Services

Great Falls Animal Shelter Services

At the City of Great Falls Animal Shelter, we serve as a compassionate housing facility for the stray domestic animals of Great Falls. However, our commitment extends beyond sheltering; we also provide a range of additional services to our community.

 

Animal Shelter

At the Great Falls Animal Shelter (GFAS), we offer compassionate sheltering services for stray and abandoned domesticated animals. Animals brought in by the Great Falls Police Department's Animal Control Officers, local law enforcement agencies, and concerned citizens are provided with an intake number, vaccinations, and a comprehensive health assessment upon arrival. They are then housed in comfortable kennels while awaiting reunion with their owner or placement in a loving new home.

Animal Protection

The Great Falls Animal Shelter (GFAS) extends its commitment to animal welfare beyond sheltering through our Animal Protection service. Concerned citizens can contact the Great Falls Police Department to speak with an Animal Control Officer regarding any welfare issues. Additionally, we collaborate with the local law enforcement to provide temporary housing for domestic animals in crisis. GFAS ensures the well-being of these animals during legal proceedings and may facilitate their placement following the resolution of the court case.

Pet Adoption

At GFAS, we facilitate pet adoptions to help our domestic animals find their forever homes. Prospective adopters are encouraged to complete an application and begin the adoption process. Visit our Adoption page for detailed information on the adoption procedure and to determine if you're ready to welcome a new furry friend into your life.

Population Control

As part of our commitment to responsible pet ownership and population control, GFAS typically ensures that all domestic animals adopted from our shelter are altered before leaving. In very few instances, animals may be adopted unaltered with a voucher, at the discretion of the animal shelter. 

Cremation

At GFAS, we offer pet cremation services to the Great Falls community and surrounding areas. Following completion of the cremation process, the pet's ashes are carefully placed into individual urns and returned to their owners. All fees generated from these services contribute directly to the ongoing care of shelter animals. For further details, please refer to the Cremation Services menu.

Licensing

According to City Ordinances, all dogs and cats over the age of 4 months must be licensed. Those licenses can be purchased at the City of Great Falls Animal Shelter. For more information on City Ordinances and Licensing, please refer to the Pet Owner Resources and Licenses menus.

Microchipping

At the Shelter, the public can access microchipping services for their dogs and cats for a fee. However, it's important to note that microchipping is already included in the cost of dog and cat adoptions. This simple procedure involves injecting a microchip beneath the surface of the pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. Each microchip contains a unique ID code, which is stored with the pet's profile and linked to the owner’s information in the HomeAgain National Pet Recovery Database, currently utilized by the Shelter. Microchips are designed to last a pet's entire lifetime, and virtually all veterinarians and animal shelters across the country are equipped with microchip readers. For current pricing, please refer to the Shelter Fee List.

Volunteering

GFAS offers individuals the chance to volunteer at the shelter, contributing to the well-being of our domestic animals in various ways. Volunteer opportunities include dog walking, cat cuddling, data input, fundraising/special events, and more. Volunteers play a crucial role in socializing and assisting with the training of shelter animals, making them more adoptable. Additionally, volunteers support the staff in daily cleaning and care tasks. For further details, please refer to the Volunteer Program menu.