Bringing a pet into your home is one of life’s most rewarding choices. Montana, with its pet-friendly communities and outdoor spaces, is a great place to adopt.
Instead of buying from breeders, adoption gives animals in need a second chance while supporting local shelters. Many rescue pets are already suited to Montana’s climate and lifestyle, making the transition smoother.
If you’re looking for a loyal dog, a playful pup, or a cuddly cat, these shelters across Montana can help you find the perfect companion. Here’s where you can start your search for a pet that’s ready to be loved.
Why Should You Adopt A Pet in Montana?
Adopting from a shelter is not just about finding a pet, it’s about making a difference. Here’s why adoption is a great choice in Montana:
- You’re Saving a Life – Every pet adopted opens space for another animal in need.
- Supporting Local Communities – Shelters operate on donations and volunteer efforts, keeping animal welfare a community-driven effort.
- Lower Costs – Adoption fees usually include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and microchipping, making it more affordable than buying from a breeder.
- Pets Suited for Montana’s Lifestyle – Many shelter animals are already used to Montana’s rugged environment and climate, making the transition into your home smoother.
1. Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter
At a Glance:
- Location: 1735 Monad Rd, Billings, MT 59101
- Website: yvas.org
- Adoption Hours: Meet-and-greet sessions stop one hour before closing
- Cost: Not specified
- Adoption Process: Application-based, includes assistance from staff in matching pets with adopters
As Montana’s largest shelter, Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter cares for over 5,000 animals each year. Their mission is to provide compassionate care, educate the community, and promote responsible pet ownership.
The adoption process ensures that pets find homes that match their needs and personalities. As a nonprofit, the shelter relies on donations and volunteers to continue its work.
Whether you’re looking for a dog, cat, or small pet, their dedicated team helps guide adopters through the process. If you’re in Billings and ready to welcome a new companion, this shelter is a great place to start your search.
2. Humane Society of Western Montana
At a Glance:
- Location: 5930 U.S. Hwy 93 S, Missoula, MT 59804
- Website: myhswm.org
- Adoption Hours: Not specified
- Cost: Cat: $50, Kitten: $150, Dog: $100, Puppy: $225
- Adoption Process: Includes vaccinations, microchipping, spay/neuter surgery, and other services
The Humane Society of Western Montana provides personalized care to animals while helping them find loving homes.
As a nonprofit, it operates independently of national organizations and relies on community support. Each adoption includes vaccinations, spay/neuter services, and a microchip to ensure pets are ready for their new families.
The shelter also offers training resources and outreach programs to strengthen pet-owner relationships. With a focus on individual care, they work hard to match adopters with the right pet. If you’re in Missoula and looking for a companion, this shelter is a trusted place to adopt.
3. Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter
At a Glance:
- Location: 1549 E Cameron Bridge Rd, Bozeman, MT 59718
- Website: heartofthevalleyshelter.org
- Adoption Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 12 pm – 5:30 pm
- Cost: Adult Dogs: $120-$170, Puppies: $220, Adult Cats: $50, Kittens: $110
- Adoption Process: Online pet viewing, adoption questionnaire, meet-and-greet with a counselor
Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter is an open-admission facility in Bozeman, welcoming all cats and dogs regardless of their condition. Their goal is to connect pets with loving families while ensuring each animal receives proper care before adoption.
The shelter’s structured process helps match pets with the right homes, making adoption a smooth experience. Community involvement is a priority, with outreach programs and resources available for pet owners.
If you’re in Bozeman and ready to add a pet to your family, this shelter is a great place to start your search.
4. Lewis & Clark Humane Society
At a Glance:
- Location: 2112 E Custer Ave, Helena, MT 59602
- Website: lchsmontana.org
- Adoption Hours: Not specified
- Cost: Puppies: $175, Dogs over 20 lbs: $145, Dogs under 20 lbs: $150
- Adoption Process: Includes vaccinations, microchip, spay/neuter surgery, and dog training through the P.A.W.S. program
Lewis & Clark Humane Society in Helena is dedicated to helping stray and abandoned animals find safe, loving homes. They provide shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation for pets, including those rescued from abuse cases.
To improve adoption success, they partner with the P.A.W.S. program, offering training to help dogs adjust to new families. The shelter relies on donations and volunteers to continue its mission of ethical animal care.
If you’re in Helena and looking to adopt, this shelter offers a supportive and responsible adoption process.
5. Pet Paw-see Cat Rescue
At a Glance:
- Location: PO Box 6491, Great Falls, MT 59406
- Website: petpawsee.org
- Adoption Hours: Not specified
- Cost: Not specified
- Adoption Process: Focused on rescuing and rehabilitating cats
Pet Paw-see Cat Rescue is committed to saving stray and abandoned cats in the Great Falls area. The organization provides medical care, rehabilitation, and adoption services to ensure each cat finds a loving home.
In addition to rehoming cats, they educate the public about responsible pet ownership and feline welfare. As a nonprofit, they rely on donations and volunteers to continue their rescue efforts.
If you’re looking to adopt a cat in Great Falls, this rescue offers a compassionate and responsible adoption process.
6. Paws To Peaks Rescue
At a Glance:
- Location: P.O. Box 261, Clancy, MT. 59604
- Website: pawstopeaksrescue.com
- Adoption Hours: Not specified
- Cost: Not specified
- Adoption Process: Focuses on adopting pointing breed dogs, providing care and retraining
Paws To Peaks Rescue is dedicated to helping pointing breed dogs find loving homes. They take in dogs from shelters and word-of-mouth referrals across Montana, providing them with the care and training needed to thrive.
Their focus is on ensuring each dog is well-prepared for life with a new family, whether as a hunting companion or a loyal pet.
By prioritizing training and rehabilitation, they increase the chances of successful adoptions. If you’re looking for an active, well-trained dog, this rescue is a great place to start.
7. Beartooth Humane Alliance
At a Glance:
- Location: P.O. Box 2333, Red Lodge, MT 59068
- Website: beartoothhumane.org
- Adoption Hours: Not specified
- Cost: Not specified
- Adoption Process: Offers adoption services, pet reunification, and low-cost spay/neuter services
Beartooth Humane Alliance has been serving the Red Lodge community for over 15 years, helping animals in need find loving homes.
Along with adoption services, they reunite lost pets with their families and offer affordable spay/neuter programs to prevent overpopulation. Their mission is to promote responsible pet ownership while strengthening community involvement in animal welfare.
Relying on donations and volunteers, the organization continues to provide compassionate care. If you’re in the Red Lodge area and looking to adopt or support a rescue, Beartooth Humane Alliance is a great option.
The Adoption Process in Montana: What to Expect
Most shelters require an application, where adopters provide details about their living situation, experience with pets, and lifestyle.
After submission, many organizations conduct interviews to better understand the adopter’s needs and expectations.
Some shelters may also schedule a home visit to ensure the environment is safe and suitable for the pet.
Once approved, adopters typically meet potential pets, and after finding the right match, the adoption is finalized with paperwork and an adoption fee.
Adoption Fees in Montana
While adoption fees vary by shelter, they generally help cover the cost of veterinary care, vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter procedures.
Fees for dogs often range between $100 and $225 while cats may be between $50 and $150. Puppies and kittens tend to have higher fees due to additional medical needs.
Despite the upfront cost, adoption is often more affordable than purchasing from a breeder, and it includes essential medical services that would otherwise be out-of-pocket expenses for new pet owners.
How to Prepare Your Home for a New Pet
Before bringing home a new pet, it’s important to create a safe and comfortable space. Ensure your home is free of hazards like exposed electrical cords, toxic plants, or small objects that could be swallowed.
Set up a designated area with food and water bowls, bedding, and toys. If adopting a dog, secure your yard and have a leash and collar ready. Cats need a litter box, scratching posts, and quiet spaces for adjustment.
Gradual introductions to family members and other pets will help ease the transition.
Resources for New Pet Owners in Montana
Montana has many resources to support new pet owners. Local veterinarians provide routine checkups, vaccinations, and emergency care. Training programs, such as those offered by shelters or private trainers, help dogs adjust to their new homes.
Pet supply stores, both locally owned and chain retailers, offer food, toys, and essentials. Many communities also have dog parks and pet-friendly hiking trails where new owners can bond with their adopted pets.
Taking advantage of these resources ensures a smooth transition and a happy, healthy life for both the pet and the owner.
Conclusion
Adopting from a shelter gives an animal a second chance while bringing joy into your home. Whether you’re looking for a loyal dog or a cuddly cat, Montana’s shelters have plenty of wonderful pets waiting for a home.
Have you adopted a pet from a Montana shelter? Share your story with us.