Tails of Hope: KSL NewsRadio live from Salt Lake County Animal Services

SALT LAKE CITY — Join KSL NewsRadio live from Salt Lake County Animal Services on March 28, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a special broadcast of Dave & Dujanovic to discuss what changes will be made to Utah animal shelters to accommodate the newest regulations.

Stop by to get a free dog bone and check out the animals in need of a new home.  

Listen KSL NewsRadio’s Dave & Dujanovic live at the Salt Lake County Animal Services on March 28.

Gov. Cox recently declared that 2024 will be a no-kill year for Utah animal shelters. 

“Whereas, achieving no-kill for all of Utah’s animal shelters is within reach, and would make Utah the largest no-kill state and the first no-kill state in the West,” Cox wrote. “Now, therefore, I, Spencer J. Cox, governor of the state of Utah, do hereby declare 2024 as no-kill shelter year in Utah.”

A no-kill state means that the Utah shelters will save the lives of the pets in their care. According to data from Best Friends, 47 out of 60 shelters across the state are no-kill. So far, residents have saved 45,538 furry friends. The total save rate is 87.8%.  BUt 1,700 cats and dogs have been killed. This data was formulated from shelters’ most recent data (in years 2021, 2022 or 2023). 

To accommodate the influx of shelter animals, donations are welcome and made easy by this online wish list.  In-person donations are also welcome at Salt Lake County Animal Services, 511 W 3900 S, Salt Lake City. 

Aside from donations, individuals and families can help by opening their home to animals in need. One way to do this on a temporary basis is by fostering an animal. Salt Lake County Animals Services’ website says, “We are always looking for foster homes, especially during kitten season (April-October). Fosters provide a temporary home to dogs and cats for a variety of reasons. Foster care can be necessary for dogs who need help with manners, animals with medical needs, unweaned kittens, and more… even a short stay can make a tremendous difference”. 

Those interested in fostering an animal can receive more information by calling the shelter at 385-GOT-PETS (385-468-7387) or by emailing a foster specialist at Fosters@slco.org. 

The ultimate goal for every animal is to find a forever family. All pets available for adoption are listed online , and available for meet and greet opportunities with interested parties. If you’re looking for a furry addition to the family, Salt Lake Animal Services’ website says, “Adopting your new best friend has never been easier! We have puppies, kittens, dogs, cats, bunnies, critters and more ready to be adopted pets.” 

For additional ways to get involved with Salt Lake Animal Services, please view their website.