocate coordinators, speech-language pathologists, behavioral aide specialists, care workers, and the list goes on.
  • They provide mental health treatment, outpatient care, substance use prevention, housing services, homeless services, and much more. 
  • When you call the number they will do an assessment over the phone and then a referral.

First Step House – Outpatient and Admissions
434 S 500 E (Second Floor), Salt Lake City, UT 84102
(801) 359-8862
https://firststephouse.org/programs/outpatient-services/
Help serve those struggling with serious mental illness, as well as those struggling with mild to moderate mental health conditions. Our substance use disorder outpatient program allows us to serve those with substance use disorders who have completed residential treatment or people whose substance use disorders are stable enough that outpatient services are clinically warranted. 

VOA Cornerstone Counseling Center
447 W Bearcat Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
(801)355-2846
https://www.voaut.org/cornerstone
Services for addiction, mental health, trauma, and intimate partner violence. They offer individual, group and family counseling.

VOA Family Counseling Center

650 E. 4500 S. Suite 300, Murray, UT, 84107
(801)261-3500
Hours Mon-Thurs: 9-7, Fri. 9-5
https://www.familycounselingcenterutah.com/contact-us
A family counseling center that offers an array of resources on treatment for things like mental health, addiction, grief and loss, and more. You can fill out your contact info in their online “contact us” tab or you can call to see availability.

SafeUT App
https://safeut.org/
Crisis counseling for school aged children K-12 and educators through an anonymous app that you can download. They speak with you in real time and are available 24/7, 365 days a year about struggles you may be having with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, bullying, etc.

BetterHelp
https://www.betterhelp.com/faq/
An app you can download to do therapy over your phone through video chats, phone calls, or messaging. You download the app and they match you with a therapist. It is a bit on the pricey side at about $60-$90 a week but you aren’t billed until you are matched with a therapist.

Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-8255
A national hotline used to prevent suicide and is available to those who need it 24/7, 365 days a year. This hotline is used for crisis situations and is not a regular basis treatment but they can help when someone is in a crisis and needs help.

Utah Warm Line
801-587-1055
This office offers listening ear as individuals heal from their own personal struggles. Utah residents may call the Utah Warm Line from 8am-11pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year at no cost. They have certified peer support specialists that have navigated mental health issues and/or substance abuse issues of their own.

Substance Abuse

First Step House 
Residential
440 S 500 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
34 beds designated specifically for Veterans and 36 beds designated for Veterans and non-Veterans. Serve adult men, ages 18 and older, diagnosed with a substance use disorder. We specialize in helping people with co-occurring mental health conditions, Veterans, those involved in the criminal justice system, people with low to no income, and those who have unstable or no housing. 
Residential Campus
411 N Grant Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
76 beds, you can call and talk to First Step House about the admissions process. Serve adult men, ages 18 and older, diagnosed with a substance use disorder. We specialize in helping people with co-occurring mental health conditions, Veterans, those involved in the criminal justice system, people with low to no income, and those who have unstable or no housing. 

REACH
950 E 3300 S, Millcreek, UT 84106
(801)359-8862
https://firststephouse.org/programs/residential-treatment/
Serve adult men, ages 18 and older, diagnosed with a substance use disorder. We specialize in helping people with co-occurring mental health conditions, Veterans, those involved in the criminal justice system, people with low to no income, and those who have unstable or no housing. 

VOA Men’s Adult Detoxification Center
252 W. Brooklyn Ave. Salt Lake City, UT, 84101
(801)363-9400
https://www.voaut.org/mens-detoxification-center
Allowed to stay for up to 14 days, on a sliding scale fee for those who qualify only paying what they can contribute. If you don’t qualify it is $115 to access services. Services include meals, case management, support groups, medication assisted treatment, etc.

VOA Center for Women and Children

697 W 4170 S, Murray, UT, 84123
(801)261-9177 
https://www.voaut.org/cwc
Provides a safe space for women to stay and withdraw from drugs and alcohol for up to 2 weeks. They can bring children under the age of 10 with them. There is a case manager on staff to help individuals with their cases and connect them to other resources. Up to 14 days on a sliding scale if you qualify, if not then it is $115.

House of Hope
Residential Treatment
857 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
(801)487-3276
https://houseofhopeut.org/programs/residential-treatment/
Four residential facilities, live in residential houses while participating in treatment. Provided support 24 hours, 7 days a week. Look online or call to see if you qualify.
Outpatient & Day Treatment
(801)487-3276 ex. 1233
Contact admissions [email protected]
Intensive day treatment and outpatient care to women with case managers, therapists, and childrens therapists as well.

New Roads Behavioral Health
2450 Fort Union Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
(888)358-8998
https://newroadstreatment.org/
Offer an array of services to do with substance abuse and mental illnesses. Can do residential, outpatient, partial hospitalization, etc. You will need to contact them for admissions, referrals, and pricing based off of your health insurance or lack thereof.

Healthcare/Medical

Fourth Street Clinic
409 W 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801)364-0058
https://fourthstreetclinic.org/
They provide affordable medical care to those experiencing homelessness and have many different support groups throughout the week as well. See online to schedule or call the number listed.

Utah Medicaid Program
801-538-6155 (Salt Lake City) or 1-800-662-9651

  • Medicaid customer service staff are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Thursday hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
  •  If you are a veteran and have questions related to Medicaid, you may contact our Veteran’s Coordinator, Blake Anderson, at 801-538-9925.
  •  For member concerns or complaints, contact the Division of Medicaid and Health Financing Constituent Services Representative at 801-538-6417 or 1-877-291-5583 or email [email protected].

Utah CHIP Program
1-877-543-7669
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1355

  • Provides medical services to those 18 years and younger who do not have health insurance.
  • Must be 18 and under, or have a child who is 18 and under, be a US Citizen, and not have health insurance (ineligible for Medicaid as well).

Healthcare Marketplace

https://www.healthcare.gov/
Online tool to help you see what health insurance you qualify for (Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, etc.).

Maliheh Free Clinic
941 E 3300 S, Millcreek, UT 84106
(801)266-3700
https://malihehfreeclinic.org/services/

  • To access the clinic you need to have no health insurance and under the Federal Poverty line (they have a chart in the link to determine this).
  • Offer services such as primary care, pediatrics, family medicine, womens care, etc.

Domestic Violence

Pet Programs

Ruff Haven
1370 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
(801)251-6765
https://www.ruffhaven.org
Not 24 hours, intake and visits are by appointment so you need to visit the website or call ahead of time.
Our mission is to provide a temporary safe haven for companion animals in order to keep pets and their people together in times of crisis, increase pet retention, and decrease the number of animals entering the shelter system. Up to 60 days of placement.

Nuzzles and Co. Purple Paw Program
1-800-799-7233
https://nuzzlesandco.org/purple-paw-program/
http://www.thehotline.org/
Provide veterinary care, training, and boarding for pets of domestic abuse survivors attempting to leave their abusers. Works through the domestic violence hotline.

Red Rover Relief Safe Escape Grants

https://redrover.org/relief/dv-safe-escape-grants/
Funding through this program is primarily for boarding costs of the pet while the client is in a domestic violence shelter, though other boarding related costs (such as vaccinations) may be covered as well. For client safety, applications must be submitted by a domestic violence shelter representative. 

Safe Place For Pets

https://safeplaceforpets.org/
Website that provides names and contact info for pet friendly shelters and housing for victims attempting to escape domestic abuse.

Wasatch Avian Education Society

801-424-2589
http://wasatchavian.com/
[email protected]
Offer resources for all types of birds.

Shelters

The Hotline
https://www.thehotline.org/
A great tool for those who are experiencing domestic violence. It has chat options, a call line, resources close to you based on location, and an easy exit from the website in case you are in an unsafe place.

Domestic Shelters
https://www.domesticshelters.org/
A great website tool that uses your zip code and what you need to find shelters and options nearby to you. They have filters you can use to determine what services you need. 

Community Abuse Prevention Services 
308 W 1000 N, Logan, UT 84321
435-753-2500
http://www.capsa.org
Houses service animals onsite, other pets can be housed with the local animal shelter while the client is staying at the shelter.

YCC Family Crisis Center
2261 Adams Avenue, Ogden, UT 84401
801-394-9456 – Office Number
801-392-7273 – Hotline Number
http://www.capsa.org
Attempts to help clients obtain documentation for their pets to be considered a support animal or will work with local animal shelters to board pets while clients are in the shelter.

Peace House
700 Round Valley Drive, #115 Park City, UT 84060
435-658-4739 – Office Number
800-647-9161 – Hotline Number
https://peacehouse.org/get-help/

  • They offer a great hotline to help you understand your options, resources available to you, and even housing options .
  • Has a contract with Purple Paws that can house pets; pets will not be on site.

South Valley Sanctuary
8400 S Redwood Rd, West Jordan, UT 84088
801-255-1095 ext. 212
801-255-1095 ext. 251
https://svsutah.org/get-help-now
They have a helpline that you can call to hear your options and they have two community resource centers in West Jordan and in Riverton that can help as well.
Able to house emotional support and service animals only.

Women in Jeopardy Program YWCA
322 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
801-537-8600 – Hotline (24/7)
801-537-8604 – Office
You can call to hear what your available options are but they offer counseling, casework, safety planning, hygiene, etc. You can stay for up to 180 days if you qualify and they have space, contact to find out.
Able to house emotional support animals and service animals only.

Canyon Creek Women’s Crisis Center 
95 N. Main St., Cedar City, UT 84720
435-233-5732 – Hotline
435-867-9411 – Office
https://www.canyoncreekservices.org/help
They can provide counseling, casework, court and medical advocacy, and in emergency situations they can offer you shelter or assist you in obtaining a safe home
Have a local veterinarian that is able to work with accommodations for pets.

Colleen Quigley Women’s Center  
475 West Price River Drive Suite 152, Price, UT 84501
435-637-6859 – Hotline
435-637-3905 – Office
You can call to hear what your available options are but they offer counseling, casework, safety planning, hygiene, etc. They offer a great hotline to help you understand your options, resources available to you, and even housing options 
Has a program for fostering pets of domestic abuse survivors, does not house pets on site.

Seekhaven Moab
81 N 300 E, Moab, UT 84532
888-421-1100 – Hotline
435-259-2229 – Office
http://www.seekhaven.org
They can house 8 women and children with an additional crib. They can’t currently house men but could provide a hotel if needed. Call ahead to hear availability and to see what services are available for you.
Occasionally can accomodate pets on a case-by-case basis.

The Center for Women and Children (The Refuge)
P.O. Box 1075 Provo, UT 84603 (Confidential Location)
801-377-5500
https://therefugeutah.org/get-help-now/
You need to call the number to hear what shelter location will work for you because they don’t provide the address to keep those being housed safe. They can provide counseling, casework, and shelter.
Cannot house pets on site but assists with finding temporary housing for pets.

Tooele County Women’s Shelter, Pathways
34 South Main St. Tooele, Utah 84074
435-224-2710 or 800-833-5515 – Hotline
435-843-1677 – Office
They can provide counseling, casework, court and medical advocacy, and in emergency situations they can offer you shelter or assist you in obtaining a safe home.
This shelter is pet-friendly provided that they have the available space.

Womens and Children Resources

Rescue Mission’s Women’s Center
1165 State St., Salt Lake City UT 84111
(801)-521-5925
A safe place where women and women with children can find safety from abusive relationships, counseling for addiction, and the love of Jesus. The Women’s Center is home to our New Life Program for women and also provides homeless and low-income women access to emergency shelter, food, clothing, job placement, and more.

Womens, Infants, and Children (WIC)

  • https://wic.utah.gov/
  • This program provides nutritional services, breastfeeding services, and supplemental foods to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to 5 years of age. They offer a large assortment of nutrition education, personalized breastfeeding support, and referrals to other public health programs. They have a tool on the website to check and see if you qualify.
  • If you are a client being served by the Women, Infants, and Children or WIC program and have questions, please call 1-877-WIC-KIDS (942-5437).

Hope Center for Children
857 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
(801)487-3276
https://houseofhopeut.org/programs/childrens-services/
Offer developmental and therapeutic child care for the children of women attending House of Hope.
To qualify you must be a woman with children, and be a client of House of Hope, call for more info/admissions.

CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT 
1-855-323-3237
To report possible child abuse or neglect, please call the Child Abuse Intake Hotline.

Elderly

Aging Services

55 Plus Book – Salt Lake County
https://slco.org/aging-adult-services/55-plus/
A wonderful tool that narrows down by category what services are available to those 55 and older. It gives you phone numbers, addresses and a quick description of what each service is.

Medicare
Call (801)526-0950 Workforce Services for eligibility
Call 1-800-772-1213 Social Security for eligibility
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare
Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. You’re first eligible to sign up for Medicare 3 months before you turn 65. You may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig’s disease). 

Aging and Adult Services – Information Services
2001 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(385)468-3200
https://slco.org/aging-adult-services/information-assistance/
Offer a plethora of resources in terms of aging resources and how to find them.
Give you information on how to receive services such as caregiving, legal services, meals on wheels, home care, shoveling/mowing lawns, transportation.

Care to Ride
(801)447-6344
Provides rides to doctor, dentist, hair/nail appointments, grocery or personal shopping. Will shop with you and carry bags. Will also run errands for shopping and prescriptions while you stay home.

Reporting Elder Abuse
1-800-371-7897
Mon.-Fri.: 8am-5pm
Can also report online: https://utahaps.com/LEAPSINTAKE/NewPublicIntakeReport_301.aspx

Utah Department of Human Services: Aging and Adult Services
https://daas.utah.gov/locations-new/
Variety of locations, you can use the link above to find the closest Senior Center to you.
Offer protective services, legal advice, caregiver support, nutrition programs, scams and consumer fraud, and more.

Utah’s Aging Services Map
(801)213-4156
https://ucoa.utah.edu/area-agencies-on-aging.php
Useful map to help find services based off of your county and what is local to you.

Veterinarians

Funding

Pet Samaritan Fund Utah
3802 S. Sunnydale Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84109 (Office Only)
Phone: (801) 277-9263
[email protected]
The pet samaritan fund will help you not only adopt, but they can shelter animals and can also provide assistance to low income families trying to cover medical costs, pet food, transportation, etc.

CareCredit
1-800-677-0718
https://carecredit.com/vetmed
A credit line that can be used for medical and veterinary costs. There is a tool on their website that can be used to see if you qualify.

iCare Credit 
https://www.icarefinancialcorp.com/veterinary-financing-program
Made for pet owners without insurance coverage or cash available to pay at the time of service. You apply and then they let you know what iCare providers are in the area for your pet.

Bow Wow Buddies
https://www.bowwowbuddies.com/apply-for-grant/
Qualifies for serious procedures not things like spay/neuter, preventative, dental, etc. Provides up to $2500 grants for emergency care, can apply up to 30 days after procedure.

Brown Dog Foundation
http://www.browndogfoundation.org/
Provides financial assistance for veterinary treatment, must already have a veterinarian in order to apply. You apply through their website and they outline the steps that you can expect to be taking throughout. 

Red Rover Relief: Urgent Care Grants
https://redrover.org/relief/urgent-care-grants/
Provides grants (typically around $200) for lifesaving care. Has to be a life threatening injury or illness. You must have a diagnosis and treatment plan from a veterinarian, the treatment plan should result with good or favorable outcomes. The animal must be spayed/neutered, and a proof of income is required.

Friends and Vets Helping Pets
http://friendsandvetshelpingpets.org/need-assitance/
Provides financial assistance for curable, lifesaving (not life-prolonging) care such as tumors, broken bones, ambulatory care, expensive medication, or post-surgical prosthetics. You can check your qualifications online and fill out the application on their website.

The Pet Fund
https://www.thepetfund.com/for-pet-owners
Only provides financial assistance to non-basic, non-urgent care such as cancer treatment, heart disease, chronic conditions, endocrine conditions, eye diseases, etc. Typically has a wait list. They will send the money directly to the treating veterinarian. Can apply online but will require internet access and access to a printer.

Dylan’s Fund
http://www.dylanshearts.com/Animal-Medical-Bills-Eligibility.html
Provides financial assistance for urgent veterinary care for one pet, and the family must meet eligibility requirements. Must apply through a veterinarian.Has to be a life threatening injury or illness. You must have a diagnosis and treatment plan from a veterinarian, the treatment plan should result with good or favorable outcomes.

The Shakespeare Fund
(775)342-7040
[email protected]
https://www.shakespeareanimalfund.org/ineedhelp
Providing grants for those that meet federal poverty guidelines. Once you have contacted them they will go back and forth with you and decide if you are eligible for their emergency service funding.

Magic Bullet Fund
http://themagicbulletfund.org/apply/
This service is for pets with cancer. They have different requirements on their website for things like you have to be the primary guardian, you need to give your vet permission, weight-age requirements, etc.

The Mosby Foundation
http://www.themosbyfoundation.org/apply-for-assistance/
Provides financial assistance for pets that are critically sick, injured, abused, and/or neglected. Your pet needs to be spayed/neutered, it has to be emergency care not generalized/preventative. Treatment has to not have been performed yet, they cannot help you with charges that have already been incurred.

The Onyx & Breezy Foundation
http://www.onyxandbreezy.org/
Provides financial assistance for spay/neuter, medical hardship, food, medicine, supplies, and pets of veterans with PTSD. Need to have a tax return, filled out questionnaire, estimate of cost, prognosis and diagnosis, and your CareCredit status.

Diabetic Cats in Need
https://dcin.dreamhosters.com/compassionate-assistance-program/
Offer you resources and education on what to feed your diabetic cat, how to give insulin shots and test blood sugar levels, and you need to prove that you are a low income animal guardian. They have an emergency line as well on their website under the “Contact Us” tab.

Pets of the Homeless
https://www.petsofthehomeless.org/
Website resource that can locate pet friendly food pantries and shelters nearest to you using their online tools and maps.

Tipper and Squirt Care for Cushing’s Fund, Inc.
http://www.tipper-squirtcushingfund.org/apply.html
Provides financial assistance for veterinary care of dogs with Cushing’s disease. You can check their website for all of their specific requirements, qualifications, recommended veterinarians, permissions, etc.

Articles & websites listing numerous funding programs:
http://www.speakingforspot.com/index.php?p=Financial-Assistance-for-Veterinary-Care
https://felinedm.com/tips-tricks-and-how-to-do-stuff/saving-money/finding-financial-assistance/

Low Cost

THRIVE Affordable Pet Care
1090 Fort Union Blvd, Midvale, UT 84047
(385) 253-8086
Mon- Fri 8am-6pm, Closed Sun
Thrivevet.com
Offer an array of online resources along with low cost vet care. You can call to book an appointment or they have an online booking tool as well.

Animal Crackers

7540 S Redwood Rd, West Jordan, UT 84084
(801) 561-9271
Sun-Sat 8am to 6pm
Animalcrackersvet.com

  • Their schedule books up quickly so you need to plan a few weeks in advance/expect a wait.
  • They offer dental, checkups, diet & nutrition, vaccinations, and surgery

Midvalley Animal Clinic
6047 S Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84123
(801) 269-1213
Mon-Sat 8am to 6pm
www.midvalleyanimalclinic.com
They offer telemedicine visits as an option during COVID. They have all their intake forms and booking online as an option. Their fees and pet costs are all listed on their website as well under the “Price List” section

Salt Lake Spay & Neuter
160 E 4800 S Murray, UT 84107
(801) 262-6414
Tues to Fri 7am to 6pm
http://www.spayandneuterofslc.com
Enter into their website and click on Services. They have information on what services are offered and what they cost.
They no longer offer spay and neuter services for rabbits.

Banfield

Multiple locations in Petsmarts throughout Utah
Closest available to the Humane Society of Utah:
5748 S Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, UT 84123
(801) 967-5448
www.banfield.com
Offer a lot of online tools from booking, pricing, finding the closest location, and more. Not meant to be an emergency vet.

VCA Reduced Cost Vaccine Clinic

2530 4700 S, Taylorsville, UT 84129  
(801) 966-4700

5991 S Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, UT 84123  
(801) 890-7912

1519 W 9000 S, West Jordan, UT 84088  
(801) 561-8872

TUES and THURS between 12pm-4pm
www.vcahospitals.com
They offer a lot of services from regular primary care, specialty care, emergency vets, boarding care, and treatments for pets with cancer.

Emergency 24/7

Advanced Veterinary Care
1021 E 3300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
(801) 942-3951
https://avcslc.net/
Call ahead to hear ER times. Open 24/7 in an emergency and have wonderful vets on staff to help your pets in emergencies.

BluePearl
308 W 7200 S, Midvale, UT 84047
(801) 871-0600
https://bluepearlvet.com/hospital/midvale-ut
Both specialty and emergency availability. Tues 8am- Sat midnight

Cottonwood Animal Hospital  
6360 S Highland Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84121
(801) 278-0505
https://vcahospitals.com/cottonwood?utm_source=maps&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=VCA_Cottonwood_Animal_Hospital
Open 24 hours, emergency care and primary care that spans your pets lifetime.

Southwest Animal Emergency Clinic

1067 E Tabernacle St, St. George, UT 84770
(435)673-3191
https://www.southwestanimalemergency.com/
Open weeknights 5pm to 8am. 24 hours on weekends and holidays.
This clinic does not offer payment plans unless it is through a CareCredit line (veterinary services credit line)

Exotic Animals

Wasatch Exotic Animal
1892 Fort Union Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
(801) 943-3367
Mon, Wed, Fri 8am- 6pm; Tues, Thurs 8am- 8pm; Sat 8am-2pm, Sun- closed

Animal Crackers Vet Hospital
7540 S Redwood Rd, West Jordan, UT 84084
(801) 810-0360
Mon- Fri 8am- 5:30 pm, Sat 8am -4:30, Sun- closed

Parrish Creek Veterinary Hospital
86 N 70 W St, Centerville, UT 84014
(801) 298-2014
Mon-Fri 8am- 6pm, Sat 8am-2pm, Sun- closed

Utah Veterinary Hospital
161 E 30 N, American Fork, UT 84003
(801) 692-1563
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am- 2pm, Sun- closed

Creekside Animal Hospital
12720 South Pony Express Road, Draper, UT 84020
(801) 565-1263
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am- 6pm, Sun- closed

TNR

Cache Humane Society
2370 West 200 North Logan, UT 84321
(435) 792-3920
https://www.cachehumane.org/
This organization will provide TNR services as long as you bring the cat(s) in yourself. They do not rent traps or carriers. The price for a spay is $59 and a neuter is $49. You will need to pick up the animal after the procedure and release it yourself. 

West Valley Animal Services 
4522 West 3500 South, West Valley, UT 84120
(801) 965-5812
https://www.wvc-ut.gov/17/Animal-Services
West Valley & Taylorsville Animal Shelter allows you to rent a trap and will charge a $75 fee if the trap does not return within a week. Additionally, $2 per day will be charged after that 1-week period until the trap is returned. You are able to bring the trapped cat(s) during their business hours or call dispatch to have an officer pick up the cat(s). The cat(s) will be held for a couple days after the procedure to ensure a positive recovery. The shelter will then release the cat(s) to the area it was trapped from. 

Murray Animal Shelter
5624 South 300 West, Murray, UT 84107
(801) 264-2671
https://murray.utah.gov/195/Animal-Control
Murray Animal Shelter will provide TNR services to residents that have community cats within their city limits. They rent out traps for a refundable deposit of $60, which you will receive back when you return the trap. 

West Jordan Animal Shelter
5982 New Bingham Hwy, West Jordan, UT 84081
(801) 282-3951
https://www.westjordan.utah.gov/animalservices
West Jordan Animal Shelter provides TNR services to feral cats within the West Jordan city limits. There is a $50 refundable deposit to rent a trap from their facility. Contact their facility with any further questions.

Herriman City Animal Services
5355 West Herriman Main Street, Herriman, UT 84096
801-758-0080
https://www.herriman.org/police/animal-services/
Herriman City Animal Services provides TNR for the residents in their jurisdiction. The property of which the cat is found needs to be within the city of Herriman. They do not trap the cats and rely on the community’s assistance in doing so. There is a refundable deposit of $50 to rent a trap. There is no additional cost for TNR services.

Salt Lake County Animal Services
511 West 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84123
(385) 468-7387
https://slco.org/animal-services/
Salt Lake County Animal Services provides TNR for the residents within their jurisdiction. They will not relocate colonies unless there are severe safety concerns. They are typically only capable of trapping cats for colonies of many cats and typically will not trap single cats for the community. If you notice a single stray cat, you can rent a trap from SLCAS and trap the cat and bring it into their facility for it to be eligible for the TNR program. If you notice a large number of stray cats, contact SLCAS with the location and size of the colony and they will do the trapping at their earliest availability. 

Davis County Animal Shelter

1422 East 600 North, Fruit Heights, UT 84037
(801) 444-2200
http://www.daviscountyutah.gov/animalcare
Davis County Animal Control has a TNR program set in place for feral cats that reside within the city limits of Davis County (this includes North Salt Lake). They are not able to trap cats for the public and require residents to trap the cats and bring them into their facility. 

Disability Services

Department of Human Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD)
1-844-275-3773
https://dspd.utah.gov/intake-process/
You can see if you are eligible or apply for services over the phone and using their online tool.

There is a large array of services based on need and severity. Services can be behavior supports, chore supports, day services, environment adaptations, and more.

Social Security Disability Benefits
1-800-772-1213
Can call Mon.-Fri.: 7am to 7pm
https://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/
You can apply for disability benefits if you are 18 and older and you are unable to work due to a disability/medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Assistance Animals FAQ
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/assistance_animals
Great fact sheet on what rights you have for your assistance animals and the obligations of housing providers for your assistance animals.

How To Register A Support Animal
https://www.thesprucepets.com/how-to-register-an-emotional-support-animal-4685221
Gives an in depth view into how to get an emotional support animal and what that requires.

https://esadoctors.com/
https://pettable.com/
Two credible resources to register for an ESA (emotional support animal).

Disability Law Center

205 North 400 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
(800) 662-9080 
Mon.-Thurs.: 9am-4pm, Frid.: 9am-1pm
https://disabilitylawcenter.org/
A great legal resource to those who have disabilities and need advocating with fair housing, employment, education, etc.

Training

** This is NOT an endorsement. This is not for an animal that has extreme aggressive behavior, these are meant for basic obedience, mild training issues. We are not able to guarantee the quality of services. We strongly suggest that you check them out yourself before using a specific service.**

GoodPup – Dog Training Over Video Chat
http://shelter.goodpup.com/uths
Can do up to 2 weeks of free training through their app/website. You can video chat or talk in a chat box, 1 on 1 with a trainer. Best for mild training issues.

Dog Training by Kikopup
https://www.youtube.com/user/kikopup
Another great youtube resource. She has everything from the basics, to reactivity, to advanced tricks.

Donna Hill Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/supernaturalbc2009
Donna uses positive reinforcement training to show you how to do basic service tasks such as leash training, scenting, mobility, and general tasks.

Online

Hotlines

Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-8255
A national hotline used to prevent suicide and is available to those who need it 24/7, 365 days a year. This hotline is used for crisis situations and is not a regular basis treatment but they can help when someone is in a crisis and needs help.

Utah Warm Line
801-587-1055
This office offers listening ear as individuals heal from their own personal struggles. Utah residents may call the Utah Warm Line from 8am-11pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year at no cost. They have certified peer support specialists that have navigated mental health issues and/or substance abuse issues of their own. 

UNI CrisisLine 
801-587-3000

SafeUT Crisis Line
833-372-3388

CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT 
1-855-323-3237.
To report possible child abuse or neglect, please call the Child Abuse Intake Hotline.

Apps/Social Media

Best Friends Mobile Veterinarian App
An app that connects you immediately with a licensed veterinarian via phone or video call, saves you trips to the vet or lets you know that you need to get to an emergency vet. You can also text a vet if you just have a quick question.

Pet Cloud 
Open Sundays at 3pm and 6pm
Online support group for those who have lost pets. You register ahead of time online.

SafeUT App
Crisis counseling for school aged children K-12 and educators through an anonymous app that you can download. They speak with you in real time and are available 24/7, 365 days a year about struggles you may be having with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, bullying, etc.

Utah Humane Society Adopted Pets! Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/UtahHumaneAdoptedPets/
Individuals can post to talk about their adopted pets and gain a sense of community and support. They can also post about passings and struggles they have been having to grieve and process with those who have suffered from something similar. 

SLC Utah Pets
https://www.facebook.com/groups/931174583608527/
SLC Utah’s Pets – Advice, Lost & Found, and Rehoming, a facebook group, is a place for posting and rehoming pets. You’ll need to be added into the group to post. 

Utah County Pets
https://www.facebook.com/groups/UtahCountyLostAndFoundPets/
Utah County’s group for lost, found, and rehoming pets in the Utah Valley area and surrounding communities.

Animals In Need of Rescues, Fosters, Etc. Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1896615173721818/permalink/3326262044090450/

SLC Utah Pets- Advice, Lost and Found, Rehoming
https://www.facebook.com/groups/931174583608527/

BringFido
https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/
A website that helps you find local hotels that are pet friendly.

What’s in a name? Pet Resource Center

Pet resource center in murray
Front entrance view to the Pet Resource Center at the Humane Society of Utah.

You may have (or may not) have noticed that we no longer refer to ourselves as an “animal shelter” in our recent communications and are now calling ourselves a “Pet Resource Center.” In this three-part blog series, we’ll explain why.

In the last few years, the “Pet Resource Center” model has become widely adopted by animal welfare leaders across the country to improve upon the traditional animal sheltering approach. The term resource center comes from human welfare services and describes the way they provide a safety net beyond sheltering to those experiencing homelessness or in danger of becoming homeless. This radical new shift allows for organizations like ours to focus additional efforts on supporting pet guardians in various ways, so we can, in turn, help the companion animals in our communities. 

By adopting this model at the Humane Society of Utah, we can increase our capacity to care and support struggling pet guardians to help “keep pets and people together,” as our mission states. For example, we understand that the previous two years have been challenging for many. Our community members have been affected by housing insecurities, cost of living increases, supply chain, and veterinary shortages. These challenges have made owning a beloved companion animal more difficult. In response, we’ve worked hard to support guardians affected by the pandemic through the various programs we offer at our Pet Resource Center:

Community Clinic

By providing affordable spay/neuter and vaccines services through our two Preventative Care Clinics located in St. George and Murray, our organization was able to help over 144,000 community-owned pets stay healthy in 2021. Our clinics stayed open year-round to provide 12,643 spay/neuter surgeries to help prevent the pet overpopulation problem and administered 143,904 vaccines to help stop the spread of deadly viruses.

Pet Retention Program

Our Pet Retention program aims to keep pets and owners together, when possible, by providing resources to help owners who are experiencing difficulty but wish to keep their companion animals. By supporting our community members this way, we’re also helping keep pets out of the sheltering system. In 2021, our Pet Retention program served 487 medical cases for community-owned pets. In addition, we sponsored the first free vaccination and microchip clinic in Tooele County, providing 171 cats and dogs with free preventative care.

Community Partnerships

Our Pet Resource Center also connects community members with resources to help them keep their beloved pets through partnerships with organizations like Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering. We are currently working with organizations such as The Road Home and the YWCA to provide resources, such as vaccines and general pet care supplies. Developing partnerships is one of the key ways we ensure both people and their pets get what they need and stay together.

Join us for the second part of this blog series next month as we discuss the importance of education. And the educational resources our Pet Resource Center provides through our Behavior and Humane Education departments.

Utah’s 2022 Legislative Session Recap: Companion Animal Bills

HB 476 Protest rally at Utah State Capitol
HB 476 protest rally at Utah State Capitol.

Utah’s 2022 legislative session ended on March 5, 2022 and what a busy session it was! Our advocacy team spent every day of the session at the capitol, educating our legislators on the importance of protecting animals and making sure our furry friends’ voices were heard. 

We had a very big win this year, securing protections for pets, and additional protections for humans, in domestic violence situations. We had a second big win in defeating a bill that would have opened the floodgates to puppy mills in Utah. 

While we had a couple of (big!) wins, other animal bills did not fare quite as well. Read on for a breakdown of companion animal-related bills and their outcomes from the 2022 session.


Our Bills

H.B. 175 – Protection of Animals Amendments PASSED!

Run in partnership with our friends at Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering, H.B. 175 was sponsored by Rep. Angela Romero (District 26) and sponsored on the floor by Sen. David Hinkins (District 27). 

After passing both houses of the legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support, this bill was signed into law by Gov. Spencer Cox in late March of 2022. 

HSU and Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering staff stand with Representative Angela Romero
HSU and Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering staff stand with Representative Angela Romero in the Utah State Capitol building.

The new law allows courts to include household animals in protection-from-abuse orders (including domestic violence, dating violence, cohabitant abuse, and child abuse protective orders) and expands the “emotional distress” resulting from harm to an animal in domestic violence cases to also include cases of stalking.

H.B. 92 – Transportation of Dogs ActFailed

Sponsored by Rep. Ashlee Matthews (District 37), this bill would have required dogs transported on Utah’s freeways in open back trucks (including flatbeds) to be cross-tethered or in a secured crate. 

Despite the commonsense nature of this bill, it received strong opposition from two members of the House of Representatives at its committee hearing. One member made a point to state that there was nothing wrong with the bill itself and that we had considered the interests of all stakeholders, but that he would never vote for such a bill. 

With the failure of this bill, we head into another summer of dogs clinging to hold on in the back of trucks on the freeway, burning paws on the hot metal, and breathing in significant amounts of debris while distracted drivers look on in horror. 

A scared dog rides on the back of a flatbed truck traveling at high speeds on a busy Utah Highway.

If you want to see dogs protected during transport on our freeways, call your representative and senator to demand it.


Bills We Strongly Opposed

H.B. 476 – Local Agriculture AmendmentsFAILED!

Backed by pro-puppy mill lobbyists, H.B. 476 would have erased local regulations of animal-related businesses and prevented future protections for animals on the local level. In simple terms: this bill, if passed, would have opened Utah to completely unregulated puppy mills and the stores that sell animals from puppy and kitten mills. 

HSU and other animal advocates rally on the steps of the Utah State Capitol building to protest H.B. 476.

However, we, along with half a dozen other animal welfare organizations and thousands of amazing supporters like you, defeated this bill! Your calls and emails to your representatives and senators helped our legislature realize that this was a bad bill with horrible consequences for the beloved animals of Utah. This bill thankfully died before a vote in the senate. Unfortunately, the same concept will undoubtedly be re-introduced in the next session. We will be there to fight it every step of the way.


Other Companion Animal Legislation

Several other bills were filed with the legislature this year to bring additional protections to companion animals in our state. Some made it all the way to the end of the session but were not voted on before the clock struck midnight on the night of March 5. Others never made it out of committee. Here is a quick rundown of those bills:

SB69 – Animal Shelter RevisionsFailed

This bill would have eliminated gas chamber euthanasia in Utah shelters. 

SB165 – Animal Cruelty Modifications Failed

This bill would have expanded Utah’s animal cruelty code to better define proper care for an animal, including a more substantial definition of what constitutes “shelter.”

HB112 – Animal Fighting PenaltiesFailed

This bill would have expanded the definition of “animal” in Utah’s anti-dog fighting statute to include all animals. 

HB306 – Cosmetic Sale AmendmentsFailed

This bill would have banned the sale in Utah of cosmetics tested on animals. 


While perhaps not the strongest year for companion animal protection, the number of animal protection bills introduced in the 2022 legislative session did prove one thing: Utahns care about companion animals and want to see them treated well. And we agree! We will keep fighting on the local, state, and federal level to secure protections for pets and the human-animal bond. We hope you will join us.  
Watch our social media accounts and sign up for advocacy alerts to stay informed and get active!

Housing Resources

Woman sits on fronch porch smiling while petting a long haired golden colored dog who is laying on his side with his tongue out.

Some apartments do not allow cats or dogs. View this Apartment Guide to see places that allow pets before signing a rental agreement. 

The inclusion of a service, organization, or program in this listing is NOT an endorsement or recommendation. We are not able to guarantee the quality of these services and recommend that you gain additional information before using a specific service.

Service Animal Etiquette: Can I Pet that Dog?

service dog

Picture this: you’re walking down the street in the local shopping district and you see a dog in a vest labeled “service dog” in bold lettering. You love animals and you’re excited to say hello to any that you meet, but can you greet this pup? 

So what should you do when you encounter a service animal? We’ve compiled this list of tips and tricks to help guide you!

According to the ADA, service animals are animals that have been trained to perform specific tasks related to the disability (or disabilities) of their handler. (For more information on what service animals are and what they do, check out this blog post we published last year.) These animals are considered to be a form of medical equipment, and distracting them from their tasks can be dangerous for their handlers.

service dog
  1. Do not distract (pet or otherwise engage with) a service animal

As a general rule, it is not a good idea to pet animals you are not familiar with without asking an owner’s permission, but this is doubly important when it comes to service animals. If a service animal becomes distracted, they may be unable to perform the tasks they have been trained to do for their handler’s health, which could lead to a medical emergency.

Talking directly to a service animal, especially in high-pitched tones, can also be a distraction for the animal. Because of this, it is good practice to avoid addressing service dogs directly or making a fuss that would garner the dog’s attention.

  1. Do respect a service animal’s space

Under the ADA, service animals are permitted in areas that pets are not, including grocery stores, restaurants, and office buildings. For the most part, a service animal is allowed to go anywhere their handler goes so they can perform health-related tasks.. 

If you see a service dog in an area that you are not used to seeing animals, know that they are doing their job and that they are permitted to be where they are.

  1. Do follow an unattended service animal

If you find yourself in the presence of an unattended service animal, do not try to capture or restrain them. Some disabilities cause handlers to pass out, seize, or become otherwise unresponsive, and it is common for these handlers to train their dogs to go get help should they have an episode.

If a dog approaches you in a service vest with no handler present, they are likely trying to get your attention to get help for their handler. First, follow the dog back to the site of the incident so you know where to find the handler in distress. From there, call 911 or locate an individual who is trained to help in medical emergencies, such as a paramedic

So, next time you see one of these vest-clad furry friends, admire them from a distance. They are truly heroes in fluffy disguises, and they are working hard!

State-Level Advocacy

The 2022 Legislative Session

This year, Utah’s legislative session officially starts on Tuesday, January 18. With just 45 short days in the session, it is sure to be a whirlwind! The Humane Society of Utah’s advocacy team will be posted at the Utah State Capitol every day of the session, ready to educate legislators on the companion animal welfare issues facing our state. 

There are quite a few bills up for consideration this year that will impact pets and their people. Read on to see the bills we have brought forth and the bills we are supporting this session. We will keep an updated list of the bills we are supporting, and their progress, on our website throughout the session. 

State-Level Advocacy - Utah State Capitol on Animal Welfare Day

Our Bills

  1. Protection of Animals Amendments (HB 175) – Sponsored by Rep. Angela Romero, House District 26. We have partnered with Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering for this important bill. This bill will allow survivors of domestic violence to include their pets in personal protective orders. Abusers often use violence or threats of violence against a victim’s pet as a psychological tool to manipulate and further control the victim. The fear of an abuser causing harm to a beloved animal often delays victims from leaving an abusive household or stops them from fleeing entirely. In fact, nearly 50% of domestic violence victims have delayed leaving their abuser out of fear of harm to their pets. The intent of this legislation is to ensure that survivors can protect themselves and their pets sooner. 
  2. Transportation of Dogs Act (HB 92) – Sponsored by Rep. Ashlee Matthews, House District 38. This bill protects public safety and animal welfare by specifying the methods by which a dog can be transported on a truck bed. Dogs riding unrestrained in a truck bed are at risk of being ejected from the vehicle in the event of an accident, are exposed to unforgiving Utah weather conditions, and risk being struck by flying debris. Unrestrained companion animals also pose a risk to public safety and contribute to distracted driving. The intent of this legislation is to ensure that dogs are properly and safely restrained on highways to prevent them from becoming projectiles, causing injury or death to themselves or others on the roadway. 

Bills We Support

  1. Animal Shelter Amendments (SB 69) – Sponsored by Sen. David Hinkins, Senate District 27. This bill will mandate euthanasia-by-injection in animal shelters throughout Utah for non-emergency euthanasia. Utah is one of very few states that still allow euthanasia by gas chamber. While there are a lot of hurdles for companion animal welfare in our state, inhumane euthanasia should not be one of them. The intent of this bill is to ban gas chamber euthanasia, which we at the Humane Society of Utah fully support!  
  2. Animal Fighting Penalties (HB 112) – Sponsored by Rep. Marsha Judkins, District 61. This bill will expand the animal fighting laws in Utah to apply to all animals, not just dogs, and roosters. While dogfighting and cockfighting are the most commonly known forms of animal fighting, many different species of animals, when pitted against one another by bad actors, can and do fight. The intent of this legislation is to ensure animals of any species are not forced to fight, and if they are, the greedy humans involved are met with legal consequences. 

Here’s hoping for a successful legislative session, where animal welfare wins and changes in our laws make it a little easier to Change Their World.

Want to be kept up-to-date with our advocacy efforts, including action alerts on the bills listed above? Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for weekly updates.