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The Best Montana Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

David Adams photo

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
    Beautiful and caring no-kill shelter in Bozeman, MT. I spoke with a volunteer who has been there for many many years and they had nothing but incredible things to say.
  • Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter Logo

    Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter

    #98 in United States, #1 in Montana, #1 in Bozeman

    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).

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

    chelsie g.

    Fan

    "Rescued my cat from Heart of the Valley four years ago and they took great care of him and he..."

    toni s.

    Adoptee


  • 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

    #99 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

    #100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #1 in Billings

    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.


  • 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

    #100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #1 in Billings

    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.


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

    Freckles and Tomcat Rescue

    #100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #1 in Billings

    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.


  • 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

    #100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #2 in Bozeman

    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


  • 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

    #100 in United States, #3 in Montana, #2 in Bozeman

    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.


  • Great Pyrenees Rescue Montana
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2495/s4878nlmxzj8xzwh.jpg
    MontanaUS
  • Great Pyrenees Rescue Montana Logo

    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.


  • PAWS of Chinook
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2808/s9434n1jrjswmljs.jpg
    MontanaUS
  • PAWS of Chinook Logo

    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.


  • 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

    #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!


  • Montana Pittie Project
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2565/cropped-cropped-cropped-Logo.jpg
    MontanaUS
    Pit BullPit Bull
  • Montana Pittie Project Logo

  • Chelsea Bailey Butte-Silver Bow Animal Shelter
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2552/e1e6fddb-a51b-4ced-87d3-565fbade27c8.jpg
    699 Centennial Ave Butte, MT 59701
    MontanaUS
  • Chelsea Bailey Butte-Silver Bow Animal Shelter Logo

  • Pintler Pets Humane Society
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2537/Pintler%2BLogo.jpeg
    MontanaUS
  • Pintler Pets Humane Society Logo

    Pintler Pets Humane Society

    #100 in United States, #3 in Montana

    Pintler Pets is a private, non-profit humane society in Anaconda, Montana. We receive no governmental funding, and operate on private donations, grants, and adoption fees. Pintler Pets serves people and pets from across Montana through pet rescue, re-homing, and adoption services. All pets are microchipped, spayed/neutered, and vaccinated prior to being adopted.


  • 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

    #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.


  • 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

    #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.


  • Lewis & Clark Humane Society
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2625/lchs_logo_sm_247x78.png
    2112 E Custer Ave Helena, MT 59602, United States
    MontanaUS
  • Lewis & Clark Humane Society Logo

    Lewis & Clark Humane Society

    #100 in United States, #3 in Montana

    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.


  • Mission Valley Animal Shelter
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2618/MVAS%2BLogo.PNG
    36251 N Reservoir Rd. Polson, MT 59860
    MontanaUS
  • Mission Valley Animal Shelter Logo

    Mission Valley Animal Shelter

    #100 in United States, #3 in Montana

    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.


  • 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

    #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


  • RezQ Dogs
    https://sniffspot.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/placeholder.png
    MontanaUS
  • RezQ Dogs Logo

    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.


  • Tobacco Valley Animal Shelter
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/2652/tvaslogo_edited.jpg
    19 Independence Way Eureka, MT 59917
    MontanaUS
  • Tobacco Valley Animal Shelter Logo

    Tobacco Valley Animal Shelter

    #100 in United States, #3 in Montana

    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"!


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.

    View profile

  • 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

    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.

    View profile

  • 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.

    View profile

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
    Beautiful and caring no-kill shelter in Bozeman, MT. I spoke with a volunteer who has been there for many many years and they had nothing but incredible things to say.
  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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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


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

Sniffspot Dog swimming in pool
David Adams photo

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

About Sniffspot

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