Dogs are caged at South Salt Lake Animal Services on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. Animal shelters are seeing more pets being dropped off. (Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — South Salt Lake Animal Shelter’s dog kennel has reached full capacity — the result of a challenging situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, they cannot accept owner surrenders.
Despite the challenge, the South Salt Lake Animal Shelter is working with rescue teams to accommodate stray animals.
Jenica Laws, the shelter’s Animal Services Supervisor explains that most animals coming in have high anxiety and exhibit destructive behavior. This behavior is likely due to their owners returning to work after the COVID-19 shutdown.
The constant presence of their owners became the norm for these pets. Owners going back to work has resulted in significant distress for them.
Shelter officials said they’re doing everything possible to help these animals find loving homes. That work includes working one-on-one with the pets to help them overcome anxiety and form better habits.
The shelter is currently not accepting owner surrenders, but they’re calling for citizens to visit the kennel. They’re hoping that a visit will prompt more people to provide these furry friends with homes.
If you are looking for a pet, the South Salt Lake Animal Shelter is the perfect place to find one.
“Come in and give them a chance. Let us take them out of the kennel, and we’ll show you what great pups we have,” Laws said.
The adoptable pets can be seen online or in person Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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