From education to adoption: Summit County Animal Control’s comprehensive approach

Summit County Animal Control staff. Photo: Summit County Animal Control

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — In recent years, Summit County Animal Control (SCAC) has expanded its services and community engagement efforts to better meet the needs of Summit County residents and animals, as described by SCAC Director Stacy Gunn. With an increased facility size, a more robust live trap rental program, and an enhanced online presence, SCAC is now able to reach more community members and animals in need.

Gunn highlighted the daily operations of the SCAC team, which include prioritizing incidents each morning and ensuring that animal control officers are ready to respond to calls throughout the county. Shelter attendants also play a crucial role in assessing and caring for the animals at the 1745 S Hoytsville Road facility.

Gunn shared a recent success story that exemplifies the impact of SCAC’s educational programs: “After attending one of these programs, a student was able to safely avoid a situation while on his way home when a dog approached him and posed a threat. His mother called us and was very appreciative of the education we provided.”

Challenges remain, however, particularly in educating the public about the long-term commitment required for animal care and in addressing calls related to wildlife in distress. Regarding wildlife calls, Gunn noted, “That is an unfortunate and frequent occurrence in our area where we are a mix of rural and urban, but this is a job for the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), not Summit County Animal Control. Summit County falls within the Northern Region of DWR, and you can reach their field office at 801-476-2740, or look up their services online at wildlife.utah.gov.”

In contrast, Gunn reminds people to “call Summit County Animal Control when there is an issue with domesticated animals, animals running at large (no owner in sight), concerns regarding livestock, and when you need information and education regarding rental of our humane traps for unwelcome animal visitors to your home (such as skunks).”

Phone: (435) 336-3985

Email: animalcontrol@summitcounty.org

Hours: Change seasonally

After-hours phone: 435-615-3601, Summit County Non-Emergency Dispatch

Engagement with the Summit County community is a year-round effort for SCAC, from the annual Pet Fest at the Summit County Fair to educational programs in schools and affordable rabies vaccination clinics. Collaboration with local law enforcement, animal shelters, and wildlife organizations is also key to enhancing animal welfare and public safety. Gunn cited instances of cooperative efforts in rescuing animals, demonstrating the importance of inter-agency collaboration.

For Gunn and her team, the motivation behind their work is the love of serving the Summit County community. The most rewarding aspect, as Gunn puts it, is being of service to an “amazing community.”