Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering

07/28/2026

We always hope for reunification, but sometimes the most loving decision is finding a new home.

When families can't reunite with their pets, we work with trusted shelter and rescue partners. Or, in Stevie's case, one of our incredible volunteer dog walkers who completely fell in love.

The message we received from Stevie's former owner is one we'll never forget:

"You didn't make me feel like a piece of s**t... You helped Stevie and me find our best options."

No one should be shamed for asking for help or facing an impossible situation. We believe every family deserves compassion, honest conversations, and support without judgment. Sometimes the best outcome isn't the one anyone planned. But it's still a happy ending. 💚

07/25/2026

Our community showed up in a big way! Thank you to everyone who answered our call for cat food donations. Because of your generosity, our pet pantry was stocked today, and many cats are going home with full bellies. We couldn't do this without you! 💚

07/22/2026

Future leaders in action! 💚🐾

Participants from Salt Lake City Government YouthCity Teens program visited Ruff Haven last week to learn about our work, meet our team, and better understand the challenges faced by people and pets in crisis.

We were also honored to welcome Representative Angela Romero, who was the very first legislator we partnered with to pass Utah's Pets in Protective Orders law. It's always inspiring to share with young people how advocacy and community partnerships can create lasting change.

Thanks for spending the day with us!

07/20/2026

🚨Our pet pantry is running low on dry cat food! 🚨

Every bag donated helps families facing financial hardship keep their pets fed and at home where they belong. If you're able to give, we'd be so grateful for your support.

Visit ruffhaven.org/waystogive to shop our Amazon and Chewy wish lists or explore other ways to donate.

07/18/2026

RedRover has been an incredible partner in our mission, including providing grant funding that helped us build new cat enclosures and expand our ability to provide crisis sheltering for pets whose families are escaping domestic violence.

We’re proud to be part of a community of organizations working together to remove barriers to safety and make sure no one has to choose between their own well-being and the pet they love.

Thank you, RedRover, for believing in this work and for all you do to protect the human-animal bond. 💚🐾

Read the full story:

RedRover Responders traveled to Florida and Oklahoma early in 2024.

07/16/2026

💚 Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Erika!

We're so grateful for volunteers like her who bring compassion, kindness, and dedication to every shift.

07/15/2026

We're honored to share that Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering has been selected as a recipient of a $25k Staying Home Grant from The Grey Muzzle Organization! 💚🐾

This generous support will strengthen our Senior Dog Program, helping older dogs stay connected with the people who love them during times of crisis. Senior pets often require specialized medical and emotional care, and this funding will allow us to provide the extra support they need while their families work toward stability.

With this grant, we'll be able to serve approximately 50 senior dogs, ensuring they receive compassionate care, reducing the challenges they face while in shelter, and helping more families reunite with their beloved companions.

We're incredibly grateful to Grey Muzzle Organization for investing in senior dogs and the families who cherish them.

07/14/2026

It was a HOT one yesterday! ☀️

Temperatures reached a record-breaking 109° in the Salt Lake Valley, but our team, volunteers, and community still showed up in an incredible way for our vaccine clinic in Sandy. 💚
Together, we vaccinated and microchipped 239 dogs and cats, helping keep pets healthy, safe, and with the families who love them.

We’re so grateful to Banfield Foundation, Vetscursions, and Canyons Veterinary Clinic for volunteering their time and expertise to help provide care to our community.
Thank you to Sandy City Animal Services for joining us and helping Sandy residents register their pets while they were at the clinic.
And to our incredible volunteers: thank you for braving the heat and working so hard to support pets and their people. We couldn’t do this without you!

07/08/2026

Need pet resources? Ruff Haven is now at the Salt Lake City Main Library Resource Corner every Wednesday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM!

Helena, our AmeriCorps team member, will be available to connect pet owners with resources, answer questions, and distribute free emergency pet kits to those in need.

Want to help us keep the kits stocked? Visit ruffhaven.org/emergencykits to learn how you can donate.

07/02/2026

More reunions happen when organizations work together. 💚

When Bryan brought his dog, Indica, to Animal Care of Davis County, he thought surrendering her was his only option. Their Safe Haven program gave him temporary relief, and when they realized he needed more time, they referred him to Ruff Haven.

This week, Bryan and Indica were reunited.

Bryan shared that he's had Indica since she was a puppy, born to a family member's dog. Their bond is lifelong, and we're grateful we could help preserve it.

Thank you to Animal Care of Davis County for being an incredible community partner. Together, we're proving that surrender doesn't have to be the end of the story. 🐾