Beaverhead County Animal Shelter provides a safe, no-kill environment where lost pets, owner-surrendered animals, and community cats receive care and, when possible, find new homes.
Located in Dillon, the shelter partners with local veterinarians, rescue groups, and volunteers to promote responsible pet ownership and humane animal control across the county.
| Facility Name | Location | Intake Type | Adoption Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaverhead County Animal Shelter | Dillon, MT | Stray pickup, owner surrender, owner hold | Application, meet-and-greet, reference check |
| Dillon Veterinary Clinic | Dillon, MT | Medical support, vaccine clinic | N/A |
| Riverside Humane Society | Dillon, MT | Community outreach, foster coordination | Collaborative adoption events |
| Big Sky Pet Rescue | Montana-wide | Transfer partner for space relief | Transport and adoption network |
Stray Intake and Impound Procedures
Intake process for found animals
When residents bring a stray to Beaverhead County Animal Shelter, staff complete an intake form, scan for a microchip, provide immediate health screening, and log the animal in the shelter management system.
Hold periods and release options
The shelter follows state-required hold periods, allows owner retrieval with proof and fees, and coordinates with local law enforcement for stray livestock when appropriate.
Adoption and Rehoming Services
Eligibility and application requirements
Prospective adopters complete an application, provide references, and schedule a meet-and-greet; home checks and adoption fees vary by species and special needs.
Medical care and behavior assessment
All animals receive vaccinations, spay/neuter when appropriate, parasite control, and a basic behavior evaluation before being offered for adoption.
Community Outreach and Education
Low-cost services and clinic days
The shelter hosts monthly vaccine clinics, partners with mobile veterinary services, and offers reduced licensing and microchipping to increase community compliance.
School and volunteer programs
Educational visits, humane education materials, and volunteer opportunities help residents understand animal welfare, safe handling, and the rewards of pet fostering.
Livestock and Large Animal Response
Owner responsibility for large animals
County staff assist with owner-surrendered livestock, coordinate with Montana Department of Livestock when necessary, and document animal movement for public safety.
Emergency grazing and facility support
During evacuations or disaster events, the shelter collaborates with local ranchers and fairgrounds to provide temporary holding areas and feed resources.
Responsible Pet Ownership and Moving Forward
- Microchip and register your pets to increase recovery chances if they become lost.
- Keep current vaccinations and licenses to comply with county regulations and protect community health.
- Spay or neuter pets to reduce unwanted litters and support shelter capacity.
- Consider fostering or volunteering to ease crowding and improve animal outcomes.
- Report strays promptly to the shelter so they can be reunited with owners or safely cared for.
- Use positive training and enrichment at home to reduce behavioral reasons for relinquishment.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I surrender a pet to Beaverhead County Animal Shelter?
Contact the shelter by phone or visit in person during business hours with the animal, proof of ownership, and any medical records; surrender fees apply and may be waived in hardship cases.
What is the cost to adopt an animal from the shelter?
Adoption fees vary by species and procedures completed, typically covering spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchip services; fees are outlined on the adoption application and posted on the shelter website.
Can I visit animals at the shelter before adopting?
Yes, scheduled meet-and-greet appointments allow potential adopters to interact with cats, dogs, and small animals in a supervised setting to assess temperament and compatibility.
What happens if my lost pet is not claimed?
Animals held as strays past the mandated hold period may be made available for adoption, transferred to a partner rescue, or, in limited cases, humane euthanasia is considered after documented owner notification attempts.