A Paw-sitive Legacy: Humane Society of Utah Marks 65th Anniversary

Sixty-five years after opening its first shelter in a modest West Valley City facility, the Humane Society of Utah marked its journey from humble beginnings to becoming the state’s largest open-admission animal resource center. The nonprofit celebrated its anniversary with a free community birthday party at its Murray location on Saturday, July 12.

“We are throwing a fun-filled all ages welcome birthday party!” the organization stated in a press release prior to the event. “Enjoy activities such as a bounce house, carnival games, face painting, balloon art, and more.”

The Humane Society of Utah celebrated 65 years of caring for animals. (Photo courtesy of Humane Society of Utah)

Founded in 1960, HSU has operated as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded entirely through donations, without government or state support. Its mission has remained consistent for more than six decades: to protect and improve the lives of animals across Utah.

“This summer, the Humane Society of Utah is thrilled to celebrate 65 years of saving pets and supporting families in Utah,” the release stated. “As we celebrate this special birthday, we reflect on how far we have come, and the generous community support that made this milestone possible.”

HSU opened its first facility in West Valley City before relocating in 1992 to its current Murray site, the Janice R. Johnson Center for Animals, funded by a request from Utah schoolteacher Janice Johnson. The larger building allowed the organization to expand its services and later add specialized adoption areas, including Kitty City, Bunny Bungalows, Dawgville, Tiny Town, and Critter Country.

“In 1972, HSU opened the first low-cost spay/neuter clinic in the Intermountain West,” the release noted. “This essential milestone helped to prevent overpopulation in the area, and gave countless pets the chance for a healthier, happier life.”

The Humane Society of Utah threw a 65th birthday bash at its Murray facility. (Photo courtesy of Miss Murray)

The Murray facility also continued to offer a range of services through its integrated clinic, including low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchipping, wellness exams, and heartworm testing. Specialized programs such as CATNIP, a community cat spay/neuter and trap initiative, and SNIP, a spay/neuter incentive program for pet owners experiencing financial hardship, were developed to address specific needs.

In 2020, HSU opened a second clinic in St. George to expand access to affordable veterinary care in southern Utah. In 2024, wellness exams were added to its Murray clinic offerings. “These preventative care services are vital to protecting pet health and wellness,” HSU stated. “They allow pets and families to enjoy longer, healthier years together.”

In 2023 alone, HSU reported placing 5,529 homeless animals into new homes and assisting approximately 1,189 community-owned pets through its retention and diversion programs. The organization emphasized an education-focused adoption process and a policy of no time limits for healthy or treatable pets awaiting adoption.

Staffing included 53 full-time employees and numerous volunteers. Community engagement extended through adoption events, humane education, foster programs, rescue and transfer initiatives, and legislative advocacy efforts aimed at preventing animal cruelty and addressing the root causes of pet homelessness.

“Donations from our caring community have been the backbone of every expansion, every new program, and every life-saving effort over the years,” the release stated. “It is inspiring to see how our community has stepped up to the plate, generously giving love and hope to local pets in their time of need.”

As part of its anniversary message, HSU highlighted plans to modernize its facilities and expand collaboration with other organizations. “Caring for pets does not exist in a vacuum. Protecting vulnerable pets begins with supporting our human neighbors,” the release said.

While reflecting on its past, HSU also pointed to the future. “We have accomplished so much together in 65 years,” the organization stated. “We cannot wait to see what the next 65 years will bring for pets and families in Utah.”

For more information on the Humane Society of Utah’s programs, adoption services, or volunteer opportunities, visit utahhumane.org.