Previous to my climbing sabbatical, I would strive to volunteer on a weekly basis. This past Wednesday my 10-month trip came to a close and I immediately jumped back into my service regime as I truly had missed this weekly routine while away. In the past I have put up a few blog posts about volunteering and certain non-profits, but have decided to start posting where I volunteer each week in hopes of spreading the organization’s mission and encouraging others to get involved. (Note that I might post the updates between both my blogs, this one and the CragBaby, especially if I volunteer for the same organization two weeks in a row.)
This Week’s Service
This week I worked with the organization No More Homeless Pets in Utah, this being my first time to volunteer with this group. No More Homeless Pets in Utah’s mission is to end the euthanasia of dogs and cats in Utah and to promote humane alternatives for feral cats. They have a no kill policy, sheltering the animals until adoption. I was introduced to the group by my friend Melissa, a strong advocate for animal rights who regularly helps out NMHPU and has fostered pets.

Each week No More Homeless Pets brings the animals to either the West Valley or Taylorsville PetSmart (PetSmart has partnered with NMHPU) to try and find them a home with a shopper. NMHPU showcases their pets for the whole day, therefore needing volunteers to help walk and play with them. I showed up at 10:30am and stayed until 1:30pm, walking and playing with each animal as my friend and other volunteers (who had worked with this non-profit previously) spoke with customers about the pets. It was yet another fabulous volunteer experience.
Hanging out with my friend Melissa and Sparky, one of the dogs up for adoption. Sparky is a 9-month-old pit bull and a fabulous dog. He is completely mellow, a snuggler and great with other animals.
Interested in Helping?
There are many ways to help No More Homeless Pets in Utah.
- Adopt a Pet – The animals in this program are excellent animals, many of which have been pulled off of euthanasia lists due to their high likelihood for adoption. Adopting a pet through this program saves an animal from unnecessary euthanasia and gives another animal a second chance. You can view the available animals on Petfinder. Petfinder and the NMHPU also list which PetSmart the animals will be at that week so that you can meet and play with them in person.
- Volunteer – No More Homeless Pets is always in need of volunteers and lists their current needs on their site.
- Foster a Pet – With the no kill policy, No More Homeless Pets is often in need of additional temporary homes for dogs. Fostering a pet opens up more room for NMHPU to bring on additional animals. If interested in fostering a pet, visit this link.
- Donate to the Cause – Like many organizations, donations are needed to keep the organization going. The organization gladly accepts non-monetary donations such as toys, pet food, leashes and cleaning supplies.
- Vote for NMHPU to Receive A Grant – Rescue Site gives out grants to shelters. You can vote for No More Homeless Pets in Utah, using these instructions.
Staying Informed
If you want to stay up to date with the progress of NMHPU, you can read about their current events on their site, subscribe to their newsletter, or follow them on Twitter.













