Thanks to our compassionate supporters, the Intermountain Humane Society (IMHS) is able to provide a unique lifeline to homeless cats and dogs in our mountain region. At IMHS we accept owner-surrendered and stray animals from our local community, and we partner with other shelters which have higher animal intake or fewer resources to regularly accept transfers of animals on a space-available basis. We work with other agencies to examine how to lower the number of homeless animals throughout our state so that all shelters will be able to improve their adoption and return-to-owner rates, and lower euthanasia. We also seek to educate and engage the public, which is key to lowering the births of animals destined to become homeless in an already overcrowded world and to prevent broken commitments due to unrealistic expectations of what is involved in a lifetime relationship with a dog or cat.

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There are no time limits placed on how long an animal is available for adoption at IMHS. Animals available for adoption are never euthanized because of space limitations. IMHS euthanizes very rarely, and only for significant health or behavior issues; we do not take lightly the decision to end a life. Because we are a limited intake facility, we do not accept dogs or cats with a history of aggression, and we do not accept wolf-hybrids.

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At IMHS, we are fortunate to maintain a 100% placement rate for adoptable animals. However, we try to steer away from the “kill vs. no kill” argument and object to such simplistic terms that don’t accurately reflect an agency’s commitment to caring for animals, or tackling the root causes of overpopulation. Many "no kill" shelters are more accurately defined as limited admission facilities. The term "no kill" has, unfortunately, become a marketing tool rather than an honest description of the enormous undertaking of providing care for homeless pets. "No kill" does not mean no euthanasia, a key point often lost in this discussion. Use of such vague, hard to define terms makes it confusing for pet owners trying to obtain services. In the case of true "sanctuaries," where no euthanasia is practiced, there are painfully few instances where companion animals are maintained in a manner that preserves their physical and mental health. As opposed to criticizing shelters that must euthanize because they are under-resourced, we strive to forge and nurture collaborative partnerships with overcrowded shelters and share resources so we can act as a lifeline to animals in need.

 

Through effective use of our resources (including foster caregivers, enrichment volunteers, and medical care), IMHS can provide rehabilitation (both behavioral and medical) treatment for many animals, increasing their chances of finding a home. Success is seen every day - for example, when an untrained 9 month old Chow/Retriever mix pup surrendered for bad behavior is transformed into a well mannered dog who can now sit, stay, and heel on command. Even a cat with a severe disability receives a new lease on life thanks to a dedicated team of staff, volunteers and medical experts. IMHS is a place for second chances. Won’t you please help us give even more animals a chance at a new life?