The holiday season is a time for giving, and the Humane Society of Utah calls on the community to help provide much-needed support for homeless pets. As a private 501(c) (3) nonprofit animal welfare organization, the Humane Society of Utah relies entirely on the generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses to care for Utah’s animals. Unlike other shelters, it receives no local, state, or federal government funding, making community support essential to continue its work.
This year, animal shelters across Utah have seen a significant increase in demand, and there are many ways you can help make a difference in the lives of homeless pets. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
In-Kind Donations
The Humane Society of Utah always needs essential items to care for animals in its shelter. Donations of blankets, dog and cat treats, dry and canned kitten food, non-clumping Kitty Litter, and Timothy hay are particularly valuable to the organization. These items help provide comfort and nutrition to the animals as they wait for loving homes. Contributions can be dropped off in person at 4242 South 300 West in Murray during regular business hours or ordered online off their Amazon Wishlist and shipped directly to the shelter, providing a simple yet impactful way to support the organization’s daily work. Check out our wishlist online at www.utahhumane.org/wishlist and discover items that can truly make a difference!
Fostering
Becoming a foster family is another meaningful way to help. Foster families provide temporary homes for animals, often too young, sick, injured, or need special attention to prepare for adoption. Fostering offers these pets a quieter, nurturing environment that helps them regain their health and trust. If you’re interested in fostering but haven’t tried it before, the Humane Society’s Home for the Holidays program is a perfect opportunity. Through this program, foster families take home a shelter dog for Thanksgiving, giving the pet a cozy holiday experience and returning them after the weekend. This short-term commitment provides valuable insights about each dog’s personality, helping staff match them with suitable future homes while heartwarming holiday photos and videos increase adoption interest.
To sign up, visit www.utahhumane.org/foster, where you’ll find all the information needed to join the fostering community.
GivingTuesday
On Dec. 2, the Humane Society of Utah joins the worldwide GivingTuesday movement to raise funds for its essential programs. This year, every donation made on GivingTuesday will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $30,000 by Mountain America Credit Union, effectively doubling your impact. These funds are crucial to supporting medical care, behavioral training, and other lifesaving services offered by the Humane Society of Utah. By donating, you can help ensure these programs continue to give homeless pets the best possible chance at a brighter future.
Every dollar raised during this campaign helps provide homeless pets the care they need to find stable, loving homes. To make a donation and learn more about how your support is matched, visit utahhumane.org on GivingTuesday.
Spread the Word
As the holidays approach, we invite you to help us spread the word and make a difference in the lives of homeless pets. Sharing social media posts, emails to friends and family, or simply sharing information about the Humane Society of Utah’s programs can make a big difference. Raising awareness of the shelter’s needs and initiatives can help reach more potential supporters, foster families, and adopters.
Your generosity will help the Humane Society of Utah continue its mission of giving every animal a second chance. For more information, please visit utahhumane.org. Let’s make this holiday season a little brighter for Utah’s homeless pets.