I have had two terrible experiences here this year. Both times I brought in friendly, stray cats that found their way to my front porch and just needed a little TLC. Trying to do the right thing, I took them both to the shelter in order to give their owners the best chance of finding them. The first experience was a complete disaster. I called with several questions about either adopting the cat or having a friend adopt it if the owner was never found. When I called, I was sent to two different people with contradicting answers who seemed bothered I was taking their time. I then tried an email and I never received a reply. After three days, you can imagine my shock to find the cat on my front porch again. When I called, the staff member I spoke with was dismissive of my concerns and I was told the cat was deemed feral and they released her back in my neighborhood, saying it was now my problem if she stayed in my yard. Fortunately, we found her a loving home. When I called again to ask if they could give me any information on what shots she had, etc. the staff member told me she would send me a fax with the information which I never received. It was beyond frustrating. The cat is happy and healthy now with her adopted family, so at least everything worked out in the end. A similar experience happened in December and when I took this second cat in, the staff member at reception was incredibly rude to me when I started asking questions and bringing up my concerns that the cat could get released like what happened to me in April. I asked if they would call me so I could see about adopting her or finding a friend to do it, and she said no. She said if they release her and she comes back, it's my fault if she stays or gets into my home and I will have to worry about her. She then said it's the law and snapped she could let me read it if I didn't believe her. She acted as if she couldn't care less what happened to this cat and had terrible customer service skills. This isn't about their policies or programs (although I find the TNR program frustrating). I'm sure the Salt Lake County Animal Services does a lot of great things and possibly have caring, helpful staff that I haven't encountered. My issue (and 1-star review) is based on the poor customer service I received and the apparent lack of communication skills including not following up on my email or fax requests. Most people bringing in an animal to the shelter are doing it because they are trying to be good citizens. We are concerned for the welfare and well-being of lost, stray or abandoned animals. I would hope Salt Lake County Animal Services would hire and train staff that will not only have the animals' best interest at heart, but also be able to work in cooperation with a caring public who simply want the animal they brought into the shelter to have the best chance for a happy, healthy life.

TNR, first of all, it's a joke of a program. Why is it that any other invasive species needs to be removed, but for feral house cats, we are supposed to trap, neuter and release them? Secondly, if this has to be the way we do it, how about having a person that responds to you within a reasonable time frame about the program.Over a month of emails and I get one call, in the middle of the day, with a message that is so vague it doesn't help me at all, then after I leave a message I am just ignored. I'm sick of cat pee all over my house, cats scratching my car and fighting with my dogs. What a waste of taxpayer money.

#1 I feel sorry for these animals here. My kitten was picked up and after two days in there she developed URI which is also known as something called kennel cough.. It is an infection that was given to my cat just within that short period of time. I took her home not knowing about it and she got my other 2 cats and dog sick. #2 The staff was no nice. They were trying to charge me $130 to get her out. After I called about them being sick she wasnt even remorseful. The lady told me that it happens in every shelter across the US. I did some research. It happens in a lot of them and in the ones that are sanitary it is called an outbreak and they have very cautious steps that help prevent and take care of the animals. #3 Very uncaring. You would think that this would be something that they tell you when you pick up your pet or adopt. They sure dont. The only thing she told me was "take them all to the vet". WOW This place needs to be reexamined by the Health Department.

The staff are helpful, and people really care about the animals here. They work with rescue organizations and help animals find loving homes with families who will care about and love them.

I adopted a dog here a year ago. They were very busy when I got their to take a look at the selection and the wait was quite long. Besides that everything went really well. The dog is doing really great and is a great addition to our family. The staff was courtesy and thanked me a million times for adopting. Would adopt here if I we get another pet.