Salt Lake Valley Health Department
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Drinking Water
Water and Emergency Preparedness
Bureau of Water Quality and Hazardous Waste
788 East Woodoak Lane (5380 South)
Murray, Utah 84107
(385) 468-3862
Dog Permitting
Because domesticated animals interact with humans, they can transmit human diseases. It is important to protect the Protected Watershed Areas in City Creek, Parley’s, Big Cottonwood, and Little Cottonwood Canyons to ensure a safe drinking water supply for the Salt Lake Valley.
Where are the watersheds?
- Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Parley’s Canyon
- Mountain Dell Canyon
- City Creek Canyon (northeast of the treatment plant)
- Little Cottonwood Canyon
- Emigration Canyon
- Deaf Smith Canyon Creek and tributaries
- Bell Canyon Creek and tributaries
- Little Willow Creek and tributaries
- Big Willow Creek and tributaries
- South Fork of Dry Creek
Permitted watershed dogs, service dogs, search and rescue dogs, and law enforcement dogs can get an exception to watershed prohibitions. These dogs’ owners must properly dispose of any fecal matter.
- Dogs licensed in the town of Alta may be kept within town limits.
In the rest of the watershed areas:
- Applicant must submit certification of property ownership to the Salt Lake County Division of Animal Services.
- You must submit plans for housing your dog in the watershed to the Salt Lake Valley Health Department (SLVHD). The enclosure should be walled or fenced and a minimum of 50 feet from any waterway, but preferably 100 feet away.
- You must submit to the SLVHD a proposed method of daily animal waste disposal.
- You must sign a written statement agreeing to maintain the enclosure, dispose of waste daily, keep the dog on the property, fit the dog with a microchip, and be subject to Salt Lake County Animal Control Regulations and SLVHD Watershed Regulations.
- A special permit fee and a $100 surety bond or cash to the Salt Lake County Division of Animal Services is required.
Wild Places Your Dog Can Go
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Millcreek Canyon, Emigration Canyon, Jordan River Parkway, City Creek Canyon (below water treatment plant), East Canyon, and Tanner Park allow dogs. Rules apply.
For More Information
Salt Lake Valley Health Department: (385) 468-3862
Salt Lake County Division of Animal Services: (801) 559-1100
Salt Lake City Watershed Protection Program: (801) 483-6900
Salt Lake County Health Regulation #14: Watershed Regulation