Data from Best Friends Animal Society's recent annual report states that Utah's animal shelters increased from a 67% no-kill rate to a 77% no-kill rate from 2021 to 2022, and only 13 shelters in the state have yet to reach no-kill status. But the report also shows the number of cats and dogs killed in shelters nearly doubled from 2021.
Holly Sizemore, chief mission officer at Best Friends Animal Society, said the overpopulation of cats is a reason why some shelters struggle to be no-kill. Another contributing factor to the numbers is that people are acquiring dogs from breeders and online puppy mills as opposed to a shelter or rescue.
Shelters throughout the state are offering services and events to encourage Utahns to adopt — some are even offering free adoptions.
“It’s important because we have so many great dogs and cats here that are looking for homes — that just need a second chance — and it saves a life. Adopting saves a life,” Jami Johanson, with Salt Lake County Animal Services, said.