Pet Safety & Trap Release
Trapping Incidents
At Present, trappers are not required to report dogs caught in their traps. Over 100+ dogs have been reported caught in traps in WY. Three of these, all belonging to the same family, died. Seven of the 100+ were in Teton County. There could be many more out there, but no official record exists.
How to Release Your Pet from a Trap - Virtual Workshop
What you learn in this workshop may save your pet’s life.
Believe it or not, traps are allowed on almost all trails and public lands
across Wyoming. What you learn in this workshop may save your pet’s life.
In response to recent COVID-19 safety concerns, WU has worked diligently to offer this workshop virtually so that our communities will be safe, prepared, and educated this trapping season.
A properly set trap is very difficult to see and most are baited. In Wyoming, it is legal for trappers to set an unlimited number of traps on public lands, including on popular, heavily used hiking trails. Trapped pets may have only minutes to live once caught.
This workshop was made possible through the generosity of our supporters, the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, Old Bill’s Fun Run, and caring individual donors all over the country. We are grateful for every single one of you.
How to Release Your Pet from a Trap - 2014 (11-min video)
Be aware that traps are out there every day of the year in Wyoming! If you see a trap or your dog is caught in one of these devices, know what to do! You can reduce conflict by being aware of the recommendations in this video – it may save your dog’s life.
Trap Safety for Pet Owners
Keeping your dog safe is your responsibility. If a pet is caught accidentally in a trap or snare, it may be possible to remove it without injury. The key is to follow the steps outlined in this brochure quickly and calmly. You should understand how to remove a trap or snare before you head outside, but take this brochure with you for field reference. A dog or other animal caught in a trap or snare may be extremely agitated, and may try to bite those who come near. Your ability to reassure and calm your pet is critical to a successful release.
Workshops
2025
October 21 – Laramie
6:30 – 8:00 pm, Holiday Inn, S 30th St, Laramie, WY. This is a free event, all ages welcome.
In collaboration with Wyoming Coalition of Animal Protection (WYCAP) in Laramie. Thank you!
October 23 – Alpine
6-8:00 pm, Cobblestone Inn and Suites, 111 Greys River Rd, Alpine, WY
Welcoming the best trapping instructor out there!
Dave Pauli has been instructing these workshops since our first event in Jackson, WY, in 2014. Dave has spent 30 years with the Humane World of Animals and is currently the Global Wildlife Outreach Specialist for Greater Good Charities. We are honored that he is an advisory board member for Wyoming Untrapped. It is a pleasure to “grow up” together with Dave over the last 13 years, raising statewide awareness to give our public a reasonable expectation of safety on our public lands. Thank you, Dave Pauli.
Workshops
2025
October 21 – Laramie
October 23 – Alpine
2023
November 11 – Cody
2022
September 29 – Laramie
September 30 – Pinedale
October 1 – Jackson
2021
September 15 – Virtual Live Webinar
2020
COVID – Rescheduled
September 23 – Jackson
September 24 – Cody
September 25 – Casper
September 26 – Laramie
2019
November 23 – Jackson
2018
May 2 – Dubois
May 3 – Pinedale
October 23 – Jackson
October 24 – Lander
October 25 – Rock Springs
2016
September 13 – Jackson
September 14 – Lander
September 15 – Casper
September 16 – Cody
2014
June 4 – Jackson
September 4 – Jackson
Stay Tuned for Upcoming Workshops
When we broke the mold in Wyoming!
Wyoming Untrapped hosted our first trap release workshop in Wilson, WY on September 4, 2014. Dave Pauli, Director of Wildlife Innovations for the Humane Society of the US, showed participants how to protect/remove pets from traps/snares.
This workshop was made possible through the generosity of our partners: PAWS of JH, Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris, The Cougar Fund, Art Appraisals of JH, Humane Society of the US, Spring Creek Animal Hospital, and various individual volunteers and donors.
