Animal welfare nonprofits do more than just rescue and rehome pets—they provide essential services like medical care, food assistance, and education to ensure that animals are cared for and loved.
Whether you’re looking to adopt, donate, or volunteer, supporting these organizations can make a real impact on your local community. Here are six incredible pet nonprofits in Salt Lake County and how you can get involved.
1. Best Friends Animal Society
Each year, thousands of pets are euthanized in shelters simply because they don’t have homes. Best Friends Animal Society is working to make Utah a no-kill state by 2025. Their lifesaving center in Salt Lake City is a foster-based program that takes in over 2,500 animals each year, including neonatal kittens, dogs, and cats. They also lead the No-Kill Utah (NKUT) initiative, working alongside rescue groups and shelters to save more lives.
How to Get Involved:
- Adopt a pet looking for a second chance.
- Volunteer in animal care, spay/neuter clinics, events, or transportation.
- Donate to fund lifesaving programs.
- Join their advocacy team to push for animal welfare policies.
- Attend fundraising events to support their mission.
2. Humane Society of Utah
Founded in 1960, the Humane Society of Utah (HSU) is the largest and most effective animal shelter in the state, saving over 11,000 pets per year. Their programs include low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination services, animal rescue, adoption services, and cruelty investigations. They also provide humane education for children, fostering compassion for animals from a young age.
How to Get Involved:
- Adopt a homeless pet.
- Volunteer in shelter operations or community outreach.
- Donate to support pet care and medical services.
- Foster animals in need of temporary homes.
- Attend or support events to raise awareness and funds.
3. Utah Animal Adoption Center (UAAC)
A no-kill shelter since 1983, the Utah Animal Adoption Center rescues about 1,000 dogs and cats each year, primarily pulling animals from euthanasia lists at regional shelters. Located in Sandy, the center provides a peaceful environment for rescued pets while also offering low-cost veterinary services to other local rescues.
How to Get Involved:
- Adopt a pet from their shelter.
- Volunteer to help with animal care.
- Foster a pet in need.
4. Clementine Ranch
More than just an animal sanctuary, Clementine Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes compassion, a vegan lifestyle, and creativity. They provide a safe haven for farm animals, combining their love for animal rescue, organic farming, and music. The ranch’s future plans include an organic greenhouse and a recording studio, making it a unique place where animal welfare and creativity intersect.
How to Get Involved:
- Become a caregiver to help feed, groom, and care for animals.
- Donate via sponsorships, online contributions, or add them to your Amazon Smile account.
- Purchase from their Amazon wish list to provide supplies.
5. The Farm Animal Rescue
Previously known as The Farm at Gardner Village, The Farm Animal Rescue is an educational rescue center dedicated to rehabilitating farm animals. Visitors can interact with rescued animals through a petting zoo, guided pony rides, and scenic train rides. Their goal is to provide a nurturing environment for animals while educating the public about rescue efforts.
How to Get Involved:
- Donate to support animal care.
- Adopt farm animals in need of homes.
- Volunteer for farm upkeep, animal care, fundraising, or horse training.
6. Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering
Unlike traditional shelters, Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering provides temporary pet sheltering (60–90 days) for families in crisis. Since 2020, they have helped over 1,400 pets stay with their owners by offering free boarding, fostering, and veterinary care. They also host quarterly vaccination clinics, provide pet supplies, and offer doggie day camp services for individuals needing temporary assistance.
How to Get Involved:
- Foster a pet for a family in crisis.
- Volunteer in their sheltering or outreach programs.
- Donate to help keep pets and owners together.
- Purchase emergency pet supply kits (food, blankets, leashes, bowls, etc.).
- Shop from their wish list to provide needed supplies.
Making a Difference, One Pet at a Time
These nonprofits are doing incredible work to improve the lives of animals and pet owners in Salt Lake County. Whether you choose to donate, foster, volunteer, or simply spread the word, every effort helps keep pets safe, healthy, and loved. Even small actions—like sharing a nonprofit’s mission on social media or attending a fundraising event—can create lasting change.
Looking to get involved? Reach out to one of these organizations and start making a difference today!
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