Salt Lake City Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Fees & Pet Help
This guide focuses on the official Salt Lake City route: Salt Lake County Animal Services at 511 W 3900 S. Use it to adopt a pet, report a stray, reclaim a lost pet, license a dog/cat/ferret, get a free licensed-pet microchip, check animal laws, foster, volunteer or find owner resources.
Important local split: “Salt Lake City animal shelter” usually means the county-run shelter that directly serves Salt Lake City. Other nearby shelters, such as South Salt Lake or Humane Society of Utah, are different organizations.
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Which Salt Lake City Animal Shelter Do You Need?
Search results mix the county shelter, Humane Society of Utah, Best Friends, South Salt Lake, West Valley and private rescues. This page is for the official public shelter and animal-control route that serves Salt Lake City.
| Search intent | Correct route | Why | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt from the official Salt Lake City public shelter | Salt Lake County Animal Services | The county page lists Salt Lake City as a served municipality and provides adoption/shelter services. | Search adoptable pets, then visit 511 W 3900 S. |
| Report a stray, bite, nuisance, animal at large or emergency | 24-hour Officer Dispatch | The county page says dispatch is fastest for routine complaints or animal emergencies. | Call 801-840-4000 with exact location. |
| Lost pet inside Salt Lake City | Salt Lake County Animal Services | Lost/found page tells owners to visit the shelter in person and search local shelters quickly. | Visit within 24 hours and bring proof of ownership. |
| South Salt Lake animal shelter | South Salt Lake Animal Services | Different city and shelter route. | Do not use this page if the issue is in South Salt Lake. |
| Humane Society of Utah | Private nonprofit shelter/clinic in Murray | Great adoption/clinic option, but not the official Salt Lake City animal-control route. | Use HSU directly if the pet is listed there. |
| Best Friends Salt Lake City | Private adoption center | Separate adoption center, not county dispatch/control. | Use Best Friends if the pet is listed there. |
Hours, Address and Contacts
Use the right hour window. Main shelter hours and adoption processing hours are not worded exactly the same on official pages.
| Need | Official detail | Use for | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Animal Services | 511 West 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84123 | Shelter, licensing, lost/found, microchips, general help. | Bring ID, pet records and exact animal details. |
| Main phone | 385-468-7387 | General shelter/adoption/licensing questions. | Have animal ID or listing screenshot ready. |
| Main hours | Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM-6 PM | Shelter visits and walk-in services. | Adoptions end at 5:30 PM on the main page. |
| Adoption hours | Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM-5 PM | Meet pets and start adoption process. | Arrive early enough for meet-and-greet and application. |
| 24-hour Officer Dispatch | 801-840-4000 | Routine complaints and animal emergencies. | Use exact address/cross streets and safety details. |
| Adoption fax | 385-468-6028 | Adoption page contact detail. | Use only if staff requests fax paperwork. |
How to Adopt from Salt Lake County Animal Services
Adoptions are first-come, first-served. Animals are not held, so save details and visit prepared.
Search adoptable pets first
Use the official adoptable-pet search for dogs, cats and other animals. Save the animal name, ID, species, age, sex and screenshot.
Visit during adoption hours
Adoption hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM-5 PM. Plan enough time to meet the pet before the process starts.
For dogs, ask for a meet-and-greet
The official process says you check adoptable pets, go to the auditorium, find Adoption Staff and ask for a “Meet & Greet.”
For cats/rabbits, go to the cattery/front counter
Cat and rabbit adoptions are first-come, first-served. The page also notes Spencer’s Room near the dog kennels.
Complete the application if the match works
If the meet goes well, staff will have you complete an adoption application and interview.
Use the 3-day, 3-week, 3-month rule
Salt Lake County advises giving newly adopted pets time to decompress, learn routine and build trust over the first 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months.
Salt Lake City Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
These are official Salt Lake County Animal Services fee categories. Specials and promotions may happen throughout the year, so confirm at the front counter.
| Pet type | Official listed fee | Details | Ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior dogs, 5 years and older | Free to senior citizens 55+ | Program applies to eligible senior adopters. | Ask what proof of age is needed. |
| Large dogs | $75 | Standard large-dog category. | Ask about leash behavior, energy and dog-dog notes. |
| Small dogs | $150 | Standard small-dog category. | Small dogs can move quickly; arrive early. |
| Puppies, 6 months or younger | $200 | Puppy category. | Ask about boosters, potty training and spay/neuter status. |
| VIP / VIP puppy | TBD | Pet-specific pricing. | Ask exact fee before starting paperwork. |
| Senior cats, 5 years and older | Free to senior citizens 55+ | Program applies to eligible senior adopters. | Ask about senior-cat medical notes. |
| Adult cats | $50 | Standard adult-cat category. | Bring or prepare a secure carrier. |
| Kittens, 6 months or younger | $100 | Kitten category. | Ask about vaccines and safe introductions. |
| Rabbits | $35 | Rabbit adoption category. | Ask about enclosure, diet and rabbit-savvy vet care. |
| Birds, small mammals and exotics | Priced as they come into the shelter | Examples include chinchillas, peacocks, fish and other uncommon pets. | Ask about habitat, legal rules and care cost. |
What fees include
Adoption fees include spay/neuter if needed, a certificate for a veterinarian health exam, first vaccination, microchip and a small bag of dog or cat food.
Military option
The adoption page points active military and veterans to the Pets for Patriots program.
Working cats
Working cats are free in groups of two or more for safe barns, warehouses, churches, factories or similar facilities.
Lost, Found or Reclaiming a Pet in Salt Lake City
The official page is direct: if your pet is missing, the only way to guarantee your pet is not at the shelter is to visit in person as soon as possible.
If your pet is lost
- Visit local shelters within 24 hours.
- Ask to check isolation and quarantine kennels.
- Ask about animals picked up deceased.
- Search lost pets online.
- Post to Utah Lost and Found Pets, Nextdoor, Petco Love Lost, KSL and Craigslist.
- Call nearby vets for injured-stray intake.
- Look during the day and at night.
- Keep checking; pets may arrive weeks or months later.
If you found a pet
- Bring the pet to 511 W 3900 S if found in Salt Lake City or other listed SLCo service areas.
- Call 801-840-4000 if you need an Animal Control Officer to assist.
- Note exact found location and time.
- Take clear photos before moving the pet.
- Check ID tags only if safe.
- Keep the animal separate from your pets.
To reclaim your pet
- Redeemer must be over 18.
- Bring current valid photo ID.
- Bring proof of ownership.
- Proof can include last-seen location/date, age/sex, photos, vet records, vaccination/sterilization proof or microchip info.
- Redemption fees apply.
- Fees cannot be quoted by phone.
- Cash, credit cards and checks are accepted.
Salt Lake City Animal Control and Dispatch
For Salt Lake City animal-control issues, the official county route is 24-hour Officer Dispatch.
| Issue | Correct route | What to provide | Local tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loose dog or animal at large | 801-840-4000 | Exact location, direction of travel, size, color, collar/tag, behavior. | Do not chase into traffic, TRAX corridors or canyon roads. |
| Bite or aggressive animal | Dispatch / emergency depending on danger | Injuries, location, owner info if known, whether animal is contained. | Seek medical care for bites and document details. |
| Nuisance animal / animal-control issue | 801-840-4000 or Animal Services contact route | Address, dates/times, pattern, photos if safe. | Use facts and repeated pattern, not emotion only. |
| Found stray | Bring to shelter or call dispatch | Found location and animal description. | Utah/Salt Lake County page says strays should be turned in to the local shelter. |
| Dead animal inquiry in Salt Lake City | Salt Lake County Animal Services route | Exact location, road/sidewalk/private property note. | City guide routes dead animal inquiries to county animal services. |
| Wildlife encounter | Use wildlife/public safety guidance | Species, location, immediate threat, pet involvement. | Give wildlife space and keep pets quiet/controlled. |
Pet Licensing and Free Microchips
Salt Lake County says pet licensing is Utah state law, must be renewed yearly, and applies to cats, dogs and ferrets in Salt Lake City and listed service areas.
| License detail | Official fee / rule | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Unsterilized dog, cat or ferret | $50 | Higher annual license fee. |
| Sterilized dog, cat or ferret | $25 | Standard reduced fee for spayed/neutered pets. |
| Senior citizen 60+ sterilized pet | $10 | Senior discount category. |
| Transfer fee | $15 | For transferring license records. |
| Replacement tag | $15 | For lost or replacement tags. |
| Late license penalty | $50 in addition to regular fee | Renew on time. |
| When to license | By 5 months old or within 30 days of moving into/acquiring pet | Applies in Salt Lake City and served areas. |
| Free microchip | Free with proof of current pet license | Walk-in during open hours, Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-6 PM. |
License online
Salt Lake County uses the BarkPass online portal. Users create a profile for themselves and their pets.
License by mail
Mail the completed application with vaccination/sterilization certificates and license fee. Senior licenses need proof of age.
Watershed permit
If you live in a watershed area, you may need a specific Watershed Permit in addition to normal licensing.
Clinic Services, Feline Fix and Microchips
The clinic-services page is useful but specific. It is not a full public vaccine clinic for owned pets right now.
| Clinic question | Official answer | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Owned-pet vaccines | Currently not offering vaccines for owned pets; vaccine services are only for animals in the care of Salt Lake County Animal Services. | Use a local veterinarian or low-cost clinic option. |
| Feline Fix | Offered bimonthly to pets within Salt Lake County. | Book online; space is limited. |
| Feline Fix cost | $100 per cat | Includes surgery, vaccinations and microchip. |
| Microchips | PetLink microchips for all animals. | No appointment required; walk-in during open hours. |
| Free microchip rule | All pets in Salt Lake County qualify for a free microchip with proof of current pet license. | Bring license proof. |
| Vaccinations pets need | Dogs: DHPP, Bordetella, Rabies, Strongid deworming. Cats: FVRCP, Rabies, Strongid. Ferrets: Rabies, Distemper. | Ask your vet what is due for your pet. |
Helpful Programs and Owner Resources
These programs make the page more useful than a basic address listing.
PAWS
Pet Assistance on Wheels is listed by appointment. Email: PAWS@saltlakecounty.gov.
Community cats / TNR
The programs page links to Community Cat Program and Trap and Release resources.
Humane education
Teachers, after-school coordinators and youth groups can ask about humane education visits.
Seniors for Seniors
Adoption fee can be waived for people over 55 adopting a pet over age 5.
Pets for Patriots
Program route for active military and veterans interested in eligible adoptions.
Pet Crew
Owner-resource and retention support is linked from the official contact/program pages.
Foster, Volunteer and Donate
If you cannot adopt today, there are still high-impact ways to help shelter pets.
Foster a pet
Fosters provide temporary homes for dogs and cats, including animals needing manners help, medical support, unweaned kitten care and more.
Volunteer
Volunteer contact phone listed by the county: 801-381-5835. Volunteer hours are listed as Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM-6 PM.
Donate goods
The county says toys and treats are always needed to entertain pets, and it links to an Amazon Wishlist.
Salt Lake City Local Tips That Save Time
Search transit corridors
For lost pets, check near TRAX, bus stops, alleys, apartment complexes, parks and foothill trailheads quickly.
Foothill and canyon caution
Keep pets controlled near foothills and canyon access. Wildlife encounters can escalate fast.
Backyard chickens
Salt Lake City permits residential chickens with a Salt Lake County Animal Services permit, a $75 fee, max 15 chickens and no roosters.
Apartment adopters
Bring lease pet rules, breed/weight limits, pet rent, deposit and landlord approval before choosing a dog.
License + microchip
License first, then use the free microchip benefit with proof of current license.
Emergency kit
Salt Lake City emergency guidance recommends microchips, updated contact info and an emergency contact outside the immediate area.
Map to Salt Lake County Animal Services
Use this map for route planning to 511 W 3900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84123. Call before driving if you are trying to meet one specific animal, reclaim a pet or handle a time-sensitive issue.
Search adoptable or lost pets and save the animal ID or photo.
Arrive early enough for meet-and-greet, application and staff interview.
Call 801-840-4000 instead of driving to the shelter first.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in [animal name/ID] from Salt Lake County Animal Services. Is this pet still available, what is the current fee, and should I arrive before a certain time for a meet-and-greet?Lost pet
Hi, I lost my [dog/cat/ferret] near [cross streets] on [date]. The pet is [description] and has [microchip/license/tag]. What should I bring to check or reclaim a possible match?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location] in Salt Lake City. The animal is [safe/injured/scared]. Should I bring the pet to 511 W 3900 S or have an officer assist?Animal-control concern
Hi, I need to report [loose animal/bite/nuisance/welfare concern] at [exact location]. The animal is [description], and the urgency is [low/urgent]. What is the next step?Official Links for Final Action
This guide summarizes the useful details. Use official pages for live pet availability, current fees, forms, events and policy updates.
Related Animal-Shelter.org Guides
Salt Lake City Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the official Salt Lake City animal shelter?
The official public shelter route for Salt Lake City is Salt Lake County Animal Services at 511 West 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84123.
What is the phone number for Salt Lake County Animal Services?
The main Animal Services phone number is 385-468-7387.
What is the 24-hour animal control dispatch number?
For routine complaints or animal emergencies, call 24-hour Officer Dispatch at 801-840-4000.
What are Salt Lake City animal shelter adoption hours?
Adoption hours are listed as Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. The main shelter page also says the shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM and that adoptions end at 5:30 PM.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
Official listed dog fees include large dogs at $75, small dogs at $150, puppies 6 months or younger at $200, VIP dogs or VIP puppies as TBD, and senior dogs 5 years and older free to senior citizens 55 and older.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat?
Official listed cat fees include adult cats at $50, kittens 6 months or younger at $100, and senior cats 5 years and older free to senior citizens 55 and older.
What does the adoption fee include?
Adoption fees include spay or neuter if needed, a certificate for a veterinarian health exam, first vaccination, microchip and a small bag of dog or cat food.
What should I do if I lost a pet in Salt Lake City?
Visit local animal shelters within 24 hours, search lost pets online, ask to check isolation and quarantine kennels, ask about animals picked up deceased, post to Utah Lost and Found Pets, Nextdoor, Petco Love Lost, KSL and Craigslist, and keep checking shelters.
What should I do if I found a stray pet in Salt Lake City?
If you found a pet in Salt Lake City, bring it to Salt Lake County Animal Services at 511 W 3900 S or call dispatch at 801-840-4000 so an Animal Control Officer can assist.
Do pets need a license in Salt Lake City?
Yes. Salt Lake County says pet licensing is Utah state law and cats, dogs and ferrets in Salt Lake City and other served areas must be licensed by 5 months of age or within 30 days of moving into the area or acquiring the pet.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.