CORONAVIRUS

Utah Cats, Dogs Up For Adoption Finding Homes At Record Rate

Dec 30, 2020, 6:38 PM | Updated: 10:07 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – 2020 has been full of heartache, but there’s a silver lining for unwanted pets. Cats and dogs up for adoption are finding homes in Utah now more than ever before.

There’s been no shortage of cats at the Casteel home in Salt Lake City.

“Salsa and Dip. Apple butter,” said 8-year-old Aria Casteel. “Jean, Janet and Dawn, Jade, Aloe and Sunburst.”

Candace Casteel said her family has fostered 15 cats and one dog since March.

“Max was our only foster dog, and he was very annoying,” said Aria.

Aria and her younger sister, Zoe, love playing with them.

“They sing them lullabies and snuggle them in their shirts or blankets,” said Candace.

COVID-19 has been a boon for unwanted pets. Utahns have stepped up to foster and adopt in record numbers.

“Working from home and having a foster pet or a newly adopted pet, people realize that animals sleep most of the day,” laughed Temma Martin, spokesperson for Best Friends Animal Society. “They really don’t need that much.”

At Best Friends alone, nearly 5,000 animals have been placed in foster homes this year. That’s 2,000 more than last year, and 3,050 pets found forever homes in 2020 at the animal sanctuary, compared to 2,514 last year.

Shelters have adapted to COVID-19 by doing virtual visits with prospective pet parents. They found that animals show better in a home where they’re calm and relaxed.

“They’re able to share an animal’s likes and dislikes, their quirks, how they get along with other animals, how they get along with family members,” Temma said.

Possibly changing the roll of animal shelters forever. It could make them less a brick and mortar holding space and more a virtual hub for connecting animals to forever homes.

“Now we know the community is there to help,” Martin said. “They want to foster, they want to adopt.”

The Casteels are currently fostering a cat named Holly Berry, who they’ve had for four weeks.

“She’s really shy and so we’re trying to work on that,” Candace said.

The mother of two said caring for her and all the others is gratifying.

“Knowing that they’re good to go with a family forever is kind of a good feeling, just to know that you helped out in getting them on their way.”

Utah is now closer to becoming a no-kill state, meaning 10% or fewer of shelter animals are euthanized. The state would be only the second in the nation to achieve that distinction.

For those who would like to foster or adopt an animal in need with Best Friends, visit the organization’s website and click “Get Involved.”

If you’d like to help other shelters and groups throughout the state, go to NoKillUtah for a list of 62 NKUT coalition partners. You can also check in with your local shelters.

KSL 5 TV Live

Coronavirus

FILE: Former Utah Jazz John Stockton reacts during a 76-70 Wichita State win over the Gonzaga Bulld...

Michael Houck

Former Utah Jazz star John Stockton sues Washington medical director about COVID misinformation policy

Former Utah Jazz superstar John Stockton has filed a federal lawsuit against Washington officials on First Amendment violations, arguing the state's policy of COVID-19 misinformation is unconstitutional.

16 days ago

Deer Creek Reservoir...

Alex Cabrero

State parks expecting another record visitation year, hiring more workers

It didn't matter how cold or snowy it was at Deer Creek State Park Friday afternoon. Nothing was going to stop Leonard Sawyer from taking his boat out to do a little fishing.

1 month ago

FILE —  Respiratory virus illness activity continues to increase across the US.
(Joe Burbank/Orl...

Emma Benson

‘Not viruses to mess around with’: Experts urge caution during ongoing ‘tripledemic’

Experts say though not as severe as last year, this winter we're seeing another "tripledemic" – rising cases of COVID-19, flu and RSV in Utah.

3 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Emma Benson

‘The ICUs are full:’ Keep yourself and others healthy this holiday

It's time for holiday gatherings, but with more people around us comes a greater risk of getting sick.

3 months ago

Julianna Preece goes through the mountain of medical documents she's acquired for her health condit...

Lauren Steinbrecher

Herriman couple is suing CVS, says 5x Covid vaccine dose mistake caused health problems

A couple is suing a Utah CVS vaccination clinic, saying a nurse’s mistake led to the wife receiving five times the normal COVID-19 vaccine dose and caused serious health issues she’s still dealing with today.

4 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Associated Press

More free COVID-19 tests from the government are available for home delivery through the mail

Americans can order more free COVID-19 tests online for home delivery.

4 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utah Cats, Dogs Up For Adoption Finding Homes At Record Rate