Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter
#98 in United States, #1 in Montana, #1 in Bozeman
Heart of the Valley, Inc. (HOV) is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit animal shelter located in Bozeman and serving the Gallatin and Madison Valleys. Our primary service area includes Bozeman, Belgrade, Manhattan, Three Forks, Big Sky, West Yellowstone. HOV also has contracts to serve as a stray holding facility for Gallatin County, City of Bozeman, City of Belgrade and the Town of Manhattan.
HOV is an open admission shelter which means we accept any dog or cat brought to the shelter regardless of condition or circumstance. In addition to reuniting lost pets with their families and finding new homes for homeless animals, HOV serves as a resource for the community by providing programs and services designed to help bring people and pets together. We offer humane education programming, canine training classes and behavioral consultations, special adoption programs for senior adults and military veterans, low cost micro-chipping, ID tags, pet licensing and a no cost Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP).
"Rescued my cat from Heart of the Valley four years ago and they t..." more
Humane Society of Western Montana
#99 in United States, #2 in Montana, #1 in Missoula
The Humane Society of Western Montana was incorporated in 1963 as the Missoula Humane Society. At that time, our community had a considerable overpopulation of pets. So much so that thousands came through our doors and difficult decisions were made. Fast forward to the present and there is much to celebrate. Our community embraced spay/neuter programs and as a result, the sheer volume of pets coming through our doors for rehoming dropped from over 8,000 to approximately 1,400.
HSWM is grateful for the work of all our volunteers and staff over the years. We wish our work was done. However, in many ways it is just beginning. When we consider pet welfare across the state, there are many areas where spay/neuter has simply been an unavailable and unaffordable service. There are communities where pet populations are at unsustainable levels and dogs and cats go hungry. People and pets in those areas need our help. And, as costs rise, many here in Missoula are now finding they cannot afford care. This is why we offer free vaccine clinics, low cost spay neuter services and travel long distances to provide care to underserved clients and pets. Through our programs, which include a robust foster care system, food pantry, behavior hotline and veterinary care, we serve more animals outside the shelter than within our walls. And we are growing.
"HSWMT does so much good for our communities and the animals here...." more
Beartooth Humane Alliance
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #1 in Billings
Founded in 2006, Beartooth Humane Alliance is the only animal welfare organization in Carbon and Stillwater counties. Our mission is to help our community help animals. From its inception, BHA has been responsive to community needs, assisting in adoptions, lost and found pets, spay/neuter and humane education.
Our work started in 2003 when an informal group of concerned community members held Carbon County’s first ever spay/neuter clinic, dubbed Operation Nip & Tuck. With the help of generous donors and more than 100 volunteers, 332 dogs and cats were spayed or neutered at no cost to their owners.
Operation Nip & Tuck continued every year through 2015 before transitioning to a by-appointment model. Since the program started more than 5,000 dogs and cats have been spayed/neutered.
Unlike other animal rescue organizations, BHA does not operate a shelter. Instead, we rely on a network of foster homes that house homeless pets until they are permanently placed.
BHA is a 501(c)3 non-profit tax exempt corporation and operates entirely on donations.
Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #1 in Billings
Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2007 and officially took over the sheltering of the City’s companion animals in 2009. It is a common misconception that Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter (YVAS) is a division of the City of Billings. While we do maintain a contract with the City to care for Billings’ lost/stray animals, we are separate entities. In fact, our City contract accounts for less than one-third of the shelter’s annual income, leaving us to raise the remainder of our budget through other means. YVAS also maintains contracts with the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and the Laurel Police Department to house and reunite lost dogs. YVAS hopes to one day provide an open-door policy to County cats. We will accept cats from outside Billings city limits on a case-by-case basis, depending on adoptability and availability of space.
Over the last decade, YVAS has grown to become the largest shelter in Montana, intaking over 5,000 animals every year. YVAS has also made many changes over the years; ever-evolving to provide the best care for animals and the people of the Billings community. Our current shelter programs include reuniting lost pets with their owners, adoption, foster care, volunteer, outreach & education, low-cost spay & neuter clinics, and our life-saving Working Cat Program. We have recently partnered with the University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine Program to increase our lifesaving capacity and improve the health and well-being of the animals in the community.
Rez Dog Rescue of Montana
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #1 in Billings
We are a foster home based 501 (c)(3) rescue located in Billings, Montana helping rescue stray dogs on Reservations in south central Montana. We get them spayed or neutered, puppy/dog vaccines, good food and loving. Then we find them wonderful furever homes. Consider adopting a rescue dog today!
City of Great Falls Animal Shelter
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #1 in Black Eagle
The City of Great Falls Animal Shelter (GFAS) is an Open Admission Municipal animal shelter serving the citizens and domesticated animals of the City of Great Falls.
The Mission of the Shelter is to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the domesticated animals and citizens of our community through education about responsible pet ownership.
We use many resources to re-home every adoptable animal through adoption, rescue partners, and adoption events. By utilizing these resources and with the help of the Great Falls Community we do not euthanize domestic animals due to space or length of stay at the City of Great Falls Animal Shelter.
The City of Great Falls Police Department handles all Animal Control issues, the GFAS houses and cares for the domestic animals only.
Prairie Song Rescue
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #2 in Bozeman
We are a non-profit animal sanctuary & rescue organization located in Park County, MT.
Our mission is to place amazing animals in amazing homes.
Tiny Tails K-9 Rescue
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #2 in Bozeman
Tiny Tails is a 100% volunteer group that works from foster homes.
We do not have a facility.
Our rescues usually come to us needing special care and we find that providing that care in a home, rather then a kennel works best for our rescues.
Petco & Petsmart adoption partners and Petfinders.com partners
Tobacco Valley Animal Shelter
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #1 in Eureka
Tobacco Valley Animal Shelter is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that was established on January 1, 2008.
We leased the decades old dilapidated animal shelter near the river walk from the county for 2 years and then in 2010 were able to build a brand new facility north of town where we are currently located.
We are proud to say that we have had over 9,800 pets through our shelter doors since that time, as well as provide thousands of pounds of pet food to community pets and facilitate over 5,000 spay/neuter surgeries for the owned pets of Lincoln County residents.
We are truly living our Mission Statement of "Improving the lives of pets and people in Lincoln County and beyond"!
Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #1 in Great Falls
The Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center is located at 900 25th Avenue NE in Great Falls, MT. The 13,600 square foot facility provides temporary shelter to cats and dogs in a safe, pleasant and humane environment. Training and education areas provide space for humane education (including kids camps) and training courses.
Facility Areas Include:
• Public reception, viewing, and visiting areas with an appealing atmosphere to maximize adoptions
• A variety of housing options for animals
• Indoor training/exercise areas for dogs
• Communal space for cats
• Outdoor space for cats and exterior kennels for dogs
• Grooming facilities – 90% of groomed animals are adopted
• Education areas
• Future Development: Memorial gardens to honor pets
The Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center is a privately run, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization receiving no funding from tax dollars or government entities.
The mission is to foster a caring community for animals by providing shelter, advancing animal welfare, and promoting the bond between animals and humans through innovative programs, education and service.
Building the Center was a long-range goal for the Animal Foundation of Great Falls, founded in 2002 by a group of dedicated volunteers.
The facility was built in August of 2015 and named in honor of Margaret J. Maclean, whose estate gave $400,000 in matching funds to the Animal Foundation. The match was successfully met in the fall of 2005. Maclean was raised on a family farm and ranch west of Conrad; she died in 1997 at the age of 83.
David and Tanya Cameron first gave to the Animal Foundation of Great Falls in February of 2005. From February 2005 to April 2017, the Cameron’s gifts totaled approximately $175,000. Then, in January of 2018, they made a gift as a family, in conjunction with Dave’s sister, Nancy Cameron, of nearly $580,000 to the Center’s GOOD (Get Out of Debt) capital campaign.
As a result of this gift, the Maclean Animal Adoption Center was renamed Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center (a DBA of the Animal Foundation of Great Falls).
Bitter Root Humane Association
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #1 in Hamilton
The Bitter Root Humane Association was formed in 1972 by a group of local animal lovers. In 1984, Countess Margarite Bessenyey gave the group land on Fairgrounds Road and Betty Cook, as President, led volunteers in raising money to build a shelter. That building served as a temporary home for countless animals for over 35 years. During that time, the shelter also housed hundreds of animals during the major wildfires of 2000 through 2016, and took in animals from numerous neglect and hoarding cases, including the recent, highly publicized Husky case. Time, however, took its toll and that shelter became unsafe and non-functional for our staff, volunteers and animals that call the shelter home. In March of 2020, after over a decade of fundraising efforts, construction began on a new, modern shelter which opened to the public in July 2021. We are proud to say, we have no time or space limits to finding the perfect home for our “guests”!
Lewis & Clark Humane Society
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #1 in Helena
The Lewis & Clark Humane Society was founded in Helena in 1964 as a means to create a more humane and ethical way to deal with the community’s stray and unwanted pets.
LCHS is a small, private, community-based, not-for-profit organization that provides shelter for unwanted and stray animals (primarily dogs and cats) while working to end pet overpopulation, reduce the need for euthanasia, and improve the humane treatment and well-being of companion animals. LCHS serves three counties in Southwestern Montana, encompassing a population of roughly 75,000 residents and services an area covering roughly 5,500 square miles. LCHS also provides shelter for the dogs and cats of animal cruelty cases going to trial.
We offer a variety of programs to the Helena and surrounding communities
Since its creation in 1964, LCHS has continued to grow and expand its facilities and programs along with the growth of the community. In an effort to decrease the amount of animals that come through the shelter, we work tirelessly to make sure the pets in our community are vaccinated and spayed and neutered while in our care. LCHS also has a comprehensive foster care program – including day-trips and sleepovers – in order to help meet the needs of all the animals in our care while they wait for their forever homes. We also have multiple specialized personnel who work to socialize, exercise, and train animals in our care, in order to provide the best quality of life for the animals.
Humane Society of Northwest Montana
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #1 in Kalispell
Governed by a Board of Directors, HSNWMT is a private, non-profit 501 (c)(3) limited admission, no-kill organization that focuses on finding caring, loving homes for orphaned cats and dogs and ending the destruction of healthy adoptable pets. Our Board of Directors consists of Flathead Valley residents who are concerned about animal welfare and who live and work in the area. The HSNWMT staff consists of a dedicated team of animal care and administrative professionals.
On behalf of the orphaned animals that we serve, thank you for the opportunity to acquaint you with our life saving organization.
Located between two of the fastest growing cities in Montana, Whitefish and Kalispell, the Humane Society of Northwest Montana is home of the Charlotte Edkins Animal Adoption Center.
Our facility which opened its doors to the general public on July 1, 2004 sits on fourteen acres and it is built in the shape of a horseshoe. Our original architectural design resembled a rectangle and was approximately 10,000 square feet in size. Due to budget constraints at the time of construction however, we had to sacrifice the amount of kennel space for dogs and decrease overall dimensions. After completion of our cost-cutting concessions of approximately 3,000 square feet in the final build-out, the result was 39 kennels for cats and 17 kennels for dogs.
Kootenai Pets for Life
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #1 in Libby
Kootenai Pets for Life was started in 2001 by a group of concerned citizens to provide a humane Shelter for the stray and abandoned pet population of the Libby/Troy area. It is a non-profit, volunteer organization providing shelter, assisting our community with spay and neuter, foster care, veterinary assistance and education.
In 2002 the City of Troy allowed KPFL to use their Animal Shelter. While grateful for the use of the facility the conditions spurred the group to raise funds and build a more humane Shelter in Libby. Thanks to all the people who volunteered and all that donated we were able to start a new structure in Libby in 2008. August 2009 we were able to move the cats and dogs into the new structure and enjoy the facility that volunteers built.
Mission Valley Animal Shelter
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #1 in Polson
The Mission Valley Animal Shelter is a small private no-kill facility serving Lake County, Montana. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), we depend upon the kindness, generosity and love for animals that we all share. Our goal is to reduce the number of abandoned, unwanted and homeless pets through adoption and education.
Serving an area spanned by Lake County and the Flathead Indian Reservation, we are faced with both a rural and a reservation environment where stray animals often wander and breed on the streets. Being the only animal shelter between Missoula (60 miles to the south) and Kalispell (60 miles to the north) and serving a county where no Animal Control services exist, we are regularly challenged by the number of animals in need.
Our shelter is managed and supported by a Development Director, a Shelter Manager, a Board of Directors, a small staff and a host of wonderful volunteers who help us with the maintenance of the facility and care for our animals.
Our Board of Directors meets monthly, and all Directors take an active role in ensuring the organization is run efficiently and professionally.
The MVAS projected 2023 annual budget is $352,650, which is to be covered by Thrift Store sales, grants, event fundraising, private donations, investment returns and client fees. The organization has a 501(c)(3) nonprofit determination, meaning that all donations are 100% tax deductible.
Our History
MVAS was organized in 1989, opened as temporary facility in 1992 and moved to our permanent location in 1994.
During 2000 we raised money for an expansion of our shelter, which was completed in 2001. A further expansion was added in 2010 without incurring any debt.
In 2018 MVAS embarked upon yet another expansion, which was completed in 2019. This expansion added 4 puppy and/or small dog kennels, and five additional fenced-in outdoor runs, as well as a new washroom.
In 2021, we started a Doggy Play yard Campaign to raise money for some new dog yards. In 2022 the construction was completed, and we know have 4 outdoor dog yards for our fabulous furry friends to enjoy. It is in the works for 2023 to install some doggy play equipment into one of the new yards for some good ol' doggy fun!
In 2022, we also were able to place a new roof system over the outdoor kennels in our East Yard and enclose the kennels in our West Yard on three sides. Now our doggos have some serious protection against the Montana weather. This was all possible thanks to the help of some amazing donors!
In 2023, we will also be working on getting three doggy doors with outside dog kennels set up for our iso dogs so these dogs will be able to go in and out while they await access to our dog yards.
Rescuing Cujo
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana
Rescuing Cujo…the name could raise eyebrows, make the mind wonder, or just be confusing. I wanted to name the dog rescue, Rescuing Cujo, to not only honor my first dog, Cujo, but also to help people learn that even dogs who might have a look or reputation of a “Cujo” can be rescued and adopted into loving homes. My Cujo was found wandering the streets of Los Angeles at four months old by a friend of mine. Since I was a fan of Stephen King novels, I decided to name him Cujo, despite knowing the name could be concerning. Cujo was a lab/pit mix, and as he grew into adulthood, he became a big boy, topping out at 85 pounds. His size, appearance, and deep bark scared some people, mostly those who feared pit bulls. I put him through several levels of obedience training because I wanted him to disprove the stereotypes that surround a dog with his size, color and "look". Cujo grew up to be such a friendly, fun dog, who loved people and playing with other dogs. He showed me how dogs are a great source of love, happiness and companionship. It was because of Cujo that I decided I wanted to start my own dog rescue…he showed me just how wonderful dogs can be, even those who cause fear because of their size, look or breed.
Pink Paw Rescue Society, Inc.
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana
Hi, my name is Kim and I am the founder and director of Pink Paw Rescue Society, Inc. PPRS is a 501(c)3 registered charity. (EIN# 83-4683348).
OUR GOALS are two-fold:
FIRST is to provide a safe place and home for any dog in our care. We will take in any breed, but prefer giants and bully breeds for our rescue. So many are misunderstood in the way they are protective yet so gentle with the families.
THE SECOND GOAL is a two-fold operation. First, is that our military personnel may need a
special dog when they come home to help them adjust and adapt to the changes deploy-
ment may have made in their lives. Second, is that our military service men and women need safe haven for their pets when they are deployed or not able to take them with them. We can coordinate with transports and other shelters to give each dog the best foster home possible while their moms and dads are away. No matter where the dog is.
To accomplish all this, takes lots of time, volunteers and money. Yes, every non-profit needs donations of money and other supplies ( blankets, beds, food, collars and leashes, bowls, etc.) Puppy kisses are so worth your time!
The Story on how we got started:
The picture on the home page is of my first rescue, Mr. Who-Chi Moosey Goose and one of the inspirations for Pink Paw Rescue Society. Maggi (the Staffie) was in a no-kill shelter for about 5 months. She sat in her kennel looking ever so pretty and well mannered. No one wanted her. She was 6 and a bundle of loving energy. Mags got me thinking and when an online ad for a Bull Mastiff of about 10.5 yrs came up, I had to answer it. They gave various medical issues as reasons to rehome him. When I first met him, he not only had several medical issues, but was severely depressed. Neither the vet or I thought he would last long, even with medical care and love. But, we underestimated the power of love and companionship. He and Maggi created a deep bond on first sight. We cleared his medical issues the best we could, the arthritis was severe and painful but he was a trooper. After some renewal of socialization skills, Mr. Who-Chi Moosey Goose was winning hearts everywhere and was very happy. The move to Lewistown, Mt. provided a challenge in stairs to the temporary apartment, and he met that well, growing stronger. We finally found a home and moved to Conrad, Mt. on Sept. 10, 2020. He loved his new home, but the pain with is arthritis and probable nerve and back issues took over. After 1.5 yrs with PPRS and Maggi, he passed on Sept. 24th, 2020 at about 12 yrs old . Maggi Moo is the inspiration for the rescue, Moosey Goose was the first rescue, a hospice patient. Such a rascal and loved by all who met him. He is very much missed by us both.
Pronking Pastures Rescue and Sanctuary
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana
Pronking Pastures Rescue and Sanctuary (PPRS) is a small rural all volunteer/foster based rescue just West of Missoula. PPRS has been rescuing animals for over ten years, but recently became a 501 c 3 nonprofit in 2020. ‘Pronking’ means the ‘happy run’ of an alpaca, and alpacas were the first animal that the rescue/sanctuary started to work with. We found out quickly that there are not a lot of livestock rescues in the state of Montana and we found our niche; PPRS wanted to become a haven for livestock that have been abused and neglected. In 2019 we started to focus our rescue on rescuing dogs and cats that met our rescue’s criteria. PPRS wanted our rescue to be a place where all animals can ‘happy run’.
The veteran community is also something we are very passionate about. One of Pronking Pastures Rescue and Sanctuary founders, Travis Williams, lost his Marine squad in Iraq in 2003. When he came back to the United States, he found purpose in rescuing and working with unwanted animals as this became therapeutic. Most of all the volunteers at PPRS are veterans or have ties to the veteran community. PPRS wants to offer a comfortable and inviting spot for our fellow comrades.
Paws to Peaks Rescue
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana
**Rescue German Shorthair Pointers (GSPs) and other pointing breeds from shelters in Montana and surrounding states.
**Provide a loving and caring home for them during the re-training process
PAWS of Chinook
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana
Since 1994, PAWS of Chinook has assisted Blaine, Hill, Liberty Counties and beyond. We are committed to providing a safe, loving place to land for pets looking for their forever home.
We are powered by a group of volunteers who put our resident dogs first. As the only brick and mortar shelter in all of Blaine County, Montana our shelter is quite often over capacity. We have just 5 kennels to serve the needs of many. We are always in need of volunteers, fosters and adopters. Please ask us how you can help!
As one of many dog shelters, we understand the need to control pet overpopulation and disease. All PAWS dogs are fully vaccinated, microchipped, and altered.
Great Pyrenees Rescue Montana
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana
Great Pyrenees Rescue Montana, is staffed entirely by a very small group of volunteers, whose purpose is to facilitate the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of abused, unwanted, displaced, and abandoned Great Pyrenees and Great Pyrenees mixes into safe, caring companion, or working homes.
We serve Montana, but do support other surrounding states. We wish to educate the public and breeders in order to prevent overbreeding, as well as to prevent the overall increase in the number of dogs in shelters that end up being euthanized. Additionally, we serve a number of dogs that continue to be abandoned as sheep are brought off the mountains at the end of the season.
Although we became a 501C3 in June 2023, we also operate under the guidance and umbrella of National Great Pyrenees Rescue, a 501C3 non-profit organization formed in 2006, for charitable purposes and incorporated as a 501C3 not-for-profit in 2007.
We do not have a central location or shelter. All of our dogs are housed in foster homes or in a boarding facility. Our dogs are placed in fosters or boarding based on availability and compatibility with other existing dogs.
We are pleased to partner with Old Farm Kennels located in Florence, Montana. When we are unable to find a foster home for a dog, our Great Pyrenees / Great Pyrenees mixes find love, care, and safety with the staff there.
Dedman Foundation
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana
We are a small animal rescue in Central Montana, proudly serving Chouteau County and surrounding areas. The Dedman Foundation is a non-profit animal rescue that has been in business for over 25 years.
Our main goal is to bring people and adoptable animals together while also ensuring our animal family have a happy, clean, comfortable and loving place to call home no matter how long or short their stay.
History
Florence Dedman
Florence Dedman had a vision of an animal rescue in Fort Benton, MT. She wanted the rescue to exist to help the abandoned, abused, and neglected animals of this area, giving them a second chance at a wonderful life with human companionship. At Florence's bequest, a no kill animal rescue was established in 1993 and has been in operation since. Florence didn't expect the small refuge to "last forever", but wanted the rescue to "last as long as it can". We like to think she would be thrilled with the way the rescue (which bears her name) is going, becoming well known throughout the state and still serving animals in need throughout the area.
Florence saw a need and provided a way, effectively leaving it up to us and others to continue this service. It is only with the generosity and kindness of heart that this journey is possible and has been able to grow into the wonderful place that it is today. We operate entirely on donations, gifts, grants, adoption fees and fundraisers. We employ one full time manager, one full time employee, and one part time employee along with many wonderful volunteers. We are a 501(c3) and our board of directors are volunteers throughout the area.
Thompson River Animal Care Shelter
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana
TRACS is dedicated to the welfare of animals in Northwestern Montana and other parts of the country where homeless animals' lives are at great risk. Our goal is to provide shelter for these lost, homeless, neglected, and abused animals until a suitable loving home can be found.
All animals adopted through TRACS will be healthy, vaccinated and spayed or neutered. New owners have to agree to license as required, treat the new pet humanely and continue to insure the pet is in a healthy and loving environment.
Working with the community and our extended community in other states, TRACS has grown into a shelter that has and will continue to provide needed assistance to over 1100 homeless pets per year. TRACS will give them an opportunity for a loving home and comfortable life here in our northwest Montana and where ever wonderful homes may be found via our website and our 4 adoption partner websites.
TRACS is a non-profit organization and exists solely on donations. With your help we can achieve our goal.
RezQ Dogs
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana
RezQ Dogs is a non-profit organization, located in north-central Montana, committed to helping the unwanted and abandoned dogs from the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation.
RezQ Dogs' facility is open by appointment only. We respectively ask that ALL visitors request an appointment at least 24 hours in advance of their visit by emailing rezqdogs@gmail.com.
Due to the unpredictable nature of our work we do not have set hours of operation. Please be patient with us and we will return your email as soon as possible.
RezQ Dogs receives no governmental or tribal funding and operates solely on private donations, fundraisers, adoption fees, and grants.
Life Savers Animal Rescue
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana
Life Savers Animal Rescue is a foster based rescue located in Polson, Montana. Our mission is to compassionately foster lost, abandoned and surrendered dogs and place those pets into caring adoptive homes, thereby enriching lives through adoption. We are an all volunteer 501(c)3 organization and 100% of our income goes to programs to help the animals and people that love them. Programs include adoption, low cost spay and neuter assistance, pet rehoming and assistance in keeping a pet in the home. Our wonderful foster homes are the backbone of our organization and we would not be able to function without them!
Because we are a private non-profit rescue, not affiliated with city or county government, our rescue dogs come from a variety of places. Our priority placements are dogs in need right here in our community, and we take in strays (please see our stray policy below) and owner surrenders as we have room and an appropriate foster home. We also work with rescues in Texas and California that save dogs from euthanasia at high kill shelters to bring those adoptable dogs to Montana.
Beaverhead Animal Shelter
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana
We are a no-kill shelter. There is no judgment if you need to drop off a stray that you've found, or a beloved pet that is no longer able to stay with its family, no matter the situation. We serve several different counties around Southwest Montana, and network with other shelters in the Southwest Montana, working together to help the animals in our care get the best chance of finding a new home.
Arlee Rehabilitation Center
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana
RC’s story begins on Sunday March 4, 2007 at the Valley of the Moon Recreation Area along Rock Creek near Missoula. On that day, ARC’s founder took his two shelter mutts on a Sunday morning walk. On that fateful morning, Cupcake was killed by a beaver trap. The trauma of trying to rescue his dog set our founder on a path, which would ultimately, many years later, lead to ARC.
"Rez Dogs"?
ARC's founder sought healing through employment at the Humane Society of Western Montana, where he strived to help other animals and people. It was there that he had his first encounters with what others around him were calling “Rez Dogs.” He noticed the occasional tendency of some animal advocates to attribute the plight of these very special canines to indifference and cruelty in Tribal communities. He didn’t quite feel the same way, recognizing there was more to the story. He also recognized that these dogs held a special, gentle power. His experiences were already inspiring thoughts about the links between helping people and animals.
An Idea
Shortly thereafter, our founder was recruited to be the Executive Director for a fledgling nonprofit working to reform trapping regulations in Montana. During this time, while thinking about the confluence of funding, strategic planning, and mission-driven marketing, he spontaneously jotted down a project idea of creating a sanctuary on a Native American Reservation that would rescue dogs while providing healing to people. He had no idea where, how, when, or whether this idea would ever come to life, but it seemed like a good idea.
ARC Finds a Place
Some years later, having just finished a short stint as an Animal Control Officer, our founder found a job ad for an ED position with the Mission Valley Animal Shelter (MVAS) on the Flathead Reservation. He never imagined the amazing stories and relationships that would grew out of his time on the Reservation. And he certainly could not have predicted that, upon finishing his time with MVAS, the project that he had long since filed away in the dustbin would suddenly find a place, a time, a purpose, and an amazing community of support.
And thus, ARC Becomes a Reality...
Our founder witnessed much while doing grassroots rescue work on the streets of hard-hit reservation neighborhoods. In one of these neighborhoods he met Gunner (a Reservation mutt with an endearing underbite and deformed leg) and his human family. Gunner’s owner was a single mother living in poverty who faced a difficult situation and sought help for her dog, who limped around the streets dodging traffic. Rehoming was not a good option, because the mother's ten-year-old son had a strong bond with Gunner and relied on his companionship. Help was arranged, but, tragically, shortly thereafter the ten-year-old boy took his own life. This event was a real shock. Not only did it reaffirm a commitment to confront the inevitable links behind animal and human trauma on the Reservation, but it also spurred a realization that it was time to dig that old project out of the dustbin.
Beginnings
Since October 2018, many discussions have taken place with amazing people about the extraordinary potential of ARC. Pieces began to fall into place. ARC was incorporated in early August 2019. Bylaws drawn up. A project proposal took shape. A logo and website were conceived. A work plan was drafted and the early steps implemented. ARC initially served as a fiscally sponsored subsidiary program of the Missoula Urban Indian Health Center (now known as the All Nations Health Center), but gained its own 501(c)3 status in November 2019 and launched independent operations in January 2020. A fabulous, Tribal-majority Board of Directors was recruited. Initial discussions with the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) inspired interest in collaboration. In early 2020 ARC applied for and was awarded two year-long Americorps VISTA positions who have since worked hard to develop the young organization's capacity. Plans for launching ARC's pilot programs and fundraising events in 2020 were postponed due to Covid-19, but since then our work has taken off!
Bright Eyes Care & Rehab Center - Bright Eyes Animal Shelter
#100 in United States, #3 in Montana
Bright Eyes Care & Rehab Center, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to animal care and protection. Our goal is to promote responsible animal ownership within the community and to assume those responsibilities when others are unable or unwilling to do so. All of the programs that we offer are supported by contributions from the public and members of our organization. Those programs include pet adoption, humane education, pet therapy, spay/neuter assistance, obedience training, and any information requested by pet owners.
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/681/2224ccea3452-HOV_Logo_Full_Color.jpg){kind=logo}
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/682/a568dd77e79f-Capture.JPG)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2648/BHA-logo-wh-no-trans-400w.png){kind=logo}
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2682/YVAS-Logo-Small.png){kind=logo}
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2687/images.jpg)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2656/untitled_design.jpg)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2636/logo_simple_bluewhite.png){kind=logo}
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2610/453505_orig.png)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2552/e1e6fddb-a51b-4ced-87d3-565fbade27c8.jpg)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2652/tvaslogo_edited.jpg)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2655/mcacc-mobile-logo.png){kind=logo}
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2496/Logo-White-300x300.png){kind=logo}
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2625/lchs_logo_sm_247x78.png){kind=logo}
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2637/logo.png){kind=logo}
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2626/logo1b.jpeg)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2618/MVAS%2BLogo.PNG)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2186/rob_harris_5-01.jpg)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2665/800_65ce7b5549b92.jpg)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2551/main-logo-1.png){kind=logo}
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/683/b321ea7ee4ea-Capture.JPG)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2808/s9434n1jrjswmljs.jpg)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2495/s4878nlmxzj8xzwh.jpg)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2693/New_Logo.jpg){kind=logo}
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2559/images.jpg)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2620/s4779logo20230620114918.jpg)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2493/BEAVERHEAD-LOGO_OUTLINED_COLOR.jpg){kind=logo}
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2565/cropped-cropped-cropped-Logo.jpg){kind=logo}
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2549/5dc2c25d-d1f4-43cb-904a-48e7456e0027.jpg)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2653/logo_new.png){kind=logo}
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2698/Logo1_small.jpg){kind=logo}
/fit-in/0x128/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Moving-with-your-pet-1.png)
/fit-in/0x256/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Moving-with-your-pet-1.png)
/fit-in/0x128/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Moving-with-your-pet.png)
/fit-in/0x256/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Moving-with-your-pet.png)
/fit-in/0x128/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/dog-in-sunglasses-on-a-boat.jpg)
/fit-in/0x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/dog-in-sunglasses-on-a-boat.jpg)
/fit-in/0x128/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/dog-friendly-airlines.jpg)
/fit-in/0x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/dog-friendly-airlines.jpg)
/fit-in/0x128/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/state-of-dog-friendly-travel.jpg)
/fit-in/0x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/state-of-dog-friendly-travel.jpg)
/fit-in/0x128/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/dog-moving-report-2024.jpg)
/fit-in/0x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/dog-moving-report-2024.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bernese-mountain-dog-208092_1280.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shutterstock_543831754.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/shutterstock_494495788-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/shutterstock_237584221-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/shutterstock_705844504.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dogwaterpark.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/shutterstock_174836186.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/shutterstock_1346929262.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/dogexercisecalculatorfeaturedimage.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/bb.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Screen-Shot-2024-05-23-at-9.33.57-PM.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/dogreactivitychartfeaturedimage.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/shutterstock_523383649.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/a.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shutterstock_796422001.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Sniffspot_infographic_1-01.jpeg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Final-Edit-003-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/good-photo-3_orig.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/sniffspot-28-of-45-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/screen-shot-2019-09-19-at-2-01-47-pm_orig.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/indoordogparks.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/offleashdogparks.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/vegas.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/portland.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/German-Shepherd-Dog.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screen-Shot-2024-07-24-at-4.06.05-PM.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screen-Shot-2024-07-25-at-3.05.09-PM.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/staffy.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screen-Shot-2024-07-25-at-3.39.43-PM.png)
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1282/178507e67e44-MC_logo_square.jpg){kind=logo}
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/931/cef8bbb17769-South_Coast_Humane_Society.png)
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/61/30aea3371b69-MainSquare_2.png)
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/298/1000035238.jpg)
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/814/91cfd62cd986-IMG_1035.jpeg)
