Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

We are located at 5930 Hwy 93 South, 3/4 of a mile south of Blue Mountain Road.

What are your hours?

We are open Wednesday-Sunday from 1-6PM. We are closed Mondays, Tuesdays and major holidays.

What is your mission statement?

The Humane Society of Western Montana builds opportunities for pets and people to thrive.

In support of this mission, we:

  • Help pets stay in their homes by providing accessible and affordable programs
  • Provide physical, emotional, and medical care for the animals in our shelter
  • Match people with pets to enrich each other’s lives
  • Engage the community and advocate on issues affecting the welfare of companion animals
How long do you keep the animals?

Our placement rate has been 98% or higher since 2010. Animals spend anywhere from a few days to a few months here before they are adopted, but there are no set time limits for a pet’s length of stay. We also have a great foster program, dog training and an enrichment-based volunteer program for pets needing more help to find their new home.

What kind of animals do you take?

We provide a companion animal adoption program and have staff knowledgeable about the care and behavior of cats, dogs and small animals commonly kept as pets. We offer a referral list for those species that we are not equipped to house.

Does it cost money to bring in an animal?

The care provided to each pet during their stay costs about $300. We ask for a monetary contribution to surrender an owned animal, and while there is no cost to bring in a stray, we do accept donations.

How is the Humane Society of Western Montana funded?

HSWM is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. The vast majority of our funding is from our beloved donors who appreciate and support our mission. This includes individuals, foundations and businesses. We do not receive any tax dollars and are not a subsidiary of a national organization. While some of our programs are fee-based, those fees are not a significant source of income for HSWM. We rely on the generosity of our community to help keep fee-based programs, such as adoptions, training and veterinary services affordable and accessible.

What does your adoption include?

Adoptions include age-appropriate vaccinations, a microchip, spay/neuter surgery, collar and tag, age-appropriate Science Diet food, leash (dog), carrier (cat), a free post-adoption check-up (thanks to area veterinarians) and information on how to help your new pet adjust to a new household.

How much does it cost to adopt?
  • Cat: $50
  • Kitten: $150
  • Dog: $100
  • Puppy: $225
  • Ambassador Pets: $250
  • Small animals:  $10-$45
How are you different from Animal Control and the Humane Society of the United States?

The Humane Society of Western Montana is an independent, non-profit organization. We are governed by our members and Board of Directors. Missoula County Animal Control is supported by tax dollars and government funds. They are responsible for picking up stray dogs and cats, for following up on animal related complaints and abuse cases in Missoula County and for conducting the pet census. They also can take in any stray, some owned and abandoned animals as long as they are from Missoula County.

What services do you offer?

We offer lost/found services, microchipping, low-cost spay/neuters (as grants and staffing allow), vaccine services, a pet food bank, dog training classes, private lessons, a free behavior helpline,  cremation services, humane education presentations, tours and much more.

Do you need volunteers?

Yes, volunteers are an integral part of our organization, and the success of our programs depends on the support and participation of those from the community. Please visit our Volunteer page to learn more about volunteer opportunities!