Two smiling people sitting with a recently adopted dog

Adopt a pet to help save lives

When you adopt a homeless dog or cat from a shelter or rescue group in Salt Lake City, you’re saving the life of a loving and loyal animal.

You’re also making space for other pets to find families of their own. And that’s huge. By adopting, you are part of a historic change in how our country regards pets in shelters and you’re helping to Save Them All. 

Silhouette of two dogs, cat and kitten

Looking to meet fabulous pets in Salt Lake City?

There are so many dogs and cats just waiting for a best friend like you.

If you’re not sure where to start, we can help! Complete a cat adoption survey or a dog adoption survey and we’ll guide you toward just the right pet for your home and lifestyle. An adoption specialist will be in touch with you within 48 hours by phone or email to talk about next steps.

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Adoption fees and current specials

Looking to bring home someone special? Now's the perfect time to do it!

Our regular adoption fees are $100 for dogs, $150 for puppies (six months and younger), $50 for cats and $100 for kittens (six months and younger). Adoption fees are waived for our longest-stay animals.

Please email utahadoptions@bestfriends.org if you have any questions.

Two adoptable orange kittens sitting in a fuzzy cat bed

Two-for-One Adoptions

Adopt any cat or kitten for the regular adoption fee and your fees will be waived on a second cat! All pets come spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. 
Happy senior dog on a walk with a person in Salt Lake City

Companions for Seniors

If you're 60 or older, your adoption fee is waived!
Small senior dog standing between the legs of a person who is wearing multicolored shoes

Senior Special

Adopt any senior dog or cat (7 years or older) and your fees will be waived.
Blind orange tabby cat

Special-Needs and Super Singles

Adopt any special-needs or mandatory single pet and your fees will be waived.
Dog lying next to a person wearing military uniform whose arm is around the dog

Hometown Heroes Special

Veterans and active military members with proper identification will receive a 20% discount off adoption fees.
Gray tabby working cat with ear tip

Working Cats Special

Waived fees for adopting a working cat (independent cat who acts as a natural pest deterrent).

Adoption stories and “tails”

Feel all the feels with these stories of hope and healing.
Line of pet crates containing animals next to an airplane and animal control vehicles

Pets flown from hurricane-damaged Florida get new start

Best Friends has teamed up with other animal welfare groups to arrange transportation for pets away from storm-damaged areas to shelters in other states.
Offering selfless service to people and pets
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Pumba the tortoiseshell cat lying on the floor

Faces of No-Kill: Sassy cat trades swats for snuggles

A cantankerous cat named Pumba now has someone who appreciates her just the way she is.
Pumba is now living her best life
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The litter of Little Rock puppies sleeping in a pile together

Neighbors team up to save orphaned puppies

With the local animal shelter at capacity, an Arkansas family rallied their neighbors to care for 11 tiny homeless puppies.
Collaboration saves lives
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