Salt Lake County Animal Services Earns 17th Best of State Award for Community Development in Animal Services

Salt Lake City, UT — Salt Lake County Animal Services (SLCoAS) proudly announces its recognition as a 2025 Best of State Award recipient in the Community Development – Animal Services category. This marks the 17th year SLCoAS has been honored for its excellence in animal welfare and community enrichment.

With more than 40 years of dedicated service, SLCoAS remains Utah’s largest no-kill municipal shelter, and a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare. From animal control and emergency response to sheltering, outreach, and public services, SLCoAS continues to redefine municipal sheltering with innovation, compassion, and accessibility.

In 2024, SLCoAS maintained a Live Release Rate of over 92%, continuing a decade-long record of lifesaving outcomes. The organization’s work is powered by a commitment to keep pets with their families and out of the shelter system through progressive programs, community support, and equitable access to care.

Two major initiatives launched in 2024 include:

• The PAWS Mobile Clinic, a state-of-the-art mobile unit that provides free spay/neuter and veterinary care throughout all 21 cities and townships in Salt Lake County.
• The Pet Retention Program, offering behavioral support, essential supplies, training resources, and financial aid navigation to prevent unnecessary pet surrenders. 

These programs join a robust lineup of services such as 24/7 field response, free microchipping for licensed pets, and outreach events like Petapalooza, Utah’s largest pet adoption event.

SLCoAS’s impact is also powered by an incredible network of volunteers and foster families. In 2024, more than 1,300 animals were placed in foster care, and volunteers contributed over 7,000 hours of time enriching the lives of shelter pets.

Additional standout programs include:

• Book Buddies, where children read to shelter cats to improve socialization.
• Hounds Around Town, giving adoptable dogs enriching field trips with volunteers.
• The Working Cat Program, giving unsocialized cats a second chance by placing them with caregivers who provide outdoor shelter, food, and care—while helping manage rodent populations naturally.
   

“We are incredibly proud to receive this year’s Best of State Award,” said Talia Butler, Division Director at Salt Lake County Animal Services. “This honor is a reflection of the heart, innovation, and tireless effort our team and community put into saving lives and building stronger bonds between people and pets.”

Salt Lake County Animal Services remains steadfast in its no-kill commitment and continues to be a model of municipal animal sheltering, both in Utah and nationwide.