Welcome to the heart of dog rescue in Montana! If you’re looking for a new furry friend to join your family, this state is a great place to start.
With plenty of shelters and rescue organizations working to help dogs in need, you’ll have no shortage of options when it comes to finding the perfect pup.
From the bustling cities to the scenic countryside, Montana is home to a community of people who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of dogs.
Whether you’re searching for a specific breed or just want to find a dog that will bring joy to your life, you’ll find plenty of options in this beautiful state. So, let’s dive in and discover the best dog rescue locations in Montana!
Top Best 5 Dog Rescues & Shelters in Montana, MT
Adoption is an alternative that benefits everyone when it comes to acquiring a pet: the family, animal protection entities, and, of course, the dog itself
Shelters across the country house approximately eight million companion animals each year. Yet, nearly 50% of them are euthanized due to the shelter’s lack of resources.
1) Quailwings Rescue
Quailwings Rescue, a 501c3 Federal non-profit tax exempt rescue, shall promote the humane treatment of animals and foster respect, understanding and compassion for all creatures.
Providing care and safe harbor for animals. Reuniting lost animals with their owners. Dedicated to lowering the numbers of animals destroyed due to overpopulation. Enhancing the bond between humans and animals through adoption, education and services.
Quailwings Rescue Information and Details:
- Mailing Address: 214 4th Avenue NW Cut Bank, MT 59427, United States
- Website: https://www.quailwingsrescue.com/
- Phone: +1 406-229-1042
2) The RezQ Dogs
RezQ Dogs is a non-profit organization, located in north-central Montana, committed to helping the unwanted and abandoned dogs from the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy Indian reservations.
RezQ Dogs’ facility is open by appointment only.
The 3 RezQ Dogs Information and Details:
- Address: Dodson, Montana 59538, United States
- Website: https://www.rezqdogs.org/
- Phone: 406-262-8122
3) Stafford Animal Shelter
Stafford Animal Shelter is a no-kill, open-door shelter that accepts all pets in need regardless of age, species, breed or medical condition. They have no length of stay restrictions so animals are welcome with them until they find their forever homes. They accept every pet in need: abandoned or homeless, unwanted litters from unspayed and uneutered animals, and those confiscated by control officers for cruelty. The only nonprofit animal care facility in Park County, they serve the people and pets of the greater Southwestern Montana community including Gallatin, Sweet Grass, Stillwater, Meagher, Fergus counties and beyond. As the only Shelter in the region that accepts all lost or unwanted pets; not just dogs and cats, they have a “Zoo” where they can care for a wide range of pets from exotics to rodents to birds to small mammals. They also serve as the care facility for animals running at large, cruelty cases, and emergencies by city and county animal control officers. Of all the animals they take in approximately half are reclaimed and half are adopted. Every adoptable cat, dog, kitten and puppy are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, dewormed and microchipped prior to adoption.
Stafford Animal Shelter Information and Details:
- Address: 424 W Clark St, Livingston, MT 59047, United States
- Website: https://staffordanimalshelter.org/
- Phone: +1 406-222-2111
4) Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter
Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter is dedicated to strengthening the human-animal bond by providing compassionate, high-quality care, and resources to the community.
Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter (YVAS) is the largest-volume shelter in Montana; caring for thousands of lost & transitioning animals every year. They have made many changes over the years, ever-evolving to provide the best care for animals and the people of the Billings community.
Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter Information and Details:
- Address: 1735 Monad Rd Billings, MT 59101, United States
- Website: https://yvas.org/
- Phone: (406) 294-7387
5) Lewis & Clark Humane Society
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.
Lewis & Clark Humane Society Information and Details:
- Address: 2112 E Custer Ave, Helena, MT 59602, United States
- Website: https://lchsmontana.org/
- Phone: (406) 442-1660
Dog Rescue & Shelter Online
We hope that one of the shelters listed above can help you find your future dog, but if for some reason that doesn’t happen you can always opt for different alternatives.
For this reason, we’ve added these alternative platforms. These platforms will help you connect with people who have dogs for sale or adoption near you. It can be a great alternative in looking for your future pup within the comfort of your home.
AKC Market Place
Finding trustworthy dog breeders, groomers, and trainers can be challenging. AKC Marketplace is your trusted resource to help make a lifetime of responsible dog ownership safe, happy, and healthy.
AKC Marketplace® is the only website that exclusively lists puppies from AKC-Registered litters, so you can choose a breeder with confidence.
Adopt A Pet
If you want to give an abandoned puppy a second chance, a shelter is definitely the place to find a dog.
Adopt a pet is North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website. They help over 21,000 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to millions of adopters a month, for free.
Puppies for sale Today
Puppies Today has over a decade of experience, established in 2008. They pride themselves on connecting loving families with new furry friends and have happy customers all over the nation. They provide all of their customer’s puppy payment plans and health guarantees to ensure the best experience and peace of mind when adopting a puppy through their service.
Check Out Our Dog Breeders Page :
DOG BREEDERS NEAR ME | PUPPIES FOR SALE
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
Generally, it will cost around $50 to $150 for a dog – and because typically shelters and rescuers give pets medical treatment, you’ll save money on a medical examination; you’ll also likely save on spay or neuter surgery, which can cost around $50 to $300.
Aside from the puppy’s price, it would be best to consider the expenses that would come with it. For instance, you may want to get the essential things for your puppies like grooming tools, food, and shelter.
What kind of dog should you adopt?
If you have decided to adopt a dog, you may want a mixed breed dog. Or, you can have your heart set on a specific dog breed. It is possible to adopt purebred dogs from shelters and rescues if you plan ahead. However, if you’re not set on a particular breed, you should still have an idea of the type of dog you want.
Consider age, size, care needs, health concerns, and activity level. Have your wishes in mind before you go looking. Better yet, create a list of dog characteristics that is divided into three areas:
- What do you absolutely need in a dog: Do you have children, cats, or other dogs? The dog you adopt must be able to get along well with everyone in your home. Are you in an apartment or small house and need a small dog? Are you allergic to certain types of dogs and need a hypoallergenic breed? These are just some of the things to consider.
- What you would like in a dog but can live without: Maybe you have a soft spot for a specific breed but will be happy with a mix of that breed. Maybe you want a dog with short hair, but don’t worry about a little extra grooming if you meet a big long-haired dog.
- What is not acceptable to you: these are dealbreakers. What qualities would prevent you from even considering a certain dog? Dimension? Temperament? Maybe you have a fear or dislike for a certain dog breed. Perhaps you are renting out your home and have to meet specific rental requirements.
Write everything down and take the list with you. That way, when you go out and see all those cute faces, you will know where to start.
When not to adopt a dog
It is best to avoid adopting a dog in the following circumstances:
- You are in the process of moving
- You are remodeling or repairing your home
- You are about to have a baby (it is usually best to have the baby and let life stabilize a bit before introducing a new dog)
- It’s the holiday season ( dogs aren’t meant to be gifts and holidays are usually too hectic for a new dog)
- You or someone in your family is going through other major life events (the new dog may be lost in the shuffle or be overwhelmed by chaos)
The Dog Adoption Process
Well done! You have found your new dog. Now is the time for formalities. Most organizations require an application before they can adopt. This is to prevent pets from falling into the wrong hands. While it may sound like an interrogation, these groups have policies in place for a reason. Fortunately, many people have no problem getting approval.
Some groups require a waiting period before bringing your new dog home, possibly due to a medical procedure that has been done. Some dogs may have a waiting list, so ask questions beforehand.
Find out what the adoption fee includes (vaccines, spay/neuter, etc.). Before signing the contract, learn what you expect from yourself and what the group will do to help you. If the dog is too young to be spayed or neutered, the contract will require it to do so in the future. Also, find out what happens if you can’t keep the dog.
Most organizations ask you to return the dog to them if you can no longer care for it (don’t give it away to someone else). Find out what is known about the dog’s history and what health problems, if any, were noted while the dog was in their care.
Final Thoughts
Remember, it can take a long time for a dog to adjust to a new home. You and your family will need time to adjust. You may notice that your new dog has behavioral problems, fears, phobias, or lacks training. If the adaptation period is long and complex, it’s a good idea to seek the assistance of a dog trainer or behaviorist.
You may need to consult more than one. Be patient and follow the advice of the experts. If you feel that you have genuinely exhausted your options, you may decide to give up on your new dog.
Remember to try to get your dog back to the place of adoption first. If this is not an option, you need to be responsible and find a good home for your dog. I hope you never have to be in this situation.