Frequently Asked Questions

How to adopt from the Weber County Animal Shelter?

Step 1. Visit The Pets

Spend some time and get acquainted with the pet. Carefully consider if it is the right size, temperament, and breed for you. Consider daily care and home environment needs, training and other pets at home. We strongly suggest bringing your children and other pets with you to ensure a good match.

Step 2. The Application

Meet with our staff to fill out an application for the animal of your choice.

Download Adoption Application

Step 3. The Adoption Process

After your application is reviewed by the adoption specialist and approved, an appointment will be made for you to return and pick up and pay for your new pet. Schedule approximately 15-20 minutes for paperwork.

Review Fees - Adoption Fees

Step 4. Spay/Neuter Surgery Agreement

If the pet is already altered, you may take your pet home immediately!

If not altered, the spay/neuter agrement must be completed which allows 30 days for you to get the pet altered. Part of your adoption fee is returned in the form of a voucher toward the spay/neuter surgery. This voucher can be used with any veterinarian of your choice.

Step 5. Bring your new pet home!!!

Important Notes

1. Most pets are held a mandatory period of time, and must pass a temperament test before being made available for adoption.
2. You must be at least 18 years of age to adopt from our shelter.
3. City or out of town residents - You are welcome to adopt a pet from our shelter if you live anywhere in the United States, but it is a requirement to license your pet with your hometown.

Can Dogs and Cats contract rabies?

All dogs and cats can contract rabies through contact with animals including bats and skunks. Did you know that cats can contract and spread rabies too? It is a Weber County ordinance that all dogs and cats over 4 months of age be vaccinated for rabies. Dogs must also be licensed.

• First time pet licensing must be done at the animal shelter
• Dog licenses may be purchased - Cash or Check acceptable
• $15 per animal for rabies shot - Cash, Check, Visa and MasterCard
• All dogs must be on leashes - all cats must be in carriers
• Also offered: $25 microchipping

If my animal dies, can I bury it in my backyard?

Technically yes, but preferably not. Decaying buried animals can pose biological contamination risks to water systems, humans and animals who may come into contact with the carcass. Alternatives include taking your animal to a local vet hospital or shelter for disposal, or to a crematorium for cremation. The Weber County Animal Shelter charges $10.00 for animal disposal and has a crematorium on site. Private cremation fees.

Is it OK to put dead birds or small animals into our garbage containers?

Yes, customers of Weber County Solid Waste Management can put dead animals weighing less than 15 lbs. into their garbage carts. When disposing of dead birds, wear gloves, enclose and tie the bird in a plastic bag and wash your hands thoroughly when finished.

Will the shelter remove wild animals, including cats from my neighborhood?

No. For pick-up of wild animals, contact a licensed wildlife trapper or the local Division of Wildlife Resources at 801-476-2740. Feral cats are considered protected and the shelter will not remove them from neighborhoods. We do have a feral community cat program, click here for more information.

How do I license my pet?

Follow the licensing instructions here to license your pet either online, in person or by mail.

What are the counties animal regulations and ordinances?

You can find a complete list of county animal regulations and ordinances here.

What is Spay/Neuter?

Also known as altering, sterilizing or fixing, spaying and neutering are terms for a minor procedure that makes animals unable to reproduce. Females are spayed - males are neutered. The surgeries are performed by veterinarians while the animals are under anesthesia. Please note: We do not have a veterinarian available to offer spay/neuter procedures at the shelter.

Cats are Critical!

Since cats come in to heat repeatedly and have five to seven kittens in each litter, an unaltered female cat can produce hundreds of kittens in a lifetime. Though many people think cats "can take care of themselves," spaying and neutering cats is critical. Feral cats are a special challenge.

How can I help or Volunteer?

Donate Funds! With your donation, you can help us increase adoption rates, continue outreach about spay and neutering, and to investigate cases of animal cruelty.

Volunteer! Our volunteers are essential to our operations and are involved in a variety of activities, ranging from dog walking to special adoption events. They are committed to helping us find permanent homes for all the shelter animals. Get details about volunteering!

What can you do if you have Lost or Found a pet?

Read our Lost and Found instructions for helpful steps you can take to recover your pet.