Category: Press Releases

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All Adoption Fees Waived Thanks to Mountain America Credit Union

Posted on by Shae

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 13, 2022

News Release

All Adoption Fees Waived Thanks to Mountain America Credit Union

Murray – Utah, Nov. 13, 2022 – Mountain America Credit Union and the Humane Society of Utah (HSU) have teamed up to present the ‘Fall in Love Adoption Special’ the week before Thanksgiving for the fifth year. As part of this special, Mountain America will cover the cost of all animals’ adoption fees from Monday, Nov. 14, through Friday, Nov. 18.

Mountain America and HSU created the ‘Fall in Love Adoption Special’ in 2018 to find homes for as many pets as possible. Since then, this event has helped more than 500 pets find homes. This year, the event is particularly critical because HSU began experiencing a slowdown in adoptions alongside the dramatic increase in intake. 

Juli Ulvestad, HSU’s Pet Resource Center Director, explained, “Our data shows that the housing crisis has affected potential adopters and owners since early 2021, but now it’s reached a boiling point. Coupled with the increase in rent rates, families have shared that they can no longer afford extra costs for adoption fees and food, let alone medical care or the monthly pet fee required by many rental facilities.”

Housing any pet longer than usual puts a strain on the animal, HSU’s resources, and the number of new pets the nonprofit organization can bring in. This event can ease some of the financial burdens for adopters and help countless pets find homes during the holiday while allowing additional homeless pets to be welcomed at the Humane Society of Utah to receive veterinary care and safe shelter.

“Mountain America is pleased to continue to help the Humane Society of Utah with their lifesaving mission through our ‘Fall in Love’ adoption event,” said Sharon Cook, chief marketing officer at Mountain America Credit Union. “By waiving adoption fees, we help remove financial barriers that help bring pets and people together and clear the shelter to create more room for other homeless pets.”

During the Fall in Love Adoption Event, animals will be adopted on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are not necessary. To qualify for the waived adoption fee, interested adopters must adopt a pet during the designated time frame from our Pet Resource Center located at 4242 S 300 W in Murray, Utah, between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. All adoptions are pending approval through the regular adoption process.

Adoption fees do not cover the cost of care for shelter animals, and as a local, private nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization, HSU appreciates donations of any kind.

Photos for media use can be downloaded here.    

Suggested Tweet: Come #FallinLove @utahhumane 11/14-11/18 during their Fall in Love adoption special. All adoption fees are generously covered by @mountainamerica. (insert your link) 

Halloween Safety Tips For Pets from the Humane Society of Utah 

Posted on by Shae

News Release

Halloween Safety Tips For Pets 

Murray – Utah, Oct. 21, 2022 – “As spooky season approaches, it is 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. ” Says Guinnevere Shuster, director of marketing and communications at Humane Society of Utah. The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) offers these safety tips to keep your familiars, hellhounds, and riffraff secure and delighted during this festive time of year.

Holiday safety tips for pets:

  • 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. Also, avoid taking pets to areas where these types of decorations are present, such as local Halloween displays
  • 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. 
  • 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
  • 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 chew on them
  • 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. 

Photos for media use can be downloaded here.

Suggested Tweet: Tips from @utahhumane to keep your pets safe during spooky season. (insert your link) 

HSU & Salt Lake County Animal Services Team Up To Raise Awareness About Dogs in Hot Cars

Posted on by Shae

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aug. 8, 2022

Media Alert 

The Humane Society of Utah and Salt Lake County Animal Services Team Up To Raise Awareness About Dogs in Hot Cars

Murray — Utah, Aug. 9, 2022 — The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) and Salt Lake County Animal Services are hosting the Beat the Heat event on Aug 9, 2022, at 4242 South 300 West in Murray from 12-2 pm. Bill Allred from The Radio From Hell Show on X96 will be sitting in a car and sharing his experience as the temperatures start to rise. Icy Mountain Food Truck will be on-site for the event. HSU will be handing out free windshield sunshades while supplies last and coupons for 50% off adoptions at HSU for the month of Aug. Salt Lake County Animal Services is currently doing Pick Your Price adoptions on all cats, kittens, guinea pigs, and rabbits until the end of August. Salt Lake County Animal Services will have an officer on-site to answer questions. 

Enforcement agencies are legally able to gain access to animals in distress in vehicles, but this is not currently a legal option for regular citizens. The Humane Society of Utah seeks to expand who has that right to rescue to include any citizen. HSU hopes to work with Salt Lake County Animal Services on the best path forward on this issue. 

Thirty-one states have laws that either prohibit leaving an animal in a confined vehicle under dangerous conditions or provide civil immunity (protection from being sued) for a person who rescues a distressed animal from a vehicle. Unfortunately, Utah is not one of those states. 

Recognize the symptoms of overheating in pets:

  • excessive panting or difficulty breathing 
  • increased heart and respiratory rate, excessive drooling 
  • mild weakness, stupor, collapse, or even seizures 
  • bloody diarrhea and vomit
  • elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees

Animals with flat faces, like Bulldogs of any variety, Boxers, Pugs, and Persian cats, are more susceptible to overheating. Due to their shorter noses, they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with seniors and those who are overweight or suffer from heart or lung diseases, should be kept in cooler areas as much as possible.

Suggested Tweet: Join @UtahHumane and @SLCoAnimals as they team up for the Beat the Heat event to raise awareness about the dangers of pets in hot cars. (insert your link) 

Post-event photos and videos for media use will be uploaded here.

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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 

About Salt Lake County Animal Services

Salt Lake County Animal Services adopted a No-Kill philosophy in 2010. Our mission is to provide comprehensive service and care to the animals and citizens we serve in the Salt Lake County Municipal Services District and the cities of Bluffdale, Holladay, Midvale, Millcreek, Murray, and Salt Lake.

511 West 3900 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84123 / 385-GOT-PETS / adoptutapets.org / @saltlakecountyanimalservices

July Vaccine Clinic in Partnernship with Ruffhaven

Posted on by Shae

News Release

Free Drive-up Vaccine Clinic for Pets in Eagle Mountain. 

4447 Major St, Eagle Mountain, Utah – 7/17/2022 – On July 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Humane Society of Utah (HSU) and Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering are working together to provide 288 owned pets with free preventative care and pet supplies. No more appointments are available for this clinic. 

“Last year, we saw an outbreak of dogs and puppies with parvovirus in Eagle Mountain, 12 of which we treated at our shelter,” said Guinn Shuster, HSU associate director of marketing and communications. “Parvovirus is expensive to treat and often deadly to puppies who contract it. However, it is easily preventable by vaccinating your pets. HSU aims to help keep community-owned animals healthy by sponsoring this event through our pet retention program.” 

Both Nonprofits understand the difficulties many families are facing this year with inflation costs. Therefore, the clinic will offer the following services for free:

– 1-year Rabies vaccine (Animals must be 16 weeks old to receive) 

– DHPP (core vaccine for dogs) (Must be six weeks old)

– FVRCP (core vaccine for cats) (Must be eight weeks old)

– Microchip

– Metal Pet identification tag

– Bag of pet food

“Our goal is to keep people and pets together and pets out of shelters,” said Kristina Pulsipher, Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering executive director. “We understand by providing completely free services to pet loving-families experiencing hardships that these types of services can help keep families together.” 

Photos for media use can be downloaded here; b-roll video of the event will be added 1 hour after the event.

Suggested Tweet: Local nonprofits @UtahHumane & @ruff_haven team up to provide 288 community-owned pets with free vaccine services in Eagle Mountain. 

Animal Shelters Across Utah are Full: Humane Society of Utah Offers Half-Off Adoption Fees to Encourage Adoptions. 

Posted on by Guinn

Contact: Guinn Shuster
Email: [email protected]                              

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2022

Murray — Utah, June 15, 2022 — Humane Society of Utah (HSU) offers half off all adoption fees through June 30, during the Summer of Love adoption special. Each pet for adoption has been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and medically and behaviorally assessed.

“Shelters across the state are at or over capacity.”, said HSU Associate Director of Marketing and Communications Guinnevere Shuster. “Adoptions are slowing down, and animals are waiting longer than usual to get adopted. By making adoption affordable for everyone we hope to move homeless pets into loving homes.”

There are additional benefits of adopting from the Humane Society of Utah:

  • HSU offers training advice from certified dog trainers and educational information to support pet families for the animal’s life span
  • 10% off preventative veterinary care services at our Murray location clinic for the pet’s life
  • Speak or email with an expert about any behavior or training concerns
  • By opening your heart and home to a new pet, you will help create space in the shelter for other homeless companion animals in need

Adoptable pets come with a free wellness exam from one of our Participating Veterinary Clinics within 30 days of adoption

HSU works with numerous local and rural animal shelters throughout the state of Utah to transfer in at-risk animals. Year-to-date, HSU has transferred in 290 cats and dogs from Utah animal shelters to provide relief from overcrowding and help these homeless pets find homes.

“Many of our shelter partners here in Utah have reached out to the transfer department pleading for assistance with overcrowding,” said HSU Transfer Department Supervisor Spenser Betenson. “For example, in the first six days of June, Uintah County Animal Shelter brought in 54 animals, which is a massive number for a small rural shelter.”

By hosting this adoption special, the Humane Society of Utah hopes to encourage adoptions and make room for the increasing number of homeless pets.

Humane Society of Utah Offers Hot Weather Safety Tips For Pets

Posted on by Guinn

Contact: Guinn Shuster                        
Email: [email protected]   

News Release
Humane Society of Utah Offers Hot Weather Safety Tips For Pets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2022

News Release
Humane Society of Utah Offers Hot Weather Safety Tips For Pets

Murray – UT, May 20, 2022 – As the temperatures rise, it is important that pets and pet owners alike take precautions to stay safe and healthy in the summer heat. While many animals spend quite a bit of their time outdoors, some extra precautions are necessary this time of year to prevent heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and other hot-weather ailments.

The Humane Society suggests the following hot weather tips this summer season:

  • Keep pets indoors more often during extreme heat, do not leave them outside all day
  • Make sure pets have a cool place to retreat to in the yard, such as a shady spot. Keep in mind that some outdoor dog houses can be hotter than the outdoor temps
  • Cool and fresh water should be available to pets at all times, both indoors and outdoors
  • If the asphalt is too hot for your hands and feet, it is too hot for your pets. Place your hand on the sidewalk for 10 seconds to test the temperature
  • Check pets for ticks, foxtails, and grass seeds following outdoor activity
  • Ensure that your yard is free of plants that are toxic to dogs and cats such as lilies, sago palms, and rhododendrons, and be careful with the use of insecticides and weed killers, which may be poisonous for your pets
  • If your pet wants to share your plate at a summer BBQ, know what foods are not pet-safe, such as onions, avocados, olives, garlic, grapes, cooked bones, and alcohol
  • Do not leave pets unattended near water– not all pets can swim! Limit the amount of pool water your pets drink, chlorine and other chemicals can be dangerous, and rinse your pets off after taking a swim in chlorinated or salty water.
  • If you have a brachycephalic (short-nosed, flat-faced) breed such as a pug, persian cat, or any type of bulldog, know that their short noses cause them to overheat quicker than other animals. Overweight and older pets are also at higher risk for heatstroke, so keep these furry friends in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible
  • Do not leave pets unattended in vehicles! Doing so is a major risk for heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat-related death.

5th Annual Bark at the Moon Dog-Friendly Event Returns to The Gateway

Posted on by Guinn

Contact: Guinn Shuster

Email: [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: May 20, 2022

Media Alert 

5th annual Bark at the Moon dog-friendly event returns to The Gateway on May 21, 2022 

Salt Lake City — Utah, May 21, 2022 Join us this Saturday from 4-8 p.m. for a family fun event that will raise funds to support the lifesaving programs at the Humane Society of Utah (HSU). The fundraiser is Presented by Mountain West Veterinary Specialist and supported by Fuzzy, Subaru USA, and The Arrow. Ticket prices begin at $20 and include admission to the festival. Dogs must be six months of age or older, up to date on vaccinations, and socialized with other dogs and people. 

“This is a fun community event to raise money for our homeless companion animals,” said Kaya Nielsen, HSU event manager. “We’re excited to return to The Gateway this year and grateful to the participating businesses for their support that allows us to bring people and pets together.”

The fundraising event will feature over 35 local vendors, food trucks, craft beer, live music, a splash zone for the dogs, a food truck for the dogs, Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, and more. 

“We are excited to be a part of Bark at the Moon and support the Humane Society of Utah with all the wonderful work they do for homeless pets in Utah,” said Kirsten Gull, Mountain West Veterinary Specialists spokesperson. “We are so glad to be part of this great community and love to be able to give back and support our local shelters, rescues, nonprofit organizations, and educational programs.

At 8 p.m., pets and people can participate in a group stroll around The Gateway.

$5,000 reward offered for Utah puppy thrown from a car window

Posted on by Guinn

Contact: Guinn Shuster                         
Email: [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2022

News Release
$5,000 reward offered for Utah puppy thrown from a car window

Murray – Utah, May 17, 2022 — Humane Society of Utah offers a $5,000 reward for information leading to arrest and conviction in Malin’s case. According to Kevin Hansen of the South Salt Lake Animal Services, a bystander saw a 2-month-old puppy thrown from a moving car at 3300 S 300 W on Friday, May 13, 2022. South Salt Lake Animal Services named the critically injured puppy “Malin,” who is now receiving medical attention for two broken legs, two fractured ribs, and a punctured lung.

The Humane Society of Utah’s advocacy director, Rachel Heatley, praised South Salt Lake Animal Services’ response. “South Salt Lake Animal Services handled Malin’s injuries with urgency and deep compassion, ensuring Malin received the treatment she needed,” she said. “We only hope this reward will help bring the perpetrators of this cruelty to justice.”   

Malin is currently in the care of South Salt Lake Animal Services and will be brought into a foster home to help her heal this evening. The Humane Society of Utah is grateful for the tireless efforts of animal control officers in helping animals like Malin and caring for animals in our community. 

The Humane Society of Utah urges anyone with information regarding who injured Malin to contact the South Salt Lake Animal Service’s Office dispatch at 801-840-4000. Any tipster can choose to remain anonymous.

Protection of Animals Amendments passed in Utah Legislature

Posted on by Shae

Contact: Rachel Heatley
Cell: (385) 202-5782
Email: [email protected]

Contact: Kristina Pulsipher
Cell: 801-898-0925
Email: [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 17, 2022


News Release

Utah Legislature Passes H.B. 175, the Protection of Animals Amendments, Making It Possible for Domestic Violence Victims To Include Pets in Domestic Violence Protective Orders


On February 17, 2022, with a 69-2 vote in the House and a unanimous “yea” in the Senate, the Utah State Legislature passed H.B. 175, a bill that enables victims of domestic violence to include their pets in domestic violence protective orders. The Humane Society of Utah, Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering, and Utah State Representative Angela Romero, the bill’s sponsor, combined efforts to emphasize the importance of this legislation.

“We are thrilled the Utah Legislature understood the gravity of passing this bill, and what it means to pet families across our state,” said Kristina Pulsipher of Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering. “Survivors of domestic violence now have a path to leave their abuser, ensure their pets are protected, and take comfort in knowing there are now options in place to secure their safety. This statute will literally save lives.”

Nearly 50% of domestic violence victims have delayed leaving their abusers out of fear of harm to their pets. Abusers often use violence or threats of violence against a victim’s pet as a psychological tool to manipulate and further control the victim.

“With the passage of H.B. 175, Utah is now the 37th state to offer these life-changing and life-saving protections,” notes Rachel Heatley, Director of Advocacy and Investigations for the Humane Society of Utah. “Our state just took a giant step forward in protecting domestic violence survivors and their pets.”

Suggested Tweet: With the passage of H.B. 175, Utah is now the 37th state to offer these life-changing and life-saving protections for domestic violence survivors and their pets. (insert your link)

Domestic Violence Survivors with Their Pets

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) 

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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