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The Best Montana Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Montana. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs. We've compiled this list by gathering heartfelt testimonials from both the Sniffspot community and the wider public, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on these exceptional shelters.

    Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/681/2224ccea3452-HOV_Logo_Full_Color.jpg
    1549 E. Cameron Bridge Rd, Bozeman MT 59718
    bozemanMontanaUS
    Rescued my cat from Heart of the Valley four years ago and they took great care of him and he is the best cat ever. They found him in a wood pile and I'm so grateful they found him.
  • Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter Logo

    Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter

    #266 in United States, #1 in Montana

    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 took great care of him and he..."

    toni s.

    Adoptee

    "Beautiful and caring no-kill shelter in Bozeman, MT. I spoke with a volunteer who has been there for many many..."

    chelsie g.

    Fan


  • Humane Society of Western Montana
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/682/a568dd77e79f-Capture.JPG
    5930 HWY 93 S Missoula, MT 59804
    MontanaUS
    HSWMT does so much good for our communities and the animals here. They put on free/low cost immunization and spay/neuter, microchip clinics and its so so important to do.
  • Humane Society of Western Montana Logo

    Humane Society of Western Montana

    #361 in United States, #2 in Montana

    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. They put on free/low cost immunization and spay/neuter,..."

    kris b.

    Fan


  • Janeen's Catahoula Leopard Dog Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2698/Logo1_small.jpg
    billingsMontanaUS
  • Janeen's Catahoula Leopard Dog Rescue Logo

    Janeen's Catahoula Leopard Dog Rescue

    #600 in United States, #3 in Montana

    Billings

    Janeen’s Catahoula Leopard Dog Rescue (JCLDR) is a 501c3 nonprofit dog rescue, consisting of volunteers who worked together successfully in years past for other rescue organizations. JCLDR was officially organized in 2014. After being in rescue 15 years, serving in the capacity of Coordinator at Large, in-house behaviorist and Vice President, Janeen Jackson pulled together trusted volunteers to create JCLDR, sharing 40 years of experience and expertise with the Catahoula breed. Our goal is to be a help to the staggering numbers of dogs being thrown away, traumatized, and euthanized. We wish to aid humans in keeping their commitments to dogs, through education and support. We offer a proven Board of Directors who are compatible in rescue and skilled in business operations. In spite of hectic lifestyles, we each share part of the load as volunteers, seeking no reward or benefit for ourselves except giving life another chance. Dogs are not unfeeling pieces of furniture, and they deserve love, dignity, and a second chance. We are passionate about our mission, and for many of us it is a personal one. We understand that sometimes all people really need to inspire them to give a dog another chance, is to hear someone say, “I can help. Together we can make it work; I believe in you.” We strive to build a bridge of trust.


  • Humane Society of Northwest Montana
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2637/logo.png
    100 Adopt A Pet Way, Kalispell, MT 59901, USA
    MontanaUS
  • Humane Society of Northwest Montana Logo

    Humane Society of Northwest Montana

    #600 in United States, #3 in Montana

    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.


  • Beartooth Humane Alliance
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2648/BHA-logo-wh-no-trans-400w.png
    billingsMontanaUS
  • Beartooth Humane Alliance Logo

    Beartooth Humane Alliance

    #600 in United States, #3 in Montana

    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.


  • RezQ Dogs
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    MontanaUS
  • RezQ Dogs Logo

    RezQ Dogs

    #600 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.


  • Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2655/mcacc-mobile-logo.png
    900 25th Avenue NE Great Falls, MT 59404
    MontanaUS
  • Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center Logo

    Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center

    #600 in United States, #3 in Montana

    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).


  • Bright Eyes Care & Rehab Center - Bright Eyes Animal Shelter
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2653/logo_new.png
    MontanaUS
  • Bright Eyes Care & Rehab Center - Bright Eyes Animal Shelter Logo

    Bright Eyes Care & Rehab Center - Bright Eyes Animal Shelter

    #600 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.


  • Dedman Foundation
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2693/New_Logo.jpg
    MontanaUS
  • Dedman Foundation Logo

    Dedman Foundation

    #600 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.


  • Freckles and Tomcat Rescue
    https://sniffspot.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/placeholder.png
    billingsMontanaUS
  • Freckles and Tomcat Rescue Logo

    Freckles and Tomcat Rescue

    #600 in United States, #3 in Montana

    Billings

    We are Freckles and Tomcat Rescue A non profit animal rescue that treats unwanted animals like family. Since 2016 we have dedicated ourselves to rescuing, rehabilitating and homing as many needy animals as possible. Our Initiatives Rescue With our mission always in mind, we strive to rescue and rehabilitate as many animals as possible. Contact us to learn more about our teams hard work and commitment to this cause. Advocacy We support responsible spay and neutering and host several free clinics yearly. This is by no means an easy feat, but through cooperation and community involvement, we believe we can facilitate progress in this area. Rehabilitation On this point, we will not waiver. We believe every life has value. Our goal is to support the welfare of animals in need. With the support of our dedicated volunteers we do everything we can to help every animal. Learn more about this initiative and how you can help.


  • Paws to Peaks Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/683/b321ea7ee4ea-Capture.JPG
    MontanaUS
  • Paws to Peaks Rescue Logo

    Paws to Peaks Rescue

    #600 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


  • Beaverhead Animal Shelter
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    MontanaUS
  • Beaverhead Animal Shelter Logo

    Beaverhead Animal Shelter

    #600 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.


  • Rez Dog Rescue of Montana
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2687/images.jpg
    billingsMontanaUS
  • Rez Dog Rescue of Montana Logo

    Rez Dog Rescue of Montana

    #600 in United States, #3 in Montana

    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!


  • Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2682/YVAS-Logo-Small.png
    1735 Monad Rd Billings, MT 59101
    billingsMontanaUS
  • Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter Logo

    Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

    #600 in United States, #3 in Montana

    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.


  • Life Savers Animal Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2620/s4779logo20230620114918.jpg
    MontanaUS
  • Life Savers Animal Rescue Logo

    Life Savers Animal Rescue

    #600 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.


  • Arlee Rehabilitation Center
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2549/5dc2c25d-d1f4-43cb-904a-48e7456e0027.jpg
    MontanaUS
  • Arlee Rehabilitation Center Logo

    Arlee Rehabilitation Center

    #600 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!


  • Prairie Song Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2636/logo_simple_bluewhite.png
    bozemanMontanaUS
  • Prairie Song Rescue Logo

    Prairie Song Rescue

    #600 in United States, #3 in Montana

    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.


  • City of Great Falls Animal Shelter
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    1010 25th Avenue NE Great Falls, MT 59404
    MontanaUS
  • City of Great Falls Animal Shelter Logo

    City of Great Falls Animal Shelter

    #600 in United States, #3 in Montana

    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.


  • Rescuing Cujo
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    MontanaUS
  • Rescuing Cujo Logo

    Rescuing Cujo

    #600 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.


  • Pronking Pastures Rescue and Sanctuary
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2551/main-logo-1.png
    MontanaUS
  • Pronking Pastures Rescue and Sanctuary Logo

    Pronking Pastures Rescue and Sanctuary

    #600 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.


The Best Billings, MT Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2024

    Janeen's Catahoula Leopard Dog Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2698/Logo1_small.jpg
    billingsMontanaUS
  • Janeen's Catahoula Leopard Dog Rescue Logo

    Janeen's Catahoula Leopard Dog Rescue

    Janeen’s Catahoula Leopard Dog Rescue (JCLDR) is a 501c3 nonprofit dog rescue, consisting of volunteers who worked together successfully in years past for other rescue organizations. JCLDR was officially organized in 2014. After being in rescue 15 years, serving in the capacity of Coordinator at Large, in-house behaviorist and Vice President, Janeen Jackson pulled together trusted volunteers to create JCLDR, sharing 40 years of experience and expertise with the Catahoula breed. Our goal is to be a help to the staggering numbers of dogs being thrown away, traumatized, and euthanized. We wish to aid humans in keeping their commitments to dogs, through education and support. We offer a proven Board of Directors who are compatible in rescue and skilled in business operations. In spite of hectic lifestyles, we each share part of the load as volunteers, seeking no reward or benefit for ourselves except giving life another chance. Dogs are not unfeeling pieces of furniture, and they deserve love, dignity, and a second chance. We are passionate about our mission, and for many of us it is a personal one. We understand that sometimes all people really need to inspire them to give a dog another chance, is to hear someone say, “I can help. Together we can make it work; I believe in you.” We strive to build a bridge of trust.

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  • Beartooth Humane Alliance
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2648/BHA-logo-wh-no-trans-400w.png
    billingsMontanaUS
  • Beartooth Humane Alliance Logo

    Beartooth Humane Alliance

    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.

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  • Freckles and Tomcat Rescue
    https://sniffspot.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/placeholder.png
    billingsMontanaUS
  • Freckles and Tomcat Rescue Logo

    Freckles and Tomcat Rescue

    We are Freckles and Tomcat Rescue A non profit animal rescue that treats unwanted animals like family. Since 2016 we have dedicated ourselves to rescuing, rehabilitating and homing as many needy animals as possible. Our Initiatives Rescue With our mission always in mind, we strive to rescue and rehabilitate as many animals as possible. Contact us to learn more about our teams hard work and commitment to this cause. Advocacy We support responsible spay and neutering and host several free clinics yearly. This is by no means an easy feat, but through cooperation and community involvement, we believe we can facilitate progress in this area. Rehabilitation On this point, we will not waiver. We believe every life has value. Our goal is to support the welfare of animals in need. With the support of our dedicated volunteers we do everything we can to help every animal. Learn more about this initiative and how you can help.

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The Best Bozeman, MT Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2024

    Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/681/2224ccea3452-HOV_Logo_Full_Color.jpg
    1549 E. Cameron Bridge Rd, Bozeman MT 59718
    bozemanMontanaUS
    Rescued my cat from Heart of the Valley four years ago and they took great care of him and he is the best cat ever. They found him in a wood pile and I'm so grateful they found him.
  • Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter Logo

    Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter

    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).

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  • Prairie Song Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2636/logo_simple_bluewhite.png
    bozemanMontanaUS
  • Prairie Song Rescue Logo

    Prairie Song Rescue

    We are a non-profit animal sanctuary & rescue organization located in Park County, MT. Our mission is to place amazing animals in amazing homes.

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  • Tiny Tails K-9 Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2610/453505_orig.png
    bozemanMontanaUS
  • Tiny Tails K-9  Rescue Logo

    Tiny Tails K-9 Rescue

    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

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What's the Sniffspot Montana Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

Welcome to the 2024 Montana Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Montana chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.

Sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks, each park offers secure, private bookings on private land, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Montana dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

Sniffspot Dog running on field

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See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By City In Montana


See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States Near Montana


See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization


Sniffspot Montana Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Montana?

There are 33 in Montana. 5 are located in Billings with 28 are located in other areas of the state.

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Montana?

There are many reputable rescues in Montana, the top 3 on our list are: Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, Humane Society of Western Montana, Paws to Peaks Rescue

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Montana offer?

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Montana is Pit Bull with 1 focusing on it.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Montana?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Montana. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
https://myhswm.org/dogs/

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Montana?

We do not have any record of breed specific rescues and shelters in Montana, but there are the top breed-specific rescue and shelter types in nearby states, including New Jersey, Utah, Illinois.

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Montana that specialize in senior dogs or special needs animals?

Can you recommend any reputable dog rescue organizations that focus on specific regions or communities within Montana?

Yes! The top rescue and shelter in Billings is Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter. The top specialized rescue and shelter in Montana is Montana Pittie Project.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

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David Adams photo

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

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