Hurry! Register to Join Us for the 2011 Doggie Olympics

Join Utah FACES and SL County Animal Services for the 2011 “Doggie Olympics”

Come have fun as you and your dog compete for the gold together. To participate you will need to pre-register. Registration will be available the day of the event but on a first come first serve basis.

Date: Saturday, July 16, 2011
Place: Murray Park, Constitution Circle 5130 South State Street
Time: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

The games will include Marathon Down, Temptation Tower, Best Trick, and 6 others! http://utahfaces.org/Doggie_Olympics.html

Utah FACES is an all volunteer 501c3 organization whose efforts support the programs and animals at Salt Lake County Animal Services!

Press Release: SL County Animal Services Wins 2011 Utah's Best of State Medal

Press Release May 27, 2011

Salt Lake County Animal Services Wins 2011 Utah's Best of State Medal
Animal shelter given high regards for going the extra mile for homeless pets

Salt Lake County, UT - Salt Lake County Animal Services will be receiving a 2011 Utah’s Best of State Medal Award for work and achievements in the Community Development Category. This is the second year in a row that the agency has earned the award.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition by the Best of State committee” says Shawni Larrabee, Director of Salt Lake County Animal Services. “This is often a tough job and this type of recognition is greatly appreciated by the staff, volunteers and community partners that have dedicated themselves to changing the fate of lost and abandoned pets entering the county shelter.”

“Life saving programs for pets entering the Salt Lake County shelter has resulted in a reduction in the euthanasia rate to less than half the rate of the rest of the state” says Larrabee. These programs include FREE Cat Adoptions, the Salt Lake County Pit Crew and TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program for community cats. “These programs have shown a significant impact on increasing the live release rate at the shelter as well as promoting proactive, long term solutions to pet related issues. We have even more exciting things coming in 2011 and 2012,” says Larrabee.

Larrabee says that SLCo Animal Services takes pride in developing strong relationships with local volunteers, shelters, groups and rescues as well as large national organizations. “These relationships are critical to our efforts, and the response from the community has been amazing.”

The Best of State Awards were created in 2003 to recognize outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses in Utah. Best of State candidates are evaluated by a panel of 100 judges based on three criteria: achievement in the field of endeavor; innovation or creativity in approaches, techniques, methods or processes; and contribution to improving the quality of life in Utah.

Salt Lake County Animal Services serves the citizens in the Unincorporated Township Areas, Salt Lake City, Herriman City and Holladay City.


Salt Lake County Animal Services
511 West 3900
Salt Lake City UT 84123

(801)559-1100

http://www.adoptutahpets.com/

FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/slcoanimalservices
http://www.facebook.com/slcoanimalservices#!/slcopitcrew

High Water Is a Danger to Pets !

It is finally Spring in Utah and the potential for flooding has been a hot topic as the snow pack begins to melt. Everyone needs to be especially careful around local waterways this time of year as they are moving very fast and the water is extremely cold. The risk that the high, fast and frigid water poses to humans is just as deadly as it is to pets.

Last weekend a dog fell into the creek near Tanner Park and was swept away despite efforts to reach her. The responding officers reported that, luckily, the dog managed to make it to shore some distance downstream and was picked up by a good Samaritan. While this story ended happily, it is a reminder that our furry family members don't have an understanding of Spring run off dangers. Please spread the word that pet owners need to keep pets away from the waterways this time of year.

End of First Quarter 2011 and Another New Record Set!!

April 22, 2011. Reviewing statistic reports from the upstairs office with Crash and Bindi asleep on the floor. I'm always amazed at how much a mastiff can sleep, not to mention snore... good grief!!

I promised long ago to make sure that all of our statistics were not only transparent but openly reported. I believe this is crucial if we are to truly partner with all of the citizens we serve. Everyone should know exactly what goes on behind our doors and how it impact the lost and abandoned pets in the community. So, with that said, here is the 2011, first quarter report:

October through November and January through March of 2011 are traditionally the months with the lowest pet intake figures and, therefore, the lowest pet euthanasia rates.

However, first quarter (January through March) 2011 has been yet another record breaking period for SLCoAS. Our 'e-metric', which measures the number of animals euthanized per 1,000 citizens served, was only 2.8. By comparison, in 2007, our e-metric was 9.6 which reflected the trend in the rest of the county/state.

Today, more than ever, pets entering the Salt Lake County Shelter have a very good chance at a second home and a new life. Congratulations All!!

Pets and Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies and disasters come in many forms and are not always predictable. They may require anything from a few hours to several weeks away from your home. The best thing you can do for your family and your pets is to be prepared.

When developing a family emergency plan, always include your companion animals. It is recommended that you have a three to seven day supply of food and water for each pet. You should also have an emergency kit that includes a litterpan, food and water dishes, a leash and collar and familiar toys. You can also reduce stress by having a blanket or towel that smells like home to be housed with your pet during an emergency. If you have a pet on a special diet or medication, be sure that you have a 15 day supply of medications on hand. Depending on the emergency, it may be several days before you may have access to your veterinarian or pharmacy and your pet’s life may depend on getting his daily medication. Don’t forget when making and storing emergency kits that some supplies do expire. You should check your pet emergency kits every three months and rotate supplies as needed.

If you own an unusual pet such as a reptile, bird or pocket pet, an emergency kit is especially important since they require special housing and care. You may be required to leave your pet at a temporary animal shelter and having the supplies your pet needs will help reduce not only the stress your animal suffers but yours as well.

Planning ahead and having an emergency kit in place for your companion animals is one way you can ensure that when disasters strikes, you are prepared.

(By: April Harris, Associate Director)

The FAQ's About Cat Licensing

Approximately 16,000 cats will enter shelters in the Salt Lake Valley each year and only 3%- 4% are successfully reunited with owners. We have worked very hard to change the fate of the animals that enter the county shelter but so few cats going home puts enormous burden on our programs. We don’t believe that a 4% return to owner rate on the 4,000 to 5,000 cats that we care for each year represents success and we believe that together we can do a better job at getting these cats home.

Q: Why should I license my cat?

A: There are many reasons to license a family pet. The same reasons that apply to dogs apply to cats as well. a. A license enables us to find you and bring your pet home. Dog licensing has been required for a many years and we are able to return a significant percentage of dogs to their owners within a few days. We also have goals set around driving more pets home rather than bringing them to the shelter, however, without licensing information your pet cat cannot benefit from this initiative. b. A license indicates to animal control agencies that an animal has an owner who is looking for it. If we find your pet injured, perhaps hit by a car, a license ensures that we will seek prompt medical attention for your furry family member. c. Part of the licensing process is confirming that rabies vaccinations are up to date. Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease and ensuring that all pets are properly vaccinated is in the best interest of the community. d. To reunite pets with their owners, we have to first determine who the owners are. Cats in particular are quite adept at escaping collars and other methods of identification. The best chance of properly identifying your animal is obtained through the use of microchipping. A microchip is a permanent method of identification for your animal. As part of this initiative we are offering FREE microchips with your license to ensure that your pet can take advantage of this amazing identification system. A microchip plus a license virtually guarantees that your lost pet, if found, will be returned to you.

Q: Why make licensing mandatory?

A: Cat licensing has been available on a voluntary basis for many years. In that time, very few cats have been licensed and consequently very few ever find their way back home. In Salt Lake County, we are currently only able to reunite around 3-4% of all lost cats with their owners. Dogs, who are more likely licensed, are 10 times more likely to find their way home.

Q: What about the outdoor cats I am feeding but don’t actually own?

A: Cats that are free roaming, wild, or untamed are considered “Feral Cats” (or “community cats”) and are not considered owned. For these community cats, licensing is strongly encouraged but not required. If they have any access into your home then we consider them owned and they will need to be licensed. If you are feeding cats please obtain a colony permit (no charge) and take advantage of the information and resources to ensure all colony cats are sterilized and vaccinated.

Q: Can I license “Feral” (“Community”) cats?

A: We are supportive of community cat programs and work very closely with the community and rescue groups on Trap/Neuter/Return initiatives including providing resources and education. While it isn't required, we strongly encourage the licensing of these cats since they would then also benefit from being returned directly to their neighborhood instead of coming to the shelter.

Q: Who will this legislation effect?

A: Only residents of the unincorporated areas of Salt Lake County are affected by the ordinance change. These are citizens in the canyon areas, Kearns, Copperton, Magna, Millcreek, and Sandy Islands as well as any other land in the valley not located inside of an incorporated city. Each city in the valley has its own ordinances and regulations that its citizens must abide by.

Q. I am over the limit on the number of pets but I'm a good owner and have never had any complaints. Is this a way for the County to try and make me give up my pets?

A: Absolutely not. As part of this initiative we are also proposing that pet limits be eliminated under the premise that limits don't solve the problems but that they are a barrier to compliance since people then have to 'hide' from our agency. Since this proposal went public I've heard from several citizens (almost all anonymous, of course) that have stated they can't wait to come into compliance. We have other ordinances and tools to address issues around noise, odor or quality of care and we will continue to utilize those as we work with citizens. (You can find more detail about our new "Responsible Pet Owner Pact" posted on this site on March 22, 2011.)

Introducing the "Responsible Pet Owner Pact"

Nothing is as constant as change.

We've become pretty good at change at Salt Lake County Animal Services ("SLCoAS"). Two years of change have resulted in a shelter euthanasia rate now less than half the state average and amazing community support. I am very thankful for employees, volunteers, partner agencies and the community for helping us achieve our goals.

However, we are far from finished. As an agency committed to constant improvement, we are always looking ahead to see where we still have opportunity for improvement.

In the Fall of 2010, SLCoAS management began studying the outstanding results that Calgary Animal Control has achieved in terms of creating a safe, humane and pet friendly community. A core element of the Calgary philosophy is the premise that we don't have a pet overpopulation, stray animal, nuisance or vicious animal problem - we have an irresponsible pet owner problem. To address this ‘people problem’ we need to be focused on education and communication with a goal of compliance to improve the lives of both people and pets in the community.

The statistics below clearly outline how much opportunity there is for Salt Lake County communities to improve in these measures:

Dogs reunited with owners: SLCoAS - 44% Calgary - 90%

Cats reunite with owners: SLCoAS - 4% Calgary - 54%*

Dog bites/population: SLCoAS - 658/381,000 Calgary - 58/1,100,000

*Cat licensing has only been in place for 3 years.

To achieve results similar to Calgary, SLCoAS will need to make changes in philosophy and daily operations as well as propose the adoption of ordinance changes. Proposed changes include eliminating pet limits, improving facilities, ramping up safety and education programs and focusing on dog and cat licensing to ensure lost pets can be taken home. Animal control officers would need to begin focusing on mediation and education instead of traditional enforcement with goals set around identifying solutions that don't involve enforcement (ie citations).

This new initiative even has it's own name:

“Salt Lake County Responsible Pet Owner Pact”

A Commitment To:

RESPONSIBLE Pet Ownership

EDUCATION, TRAINING and SOLUTIONS

SAFE Community for People and Pets

We used the term 'Pact' because the goal is to build a stronger partnership with our animal loving community and together move toward a safer, more humane and much more pet friendly community. I will be sharing much more information over the coming months but essentially this new initiative is centered around the idea that we need the community to focus on what it means to be a responsible pet owner and that our agency needs to be a source of education, resources and solutions.

So get ready everyone, the next few years look to be even more exciting than the last!