When Taylorsville’s Animal Service Administrator, Chris Curtis, was young, he helped his great aunt take care of her stray cats and dogs. “She loved those animals as if they were her children,” said Curtis. This love for stray animals was also found in his older sister. People would often drop off stray animals at his sister’s farm. She would groom, give shots and find homes for the stray animals. Curtis’ aunt and sister have since passed away, but the love for helping animals still lives on. Curtis says, “When the opportunity came for me to move into the position of administrator for the shelter, it was like carrying on a family tradition.”  

Chris Curtis and the staff at the West Valley City/ City of Taylorsville Animal Shelter love the animals and want to do all they can to improve the quality of life in the community by providing safety to citizens and animals. 

Another way the Taylorsville Animal Shelter improves animal life is by being a no-kill shelter. According to Curtis, a “no-kill” shelter is, “an animal shelter that does not kill healthy or treatable animals even when the shelter is full.”  

Another procedure that is followed carefully is when an animal first comes to the shelter it is vaccinated to prevent it from contracting diseases. If an animal seems to be infected, then it is quarantined to protect the other animals. All items used to care for the animals are washed and sterilized daily, and outside time is given to dogs to allow exercise and a bit of fresh air. 

The West Valley City/ City of Taylorsville Animal Shelter truly lives up to their mission statement to “provide these services in a professional manner, being sensitive to the interests of the citizens, the welfare of the animals and the overall good of the community.”

For tips on how to keep your animal safe during the summer months, visit: www.wvc-ut.gov/17/Animal-Services