Iron County animal shelters seek support, donations as intake numbers remain high

Written by Alysha Lundgren
October 30, 2022

CEDAR CITY — The number of animals entering Iron County shelters has increased exponentially since 2020 and they’re asking for help.

Kittens at the Cedar City Animal Adoption Shelter, Cedar City, Utah, Oct. 25, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News

Brittany McCabe, manager of the Cedar City Animal Adoption Shelter, said the number of cats entering the shelter has more than tripled –  from 20 cats in September 2020 to 77 cats in September 2022.

The shelter is staffed by one full-time employee, several part-time staff members and volunteers. It operates as both a shelter and animal control.

Sgt. Justin Ludlow estimated that running the facility costs at least $3,000 a month. They’re currently about three-quarters through their fiscal year budget of $11,000 since that year began in July.

Because of this, the organization is seeking both monetary and physical donations.

“If we didn’t have donations, there is no way it would work,” he said.

Financial contributions help the Cedar City shelter cover ongoing costs like food, vaccinations and pet supplies, according to the release.

“Although there is some budget for the adoption shelter, we do rely on community members and their generosity through time and finances, especially while the number of animals continues to rise,” McCabe said in the release.

A blue-eyed cat at the Cedar City Animal Adoption Shelter, Cedar City, Utah, Oct. 25, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News

Chris Johnson, an animal control officer at Enoch City Animal shelter is also seeking donations. Even though the Enoch shelter is full, donations are at an all-time low.

Donated funds go directly to the animals and cover vet care, she said.

The adoption shelter also is encouraging donations of items like unopened bags of animal food, cat litter and pet toys.

Blankets and towels are happily received but McCabe asked that nothing with batting be donated as the dogs will “make it snow.”

A large variety of items are accepted. If the shelter cannot use them, they can typically store them. If in doubt, potential donors can call in to check with staff. However, McCabe said she’s typically the only person who answers the phone, and callers may need to be patient or leave a voice mail.

Enoch’s shelter is seeking similar items, including treats, collars and leashes, Johnson said.

Additionally, the Enoch shelter accepts blankets with batting as they have a community cat colony on site that needs blankets and heating pads to stay warm in the winter.

Those interested in volunteering at the adoption shelter can download an application on the city’s website. McCabe said there are a variety of ways volunteers can help.

A kitten at the Cedar City Animal Adoption Shelter, Cedar City, Utah, Oct. 25, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News

For instance, one volunteer who calls herself “Glenda the Good Witch” brushes the cats, which helps them to socialize and get used to people.

“Right now, socializing is a big thing because … we haven’t had time to hold them and love on them and that’s something we could really use,” she said.

The Enoch City Animal Shelter is “always looking for volunteers” to walk dogs, clean cages and feed animals, Johnson said. Interested parties over the age of 18 can visit the shelter and sign a liability form to get started.

However, the shelter is unable to accept underage volunteers even with adult supervision, she said.

McCabe thanked those who support the shelter’s efforts.

“We know not everyone has the means or space to consider adopting a new pet but donating resources to keep these furry friends comfortable until they find their forever home is just as important,” she said in the release.

The Shelter also is working to give back to the community through a pet pantry, where those who need help feeding their pets can request bags of food every two weeks, McCabe said.

“We want to make it so that people who have pets who may be financially strapped can still feed their animals and worry about their family,” she said.

Shelters under stress

Cedar City News reported in March that shelters were under pressure due to the influx of pet surrenders. The Iron County Sheriff Animal Shelter is a no-kill shelter with 15 available kennels, all of which are occupied, McCabe said.

Spenser Betenson checking a dog’s teeth and gums at the Cedar City Animal Adoption Shelter, Cedar City, Utah, Oct. 25, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News

The Enoch City Animal Shelter has been similarly inundated with surrenders and it cannot accept them from outside the city at the moment, Johnson said.

To relieve the pressure, other organizations like Best Friends Animal Society and the Humane Society of Utah can sometimes take in excess animals. In Early October, Best Friends took in 60 cats, with 20 more remaining at the Cedar City shelter.

Additionally, while McCabe was speaking with Cedar City News, transfer department supervisor Spenser Betenson from the Humane Society arrived at the adoption shelter to evaluate and take in available animals. Betenson has taken in over 13,000 animals in the last four years.

However, not all cats and dogs can be transferred. For instance, kittens that show signs of illness are not taken to prevent disease spread, and dogs that react aggressively when stressed are left behind for the safety of all of both the animals and staff.

On Tuesday, Betenson took one dog, several litters of kittens and two adult cats.

Supporting local shelters

This is a file photo of Misty, a dog that was at Iron County Sheriff Animal Shelter, Cedar City, Utah, March 15, 2022 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News

The Cedar City Animal Adoption Shelter is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Physical donations can be taken to their location at 1303 Kitty Hawk Drive, but they also accept monetary donations on their website.

Interested volunteers can also download an application here.

The Enoch City Animal Shelter is at 900 East Midvalley Road in Enoch. It is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p, m., and Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

All donations can be taken to their location, but the Enoch shelter also accepts monetary donations over the phone. Physical items from online merchants also can be delivered to its location.

Citizens interested in adopting a dog from the Iron County Sheriff Animal Shelter will need to get an appointment by calling 435-867-7618. Those interested in volunteering can call 435-867-7500.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alysha Lundgren joined the St. George News team in 2022. She began her career as a freelancer, writing resource articles for families of children with disabilities. She's also covered topics such as astronomy, recreation and nature. Originally from Nevada, Alysha fell in love with Utah quickly after moving to Cedar City. In her free time, she enjoys wandering and photographing Utah's gorgeous landscapes or hunkering down in a blanket to play video games or read a good book.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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