Adopt or Volunteer at Salt Lake Shelters & Rescues

If you’re looking to add a new furry or feathered friend to your family, why not adopt? There are lots of wonderful animals in and around Salt Lake City looking for forever homes in shelters and at rescue organizations. Some of our favorite Merry Pets pack mates were adopted by their families! And if you don’t want to adopt but are looking to give some of your time to help the animal community, all of these organizations need volunteers! Check out this list of shelters and rescue programs that may be the ideal place to find your next animal companion or volunteer your time.

Wonderful cats and dogs are up for adoption along the Salt Lake Valley.

Best Friends Animal Society

2005 South 1100 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84106

City of Holladay/Salt Lake County Animal Services

511 West 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84123

South Salt Lake Animal Services 

2274 South 600 West, South Salt Lake City, UT 84115

Second Chance for Homeless Pets

200 E. Gordon Lane (4180 South), Salt Lake City, UT 84107

Humane Society of Utah

4242 S. Commerce Dr., Murray, UT 84107

Murray City Animal Services

5624 South 300 West, Murray, UT 84107

Ronie’s for the Love of Birds

9187 South 700 East Sandy, UT 84070

Cottonwood Heights/Sandy City Animal Services

8715 South 700 West, Sandy, UT 84070

For the love of Birds!

Ronie’s operates a rescue program for parrots, where you can adopt birds from budgies to cockatoos.

3 Tips to Successfully Brush Your Pet’s Teeth

Regular teeth brushing keeps harmful bacteria at bay, promoting good dental health and keeping your pet free from gum disease and tooth decay. Aside from that, it helps your pet’s breath stay fresher! While brushing your pet’s teeth can seem a bit daunting, it doesn’t have to be a chore. Follow these tips to successfully keep your pet’s teeth pearly white.

Success Tip #1: Use pet-friendly tools. Brushing your pet’s teeth goes a lot easier when you have tools that fit the bill. Shop for smaller, pet-safe toothbrushes to better fit your pet’s mouth. And purchase pet-formulated toothpaste or make your own at home, so they are not only safe for Fido’s health, they are more appealing, making brushing easier.

Success Tip #2: Start slowly. If you or your pet isn’t used to regular brushing, it’s best to ease into the process. Forcing your pets into brushing sets a precedent that’s difficult to overcome. Approach your pets when they are relaxed, and get them used to you touching their mouths and faces first. Then allow them to taste the toothpaste first from your finger, as the brush can be intimidating to start with. You can start brushing their teeth and gums with your finger, or even a cotton swab or cheesecloth before introducing the brush. Patience is key–keep at it and don’t get discouraged.

Get your pet used to having his teeth touched as prep for at-home tooth brushing.

Success Tip #3: Make it a routine. Once you have the right tools and get your pet used to his teeth being touched and brushed, brushing his teeth regularly is key. Choose a time of day to make it part of your daily routine. Right before meals is a good time, as then the meal can be a reward. You can also try brushing right after your pet wakes and is relaxed, too. It’s optimal to brush your pet’s teeth each day, but 3-4 times per week will do wonders, too.

Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly keeps his dental health in tact, not only making his smile brighter, but his life healthier overall. If you’re running low on time to do it yourself, let us help–add a toothbrush service onto your next dog walk or pet sitting service from Merry Pets.

3 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day with Your Pet

Although every day is Earth Day with Merry Pets fun hikes in the forests, April 22 is set as the official holiday to celebrate and be good to our planet. And what better way to celebrate than with your pet? Whether it’s resolving to be better to planet earth or getting out on it, here are three ways to celebrate Earth Day with your pet.

1. Buy eco-friendly products. Support earth-friendly companies when you shop for food, clothing and other items for you and your pet to leave less of a carbon footprint overall. Do your research and look for the green seal or organic certification labels on packages as you buy. Merry Pets uses fully biodegradable waste pick-up bags on our walks and hikes to stay earth-friendly.

2. Recycle & reuse. Add the earth-friendly practices to your life, such as

• Recycle glass, paper and metal waste, including the containers for your pet’s food and treats, through your city’s recycling program or to the local recycle plant.

• Donate gently used pet toys, clothing and more to thrift shops rather than throwing them away to allow others to reuse or upcycle them, reducing waste.

• Compost your food and pet waste to use as fertilizer for your yard’s or community’s garden.

3. Get out in your neighborhood. Being good to the earth starts in your own community. Try celebrating earth day by

• Bringing neighbors together to pick up trash or plant trees.

• Planting a garden or work in a community garden together.

• Joining a friendly fun run to raise money for a local earth-friendly initiative.

• Going out for a walk or hike with your pet.

Planting your own working in a community garden with your pet is a fabulous way to celebrate love you back Earth Day. Photo by Vegetable Gardener.

Celebrating this holiday with your pet is easy and fun!