It’s Free Adoption Week at the Humane Society of Utah

Been thinking about adding another member to your family? This is the week. KSL Classifieds is partnering with the Humane Society of Utah to offer free adoptions from the Murray Adoption Center from May 21 through May 28. You can adopt a dog, a cat, a rabbit, a guinea pig, a ferret, a rat … for free!

What animals are available?

More than 450,000 unwanted animals end up in U.S. shelters each year, most brought in by owners who can no longer care for the animal. The HSU also works with shelters around the state and region, at times transferring animals between them to prevent overcrowding. Once unwanted pets arrive here, the local organization provides both medical and behavioral care for animals before putting them up for adoption.

Purebreds

On any given day at the HSU, you may find mixed-breed dogs and cats, but there are often purebred animals, as well. In recent months, there have been goldendoodles, golden retrievers and French bulldogs. 

In addition, many purebred litters have been brought to the HSU by breeders who couldn’t place them. Instead of buying a pet for hundreds of dollars, you may be able to adopt one. This year alone, the organization has received litters of labradors, German short-haired pointers, huskies, boxers and German shepherds. Check KSL Classifieds daily for what animals are currently available.

Go big!

There are animals of all ages and sizes at the HSU. Want a dog your kids can smother with love? Pick a larger breed. (Bonus: They tend to bark less.) Don’t want to litter-box train a kitten? Adopt a mature cat. The HSU has nearly 10,000 adoptions of all kinds of pets every year. 

Why adopt now?

When you adopt a pet from the HSU, fees vary by the specific animal and can be as much as $500. The fee includes the mandatory spay/neuter service, initial vaccinations and a microchip. In addition, a wellness exam is provided by a private veterinarian. But for this week, all pet adoptions are free at the Murray center. All you need to do is decide which animal you need most.

See adoptable animals from HSU here.

Learn more about KSL Classifieds Free Adoption Week here.

Are you ready?

If your family is considering pet ownership, take advantage of Free Adoption Week to bring one home. You can meet with the animal beforehand to determine if its temperament is compatible with your family. If you have allergy sufferers in your home, be sure you’re OK with the pet you choose beforehand, so the animal won’t need to be rehomed later.

Why is it free?

In 2022, KSL Classifieds began charging a fee for all dog listings on our site. It’s part of our effort to discourage unsound behaviors that harm animals, such as puppy mills and guardian homes. This fee also helps us support the HSU’s efforts to find homes for the thousands of pets brought there, including this free adoption event. Shelters are exempt from the listing fee, as we encourage adoption whenever possible.

Hours

Visit KSL Classifieds to see which animals are currently available at the HSU — the list is updated each morning. When you see the one you might want, head over for a meet up. The Murray Adoption Center is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can visit with animals from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Be sure to bring a carrier so you can safely transport your new pet home.