Category: Press Releases

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.

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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 

The Humane Society of Utah Welcomes State Executives to Their Campus to Discuss Utah’s Problematic Lack of Oversight of Pet Care Facilities

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 13, 2021

News Release

The Humane Society of Utah Welcomes State Executives to Their Campus to Discuss Utah’s Problematic Lack of Oversight of Pet Care Facilities

On October 7, 2021, Humane Society of Utah leadership met with Utah state executives from the Governor’s Office and the Department of Agriculture to discuss the risks associated with a lack of state oversight of pet care facilities, such as shelters, rescues, board-and-train facilities, and more. 

This lack of oversight results in no standardization of facilities or training for the employees running the facilities. This may lead to potentially dangerous situations for both the animals and the employees. In an effort to keep both animals and pet care facility employees safe, the Humane Society of Utah is calling for the enactment of a licensing and inspection program in order to standardize pet care facilities in Utah. 

Several other states, including Georgia, Missouri, Colorado, and Michigan, have already enacted effective licensing programs. “A licensing and inspection program is key to increasing worker safety,” said Rachel Heatley, Utah Humane Society’s Advocacy and Investigations Director, “This program would help ensure that pet care facilities are safe and healthy for pets and the people that care for them.”

In an effort to emphasize the importance of and need for a licensing and inspection program for pet care facilities in Utah, the Humane Society of Utah invited state executives to its campus to discuss the problems and the proposed solution as well as ask for their assistance in launching a successful program. 

“We greatly appreciate the Governor’s Office and the Department of Agriculture for taking the time to hear our concerns and brainstorm possible solutions,” said Vaughn Maurice, Utah Humane Society’s Executive Director, “We feel confident that we can continue to work together to improve pet care facilities here in Utah.”

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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 

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 22, 2021

News Release

Humane Society of Utah is seeing an alarming increase in community members asking for assistance with the Canine Parvovirus in Utah County.

Multiple community members seeking assistance for a total of 32 dogs and puppies sick with the Canine Parvovirus (parvo) have contacted the Humane Society of Utah in the last four days. Parvo is highly contagious, and without proper disinfection, the virus can survive in the environment for months and even years under the right conditions.

Dogs and puppies can start showing signs of the disease between three to ten days after exposure, but they are often contagious before symptoms arise. If you suspect your pet has parvo, immediately isolate your pet and contact your primary care veterinarian.

“Parvo is a very scary virus that can cause deadly vomiting and diarrhea. The good news is that vaccinating your dog provides excellent protection against Canine Parvovirus infection. Make sure to work with a veterinarian to get your dog vaccinated properly,” says Timna Fischbein DVM, Humane Society of Utah medical director. “If you have a puppy, remember that they will need multiple boosters for full protection. Beware of do-it-yourself vaccines such as those from farm supply stores, as they are often not refrigerated properly and may not be effective.”

You should not allow puppies to come into contact with unvaccinated dogs until they have received all of their vaccines. Puppies should receive their first parvo vaccination between 6-8 weeks, DHPP at 10-12 weeks, and DHPP again at 16-18 weeks. To protect adult dogs, dog guardians should keep their dog’s vaccination up-to-date. For adult dogs, this means one vaccine and a booster if their vaccine history is unknown.

While parvo typically is more deadly with puppies, unvaccinated dogs of any age are susceptible. Two of the dogs from this past weekend were improperly vaccinated adults, and one passed away due to the virus.

“As tempting as it may be for new puppy owners, we advise against taking them to parks, pet stores, or any areas highly trafficked by dogs until their puppy is fully vaccinated,” says Guinnevere Shuster, associate director of marketing and communications at the Humane Society of Utah. “You can safely socialize your new puppy with fully vaccinated dogs in a clean environment like your home.”

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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