Author: Shae

State-Level Advocacy

Posted on by Shae

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.

Understanding urinary tract issues in cats

Posted on by Shae
header image of a ginger cat

Cats can experience urinary tract issues which can lead to house soiling. This is the top reason older cats are surrendered to the Humane Society of Utah. In addition, cats that develop urinary tract infections can sometimes suffer from endocrine diseases, including hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus. 

Often the former guardians are unaware of the urinary tract issues, and it isn’t until they are in our care that they find out. Luckily, some families are willing to reunite with their beloved feline friends once they are informed and a treatment plan has been implemented. 

The most common symptoms of urinary tract infection in cats include: 

  • urinating small amounts more frequently
  • straining to urinate
  • pain or discomfort when urinating
  • not urinating at all
  • urinating around the house (outside the litter box)
  • passing urine tinged with blood (pinkish color urine) 
  • sudden-onset fear of the litter box
  • lethargy
  • vomiting 

If your feline friend is exhibiting any of these symptoms, please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

Here are our tips for maintaining your cat’s urinary health

cat drinking out of a fountain

Increasing your cat’s water intake is one of the most important steps toward keeping their urinary tract healthy. Keeping your cat well-hydrated means they will urinate more frequently which will flush out toxins and maintain healthy kidney function. In addition, a higher urine water content dilutes the toxins, minerals, and urinary irritants that can lead to problems like crystals and urinary stones.

Our first tip is always to provide fresh water. Cats often prefer fresh or running water, which is why you often see them trying to drink straight from the faucet. Many cat bowls today come with a fountain option. 

Second, incorporate wet food into your cat’s diet. Wet food holds more moisture than dry and easily adds water to a cat’s intake.  

Third, if your cat has had previous urinary health problems, they will likely benefit from a urinary diet. These formulas contain specific amounts of minerals, protein, and bladder protectants to help maintain a healthy urinary tract. Urinary diets have restricted amounts of minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium which can contribute to urinary crystals and stone formation. 

Talk with your veterinarian if you think your cat may benefit from a urinary diet. These prescription bags of food often cost about the same as most high-end cat food brands.

Fourth, avoid stressful environments for your feline friend. Cats are sensitive to environmental stressors, which have been linked to inappropriate elimination and feline UTIs. Eliminating simple stressors and providing an escape when your cat is fearful or anxious can keep her urinary tract healthy. 

Cat in a litter box

Lastly, keep your cat’s litter box clean daily and avoid harsh-smelling litters that are heavily scented. These types of cat litter may smell better to us but are often offensive to our feline friends.  

A Year in Review: St. George Clinic

Posted on by Shae

In September 2020, the Humane Society of Utah launched a new spay/neuter and vaccination clinic in St. George. As the only low-cost clinic in the area, it provided a much-needed community resource in Washington County. In 2021, the St. George Clinic was voted “Best of Southern Utah” as a silver nonprofit organization.  

The clinic has officially celebrated its first year and has already achieved great success in the St. George animal-loving community. In 2021, our St. George Clinic spayed/neutered 3,265 cats and dogs. These surgeries are the first step in helping curb the pet overpopulation issue that burdens surrounding animal control agencies.

Additionally, 5,095 vaccines were administered to cats and dogs in the community These core vaccinations not only help keep community-owned pets healthy but also protect pet owners and other community members from dangerous viruses like rabies.

HSU aims to continue serving the people and companion animals of St. George and surrounding areas, whether by keeping owned pets happy and healthy with preventative care or committing to helping homeless animals through our rescue partners in the area. 

2021 In Review

Posted on by Shae
aerial view of our facility

Dear Humane Society of Utah Family,

For 61 years, the Humane Society of Utah has served as a vital resource for the animals of Utah and beyond. Two things have held consistent in that time: our focus and change. We remain as focused as ever to provide the best life possible for the animals we share our lives with, but how we do that is always progressing. With regularity, we ask ourselves “what’s next?” Staying on the forefront of best practices, we implement new programs to save lives like we never have before to produce the best outcomes for all animals, both in our pet resource center and in the communities we serve.

Despite the many challenges of the ongoing pandemic, this past year has been one filled with success, growth, and forward momentum for the Humane Society of Utah.

6,282 animals were adopted in 2021 who are now in loving homes and 6,282 families are now happier and more complete. Keep in mind, each of these adoptions and placements represents a life – a life positively transformed by you, our HSU family of supporters.

Adoptions don’t just come about when a loving family picks out an ideal animal companion and signs an adoption contract. Adoptions come about because people know when they are no longer able to care for an animal, HSU will. They come about because we are able to give animals excellent veterinary care right when they come through our doors, and because we are able to give them love, food, and a safe space. Adoptions come about because our foster volunteers give those in need a little extra help and the time they need to grow or heal. Adoptions come about because our animal behavior team develops specific training plans for those needing a little refinement. They come about because our transport team rescues animals from overcrowded shelters near and far. Adoptions come about because you donate enrichment toys to keep them busy and blankets to keep them warm and comfy. They come about because you, our supporters, share their photos and stories on social media. They come about when someone chooses adoption and space frees up for the next animal. Adoptions come about because of amazing people including a dedicated staff, incredible volunteers, generous donors, and a supportive community. Adoptions come about because of you! Together, we were able to make all of this come about, 6,282 times, just last year.

Families in crisis sometimes feel they must resort to surrendering the pets they love and care for because they don’t know where to turn for temporary assistance with pet food, veterinary care, or behavior modification assistance. The Humane Society of Utah is focused on keeping pets in their current home, if there is a reasonable way to do so. Helping to keep animals in good homes is essential to reducing the homeless animal population. In 2021, we helped 1,464 pets avoid becoming homeless in the first place through our pet retention program and other resources.

Despite the challenges of COVID, using both in-person and virtual lessons, our amazing humane education team finished 2021 with 10,267 children taught about humane practices and compassion. We are very excited to have received a $100,000 grant from the Toscano Family to expand our humane education program. This grant funding gives us the opportunity to develop lessons for both junior and senior high school students reaching even more children than ever before.

Helping pet owners to spay or neuter their animals at no or low-cost also helps keep animals out of shelters by reducing the number of unwanted litters. In 2021, we sterilized 12,643 animals at our veterinary centers and sterilized 457 feral cats through our CATNIP Community Cat Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program.

When families are separated, we want to get them reunited. So, we microchipped 4,635 animals in 2021, which means 4,635 animals have an easy road home if they are ever lost!

Some animals who come into our care require a little extra time and care before they’re ready to be adopted into loving homes. Sometimes they’re not old enough to be adopted, sometimes they’re recovering from injury, sometimes they need extra socialization, and oftentimes they have an illness, such as kennel cough. That’s where our amazing foster caregivers jump into action. These loving volunteers provide short-term care for our animals until they’re ready to be adopted.

In 2021, 1,560 animals benefited from a short-term stay in 498 foster homes across the Salt Lake City area. That’s 1,560 more lives saved, thanks to the compassionate caregivers who were willing to open their homes and hearts to animals in need.

Collectively, our volunteers donated more than 11,740 hours of service last year alone. Our volunteers go above and beyond every day for the animals in our care. That is 11,740 hours ensuring dogs are walked, cats are cuddled, animals are photographed for the website, and our adoption and fundraising events are operating smoothly. The simple fact is, HSU could not exist without our volunteers!

While HSU works to save lives in Utah and beyond, we have always stressed that the job ahead of us is too big for any one organization. This is why we feel it is important to foster a cooperative animal welfare community. HSU works with hundreds of rescue groups and animal shelters to advocate for better animal-friendly laws and policies and to transfer animals into our facilities when other organizations need assistance. This year we took in 1,562 animals from other organizations, of which, 442 came in from out of state.

2021 was the first year of operations for our St. George clinic. In 2021, we worked with 17 shelters and rescue groups in Washington County and the general public to spay/neuter 3,265 animals. We also purchased a great piece of land for the future home of the Humane Society of Utah’s St. George Pet Resource Center.

We are committed to using the incredible successes of the past year as a foundation to even greater things this year. But to do this, we need your help. Whether you can adopt, foster, donate, volunteer, advocate, or all of the above – we greatly appreciate you being part of the HSU family. Together, we were able to positively impact the animals and people of Utah and beyond – and we are resolved in our ability to make your continued support go even further in 2022 and save more lives!

Humanely Yours,

Humane Society of Utah Offers Holiday Safety Tips For Pets 

Posted on by Shae

News Release

Humane Society of Utah Offers Holiday Safety Tips For Pets 

Murray – UT, Dec. 20, 2021 – “The holiday season is a joyous time when everyone decorates, cooks, and comes together to celebrate with loved ones, including their furry family members.” Says Guinnevere Shuster, associate director of marketing and communications at Humane Society of Utah. “ With the holiday hustle and bustle, it is easy to forget about the potential dangers of holiday festivities for pets.” The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) offers these tips to keep your pets healthy and safe this holiday season.

Holiday safety tips for pets:

  1. The following foods can cause anything from vomiting and diarrhea to liver failure. Ask guests not to share food with your pets during holiday parties. Your family and friends may mean well, but this is an excellent opportunity to share healthy pet tips like these.
  • Cooked bird bones, skin, turkey fat, ham, and gravy.
  • Stuffing and other dishes with onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins.
  • Desserts. Especially those containing chocolate or xylitol.
  1. Avoid these winter plants, which are poisonous to cats and dogs: Poinsettias, Holly and Mistletoe, Lilies and Daffodils, and Amaryllis.
  2. Christmas trees may pose a danger to pets if they knock them over or ingest tinsel or ornaments, which may resemble their regular toys in shapes and colors. We suggest placing baby gates in doorways to keep pets away from the tree if they are overly interested in your tree.
  3. Keep all food and trash out of reach. This can be one of the hardest things to remember on a busy holiday. Those table scraps may be too tempting to your pet. If you do not have a locking lid on your trash can, try placing it in the pantry or taking your trash out before enjoying dinner.
  4. If you add a new kitten or puppy to your family, keep them safe by getting them vaccinated.
  5. Keep fresh water available to drink. Dogs typically pant more when they feel stressed, so they may require more water on a busy holiday.
  6. Provide access to a quiet place to retreat from the crowds. This gives your pets the option to venture out to visit if they feel like it and will help them be more at ease if they need space.
  7. Provide them with some pet-friendly fun!
  • Give them a treat dispenser, such as a treat stuffed Kong for dogs or a long-lasting chew.
  • Surprise them with a new toy! 
  • Consider playing some tunes or leaving TV or cat-friendly Youtube videos in a separate room for them.

Photos for media use can be downloaded here.

Suggested Tweet: Tips from @utahhumane to keep your pets safe this #Holiday season. (insert your link) 

###

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 

‘Tis the Season to Keep Your Pets

Posted on by Shae
cute white puppy with black spots on a red blanket with a red sequin bowtie

The holiday season is a joyous time when everyone decorates, cooks, and comes together to celebrate with loved ones, including their furry family members. With the holiday hustle and bustle, it is easy to forget about the potential dangers of holiday festivities for pets. The Humane Society of Utah offers these tips to keep your pets healthy and safe this holiday season.

Grey and white kitten in red tin can that has Happy Holiday text on front

Holiday safety tips for pets:

  1. The following foods can cause anything from vomiting and diarrhea to liver failure. Ask guests not to share food with your pets during holiday parties. Your family and friends may mean well, but this is an excellent opportunity to share healthy pet tips like these.
    • Cooked bird bones, skin, turkey fat, ham, and gravy.
    • Stuffing and other dishes with onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins.
    • Desserts. Especially those containing chocolate or xylitol.
  1. Avoid these winter plants, which are poisonous to cats and dogs: Poinsettias, Holly and Mistletoe, Lilies and Daffodils, and Amaryllis.
  2. Christmas trees may pose a danger to pets if they knock them over or ingest tinsel or ornaments, which may resemble their regular toys in shapes and colors. We suggest placing baby gates in doorways to keep pets away from the tree if they are overly interested in your tree.
  3. Keep all food and trash out of reach. This can be one of the hardest things to remember on a busy holiday. Those table scraps may be too tempting to your pet. If you do not have a locking lid on your trash can, try placing it in the pantry or taking your trash out before enjoying dinner.
  4. If you add a new kitten or puppy to your family, keep them safe by getting them vaccinated.
  5. Keep fresh water available to drink. Dogs typically pant more when they feel stressed, so they may require more water on a busy holiday.
  6. Provide access to a quiet place to retreat from the crowds. This gives your pets the option to venture out to visit if they feel like it and will help them be more at ease if they need space.
  7. Provide them with some pet-friendly fun!
    • Give them a treat dispenser, such as a treat stuffed Kong for dogs or a long-lasting chew.
    • Surprise them with a new toy! 
    • Consider playing some tunes or leaving TV or cat-friendly Youtube videos in a separate room for them.

Wags to Wishes 2021 Gala Recap

Posted on by Shae
wags to wishes 2021 Gala recap

On Saturday, December 4th, 2021, the Humane Society of Utah celebrated 61 years of helping animals during its annual Wags to Wishes Gala, sponsored by the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation. The hour-long event was held virtually this year. It included live videos from HSU’s leadership team, special guests, an interactive bingo game, silent and live items, and an opportunity for participants to send in selfies featured in real-time. 

During the event, Utah Humane’s Executive Director, Vaughn Maurice, shared some of the organization’s recent accomplishments. He stated, “2021 has been a banner year in many ways. One of our most impressive achievements is the 32% increase in spay and neuter surgeries at our Murray clinic. ” Vaughn also pointed out that HSU transported many homeless pets from the Rocky Mountains, Texas, and California to our Pet Resource Center in Murray for adoption.  

In the fall of 2020, HSU opened a low-cost spay and neuter and vaccination clinic in St. George, which conducted 2,900 surgeries in 2021. The success of this clinic has proved that a permanent Pet Resource Center is needed and would be sustainable in this area. A further analysis was conducted to determine the best location for the facility. In August of this year, HSU purchased a 2.2-parcel of land in the heart of the commercial district of Washington County, near Costco, which has the largest retail traffic in the area. This new facility will provide shelter for all domestic animals, a low-cost spay and neuter and vaccination clinic, and a humane education center. 

At the program’s end, Craig Cook, HSU’s Board President, showed a photo of HSU’s original cinder block shelter from 1960 and our current state-of-the-art, 40,000 square foot modern facility. He said, “This growth is all because of people like you and the contributions you have given us throughout the years.” 

Karin Duncker, HSU’s Development Director, is delighted with the response to this year’s gala. “The generosity of our sponsors, donors, and participants was so heartwarming. We raised over $125,000, making this year’s virtual event even more successful than last! More importantly, we had the opportunity to have some fun with our supporters, sponsors, and staff and even glimpse their “house parties” through selfie-sharing. We look forward to being together in person in 2022!”

HSU’s 2021 Wags to Wishes fundraising goal was to raise $150,000 for animals in need. If you were unable to attend virtually, you can still help us reach our goal by making a tax-deductible donation towards our Gala Fund-a-Need project, directly benefiting homeless puppies infected with life-threatening parvovirus. Donate at: utahhumane.org/donate

2021 Gift Guide for Every Animal Lover

Posted on by Shae
gift guide

Our 2021 Gift Guide aims to help you find the perfect unique gift for the animal lover in your life. Shop for a good cause or support local!

A book for any coffee table

This fundraising book project, Salty Dogs, by award-winning pet photographer Dawn McBride of Fuzzy Love Photography is a must-have this holiday season. This limited-edition coffee table book will be a collection of whimsical images highlighting the diverse career paths of the dogs of Salt Lake City and beyond. Salty Dogs is raising awareness for the Humane Society of Utah in “Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty,” with 50% of the book sales being donated to help Utah’s homeless pets in our care. Purchase the book here. 

Be in the know for all dog-friendly events

Be in the know with the Dog Friendly SLC calendar: featuring tons of photos of great local pups, tips for monthly adventures, important dog holidays, and the dates of every dog event they could get their hands on! This glossy 8.5″ x 11″ coil-bound calendar is the perfect place to keep track of all your pup’s social engagements. Stock is limited so hurry and pre-order!

Find the perfect trail for your adventure friends

Check out Girl on a Hike‘s new paperback book, Hiking Utah’s County High Points.  HIking will get you away from crowds, allow you to explore somewhere new, provide a free full-body workout without a gym membership,   and you can spend time alone or bond with friends. This book also includes 20 “Bonus Peaks” that every peak bagger should mark off their Utah list!  Pick up your copy here. 

Stay fashionably warm this winter with HSU swag 

Our retail store is full of great gift ideas… from hats to hoodies, cat bowls, and more! Visit anytime during our Adoption Center hours, 10 am to 7 pm, seven days a week. Or visit our online store. 

Local, eco-friendly product that is as good for the planet as it is for you!​​​

Wild Waters Soapery will keep your friends feeling pampered with their handmade products.  With individual soaps, holiday gift sets, or gift cards, you can’t go wrong with purchasing from this local business. 

Yummy treats – Vegan candy and baked goods

Who doesn’t love a bakery named after a cat? Sweet Hazel & Co is located just down the street from our pet resource center has some of the tastiest treats around. Their Snix 4-pack is a favorite amongst our staff. 

Unique gifts by local artists

Clever Octopus Reuse Market has something you won’t find anywhere else for that one-of-a-kind gift. Or pick up your affordable craft supplies and make something yourself. Located at 2250 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City. 


We hope this gift guide helps you find the perfect gift for the animal lovers in your life!

Charitable Remainder Trusts

Posted on by Shae

A Tax Efficient Way for Donors to Give & Receive

charitable trusts

By Lisa R. Schneider AAMS, AIF

A charitable remainder trust (CRT) can be a great way for donors to plan for both charitable giving and tax efficient benefits to themselves, their spouses, or others. Tax savings are generated because donors receive income, gift, and estate tax deductions for the value of their charitable donations and can defer or avoid capital gains tax when appreciated assets are donated.

What is a CRT?

A CRT is an irrevocable trust that enables donors to give money or property to charities while continuing to receive income from the property for life or for a period of time. The donor (called grantor) and/or other beneficiaries receive distributions from the trust annually and the charity receives the remaining assets when the trust ends. The grantor gets an immediate income tax deduction for the remainder interest (subject to some limitations), defers or avoids capital gains tax on the donated assets, and gets gift or estate tax deductions for the remainder interest. CRT transfers are irrevocable, and terms of the trust are unchangeable, though assets and charitable beneficiaries may change.

How does a CRT work?

CRT’s can be created in two ways, either as Inter Vivos, created and funded during the grantor’s life – which provides income to the grantor and/or the grantor’s spouse or other family member – or as a Testamentary CRT, funded at the grantor’s death through a will or living trust and used to provide benefits to heirs and reduce the grantor’s taxable estate.

Generally, there are two forms of CRT’s: Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts (CRAT) and Charitable Remainder Unitrusts (CRUT).

With a CRAT, the annual distributions to the income beneficiaries are a percentage (not less than 5% or more than 50%) of the initial net fair market of the assets used to fund the trust. The payout is fixed. If trust earnings are insufficient to meet the required amount, principal must be used. Changes in asset value over time accrue to the benefit or detriment of the remainder charitable beneficiary. This annual payout certainty makes the CRAT more attractive for older grantors. Additional contributions to a CRAT are not permitted.

A CRUT has a variable annual payout, a percentage (not less than 5% or more than 50%) of the current fair market of the assets in the trust. Assets are revalued each year. If principal increases, the payout increases. A CRUT is the preferred form for younger grantors who can risk reductions in payouts in return for the potential to hedge against inflation. Contributions to a CRUT can continue.

While there are variations on standard CRUTs and many variations in individual and family estate and tax planning needs, Charitable Remainder Trusts are an exceptional tool for donors who wish to give generously after their lifetimes, receive income during their lifetimes, realize immediate income tax deductions, reduce or eliminate capital gains, gift, and estate taxes, and enjoy freedom from investment management decisions and duties.

Lisa R. Schneider is a Financial Advisor at Raymond James & Associates and can be reached at:

[email protected]

https://www.raymondjames.com/financialclarityandconfidence

Raymond James does not provide tax or legal advice. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.

Rise in Canine Distemper Cases

Posted on by Shae

Contact: Guinn Shuster
Cell: 801-638-4685
Email: [email protected]

Contact: Callista Pearson
Cell: 801-910-9079
Email: [email protected]


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/1/2021
Press Release
The Humane Society of Utah and Salt Lake County Animal Services see a rise in canine distemper cases

Murray – Utah, 12/1/2021 – The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) and Salt Lake County Animal Services is notifying the public of a critical animal health situation along the Wasatch Front after seeing an increased number of dogs test positive with the canine distemper virus.
“Common signs of distemper in dogs include discharge from the eyes or nose, fever, coughing, lethargy, disorientation, tremors, and seizures.” Says Dr. Timna Fischbein, medical director at the HSU. “There is no treatment for distemper, so preventing the disease by getting your dogs vaccinated is crucial.”
Distemper is a highly contagious virus that can infect dogs and wildlife. However, puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at the highest risk for infection with distemper. Dogs can become infected from direct contact with a sick animal or being near an infected animal when coughing or sneezing. The virus can also be transmitted through shared food and water bowls or other objects that an infected animal contaminated.
“Many people add new puppies to their families during the holidays.” Says Guinnevere Shuster, associate director of marketing and communications at HSU. “We want to remind people to be cautious and keep their new furry family members safe by getting them vaccinated.”

HSU and Salt Lake County Animal Services shares the following advice for pet owners:

  • Vaccinate dogs: Puppies should receive a series of 3 or more distemper vaccines between 2 and 4 months. The vaccine should be boostered a year later, then every three years for life.
  • Protect your puppy: Keep puppies at home and away from unfamiliar dogs until they have completed the vaccination series. Use caution when socializing dogs or in high-traffic dog areas such as dog parks, dog daycare, and boarding facilities.
  • Keep dogs away from wildlife: Never allow companion dogs to have contact with wildlife.
Person wearing PPE holding a puppy

###

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