Volunteer Program

The Shelter Sidekicks Logo

 Changing lives, one animal at a time!

The Lone Ranger and Tonto.  Han Solo and Chewbacca.  Batman and Robin.  Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.  Laverne and Shirley.  What do these famous duos have in common? A sidekick who is loyal, faithful and helps save the day.

The Great Falls Animal Shelter is seeking volunteers, ages 18 and up, to become part of its Volunteer Program the Shelter Sidekicks. These loyal and trustworthy sidekicks will be asked to share their time and talents with shelter animals.

 Shelter Sidekicks' Goals

  • Socialize animals to make them more adoptable.
  • Return lost pets to their owners.
  • Increase visibility of the Shelter in the community.
  • Promote a positive image of the Shelter.
  • Look for opportunities to work with animal advocacy/rescue groups.
  • Provide temporary care for our Shelter pets through the Foster Care Program

Possible Volunteer Opportunities

Dog Walking Office Assistant Public Education
Dog Grooming/ Socializing Special Projects Special Events
Foster Caregiver (additional application required) Resource Research Fundraising

If you are interested in being a part of the Shelter Sidekicks please complete the Adult Volunteer Application.

Foster Care Program

The Great Falls Animal Shelter’s Foster Care Program was developed to provide for the temporary care of animals not ready for adoption with the goal of helping reduce the City’s euthanasia rate. The program seeks to find forever homes for animals once they are ready for adoption. Foster caregivers get to participate in a rewarding experience that changes an animal’s life by providing them a second chance to find their forever home.

The staff at the GFAS takes great care to match the animal to you and your lifestyle. Some animals may need fostering for only a few days while others may need to be in your home for much longer. The longest an animal would be in your foster care is six (6) months.  At the end of the six months the animals will be returned to the Animal Shelter and will be available for adoption.

Again, the GFAS will work with you to ensure that you are comfortable with the animal, its needs and the expected timeline for fostering.

At this time, the Foster Care program is open to the GFAS volunteers and the Shelter staff.

If you are interested in volunteering or being a foster caregiver please complete the Volunteer Application.

If you are interested in being a Foster Caregiver please complete the Foster Caregiver Application after completing your volunteer training.  (Both the Volunteer Application and the Foster Caregiver Application are required for Foster Caregiver opportunities.)

Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow

Four people and two dogs
Dog with Birthday hat and cake
Nine people and 10 dogs
Dog with bandana