The community outreach department is the fastest growing and most dynamic new venture by the Humane Society of Utah. The outreach department is responsible for off-site adoptions of Humane Society animals. This new concept in animal welfare is aimed at bringing animals and education to the public. Research has shown that people are reluctant to visit animal shelters due to the inherent sadness of a shelter environment and the endless selection of animals.
Many people find it easier to choose from a smaller selection of animals.
The off-site adoption process allows the animals, potential adopters, and the staff to interact in a more intimate and social environment. This comfortable environment facilitates adoptions to those who may not have considered a shelter animal, while raising community awareness of homeless pets in Utah. The community outreach department is heavily dependent on volunteers for the off-site adoptions, and for many other special events. Volunteers play an integral part in the outreach department, from loading and transporting animals to finalizing pet adoptions. This is an especially rewarding area of volunteerism, to witness the animals find good homes.