More than 270 dogs and cats walked out of the Mountain America Expo Center with new families on Saturday, Aug. 1, as Best Friends Animal Society's Super Adoption Weekend drew thousands of people to Sandy.

The event, which returned after a seven-year hiatus, brought together more than 18 shelters and rescue organizations from across Utah, supported by dozens of volunteers. More than 500 animals were made available for adoption over the two-day weekend, according to Hoodline.

Holly Sizemore, chief mission officer for Best Friends Animal Society, told ABC4 that the animals came from shelters spanning the state, including the organization's sanctuary in Kanab.

"Every time an animal gets adopted, we ring the bell, and we celebrate, and we are hearing the bell ring every few minutes," Sizemore said Saturday.

The bell kept busy. By the end of the day, more than 270 adoptions were complete.

What it costs

Adoption fees range from free to $150. All fees include vaccinations and spay/neuter services, and most include microchipping. Event sponsor Pretty Litter covered the cost for some cat adoptions, bringing those fees to zero.

Finding the right match

Best Friends staff ask potential adopters about their lifestyle before finalizing a placement. The goal is pairing each animal with a family suited to its needs rather than rushing placements.

Sunday, Aug. 2 hours

The Super Adoption Weekend continues Sunday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. Hundreds of dogs and cats remain available. Best Friends, a Utah-based nonprofit that operates the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary in Kanab, said it is committed to ending the killing of shelter animals in its home state.