Residents of Salem must navigate specific local requirements regarding pet ownership, including licensing and sanitation rules. According to an undated webpage from the city, all dogs and cats are required to possess a current rabies vaccination. To obtain a license, owners must provide proof of such vaccination, which remains valid for the duration of the license period.
Regarding dog licensing, the city's undated animal control information states that all dogs must be licensed within Salem City within thirty days after the animal reaches three months of age. In instances where a dog is already over three months old at the time of acquisition, the license must be obtained within ten days. While cat licensing is optional and serves as a means of protection for the animal, dog licensing is mandatory. Owners must be at least eighteen years of age to apply for a dog license. These licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase, though the city also offers two-year and three-year license options.
Registration for dogs can be completed online through the website suvas.org. According to the city's undated webpage, if a resident wishes to receive a physical license in the mail, they must email a copy of the animal's rabies certificate to doglicensedivision@gmail.com so that the information can be verified. For those with inquiries, the South Valley Animal Shelter was listed as a contact with the phone number 801-851-4080.
Financial costs for licensing depend on the status of the pet. The city's undated documentation notes that spayed or neutered dogs and cats are subject to a fee of $15.00 per year, while unaltered dogs and cats are subject to a fee of $35.00 per year. The city's undated guidelines specify that it is the responsibility of the pet owner to provide proof that an animal has been altered to qualify for the discounted price, and previous animal control records may suffice for this purpose. Additionally, all dogs are required to wear both their rabies and Salem City license tags at all times.
Salem maintains limits on the number of pets allowed within a single household. According to the city's undated code, no residence may have more than three dogs that are three months of age or older. The city's undated animal control rules also address the behavior of animals in public and private spaces. It is unlawful for any dog to be at large at any time within the corporate limits of the city. Furthermore, an undated city code states that it is unlawful for an owner or custodian to allow a dog to defecate or urinate on private property that is not owned by the person in control of the dog. Owners are also responsible for removing any defecation deposited by their dog on public property or recreation areas.
Regarding the maintenance of pet enclosures, the city's undated code states that it is unlawful for an owner or occupant of a premises containing a kennel, run, or other housing structure for dogs to allow such an area to become unsanitary, unclean, or to emit an undue stench or odor. If a notice is issued regarding such a condition, the owner or occupant has 24 hours to abate the condition or they will be issued a citation. According to the undated code, once a notice is given, the condition must remain abated on a permanent basis.
In terms of personnel, the Salem Police Department's undated website lists several officers. Greg Gurney was listed as the Chief of Police, while J. Bigler was listed as the officer for Animal Control. Officer P. Christensen was listed as the officer for Code Enforcement, and Officer Phil Christensen was listed as the officer for Salem Animal Control.
What this means for Salem
For Salem residents, following pet ordinances involves maintaining current rabies vaccinations and securing the appropriate city licenses. Owners must manage pet waste on public and private property and ensure that animal enclosures do not produce odors. Adhering to these rules, including the limit of three dogs per residence, helps maintain the city's status as a safe and pleasant community.
