South Utah Valley Animal Shelter
Fax: 801-851-4089
Hours
Closed 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. for cleaning
Closed Saturdays & Sundays
Being a Good Pet Neighbor
As a dog or cat owner you know the companionship, the loyalty and love, the pleasure and sheer fun that your dog or cat adds to your life. But there are many pet owners who do not realize that with every right goes a corresponding duty. Pet owners must consider their responsibilities toward neighbors and toward their communities. If they don't they are not "good dog and cat neighbors." Your pet does not have a sense of civic responsibility, so you have to think for him. Put yourself in your neighbors' place and try to imagine how your pet's habits affect them. It's up to you to train your pet early so that you will enjoy each other without spoiling the enjoyment of others. We've included some info below that hopefully can help you and answer questions you may have.
The DO'S and DONT'S of Dog and Cat Ownership?
- Teach your dog or cat to be obedient and well behaved.
- Walk your dog on a leash and curb him when necessary.
- Teach your dog or cat to stay in your yard.
- Train your dog to stay quietly within his quarters while you are away.
- Train your dog to walk quietly at heel on a loose leash.
- Take your dog or cat to the veterinarian at least once a year for a checkup - a healthy dog or cat makes a good pet neighbor.
- License your dog with the City.
- Let your dog or cat roam the neighborhood.
- Let your dog bark excessively.
- Let your dog or cat soil your neighbors shrubbery or lawn, or tear up any flower gardens.
- Let your dog chase cars or bicycles.
- Let your dog or cat frighten or bite the postman, milkman, or other service people.
- Let your leashed dog lunge at or jump on passers-by.
Animals Running at Large / Leash Law
Spanish Fork City does not allow animals to run at large at any time. Animals must be on a leash at all times they are not on the owner's property. A leash is defined as any chain, rope, or device used to restrain an animal.
For more information please see Title 6 of the Municipal Code.
Animal Licensing
Spanish Fork City requires all dogs over three (3) months of age to be licensed. Proof of a current rabies vaccination by a licensed veterinarian must be shown when licensing any dog. Dog license fees are as follows:
Altered Animal | Unaltered Animal | |
1 year license | $15 | $35 |
2 year license | $25 | $65 |
3 year license | $35 | $95 |
You may obtain a license at the Spanish Fork Police Department, 789 West Center, at a participating veterinarian clinic, or at the South Utah Valley Animal Shelter, 582 West 3000 North, Spanish Fork.
For more information please see Title 6 of the Municipal Code.
Barking Dogs
Due to the number of complaints that Spanish Fork City receives, a barking dog ordinance was enacted in 1996. Please be respectful of your neighbors.
For more information please see Title 6 of the Municipal Code.
Dogs in Public Areas
Spanish Fork City DOES NOT allow dogs in the following places:
- Adventure Heights All-Abilities Park
- North Park
- Cemetery
- Ball Parks (Sports Park and Swenson Park)
- Canyon View Park
- Reservoir
- City Library
- Soccer Fields
- Volunteer Park Playground
- Anywhere else signs are posted
Dogs are allowed on the Trail System as long as they are leashed. There are disposable mitts available along the trail. PLEASE be respectful of others and clean up after your dog.
For more information please see Title 6 of the Municipal Code.
How Many Dogs/Cats May I Own?
Spanish Fork City allows residents to keep two (2) dogs/cats on their property. An exception is made if a resident obtains a kennel permit. With a kennel permit, a resident may keep up to four (4) animals. Certain requirements need to be met in order to obtain the permit.
The fee for a kennel permit is $25 per year. Permits must be obtained at the Spanish Fork Police Department, 789 West Center.
For more information please see Title 6 of the Municipal Code.
Chickens
Spanish Fork City has enacted an ordinance wherein residents can house chickens on their property. No more than six (6) hens are allowed per lot and absolutely NO roosters are allowed.
The price for a Chicken Permit is $15 per year. Permits must be obtained at the Spanish Fork Police Department, 789 West Center.
For more information see Chapter 6.20 of the Municipal Code.
Pot Bellied Pigs
Spanish Fork City has enacted an ordinance wherein residents can house pot bellied pigs on their property. Only one (1) pig is allowed per lot.
The price for a Pot Bellied Pig Permit is $15 per year. Permits must be obtained at the Spanish Fork Police Department, 789 West Center.
For more information see Chapter 6.24 of the Municipal Code.
What Type of Animals are Allowed in Residential Areas?
Animals are allowed in the A-E, R-R, I-1, and I-2 zoning districts with no restrictions on the maximum number. Animals are allowed in all other zoning districts subject to the following regulations:
- The portion of the property on which the animals, except for household pets, are kept must be at least one-half (1/2) acre in size. The chart following this section sets forth the only types of animals that may be kept and the maximum number of animals which may be kept per each half acre of property. The numbers are not cumulative. A maximum of one species precludes any other species. For example, on a half-acre (1/2)two (2) horses may be kept, or four (4) sheep, or one (1) horse and two (2) sheep, but two (2) horses and four (4) sheep are not allowed.
- All requirements set forth in Title 6, Animals, must be met. The keeping of chickens and potbellied pigs in any zone other than the A-E, R-R, I-1, or I-2 is governed by Title 6.
- No animal shall be kept in a residential zone for purpose of commercial production.
Animal | Maximum Number Allowed per 1/2 acre |
Cattle | 2 |
Horses | 2 |
Sheep, Goats, Ostriches | 4 |
Rabbits | 10 |
Pigeons | 12 |
Ducks, Geese | 8 |
Game Birds * | 8 |
* with appropriate permits |
For more information see section 15.3.24.090 G of the Municipal Code.
What About Pets in a Disaster
We have prepared an Animal Safety document to help.
Wild Aware Utah
Wild Aware Utah is an education program providing Utah residents and visitors with wildlife awareness and safety information. Visit their website at wildawareutah.org for more information.