Falls Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

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2026 Great Falls adoption guide

Great Falls Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

Use this guide before visiting the City of Great Falls Animal Shelter for adoptable dogs and cats, public hours, adoption application steps, fees, lost and found pets, animal-control routing, volunteer help, map directions and official contact details.

Great Falls Animal Shelter adoption hours, available pets, fees and animal-control help can change by day, staffing, holidays and shelter capacity. This 2026 guide gives you the practical details most visitors search for before going to 1010 25th Avenue NE: current listed public hours, adoption fees, what is included with dog and cat adoptions, how to apply online, what to bring, where to report lost or found pets, when to use animal control, and which official City of Great Falls pages to check before your final visit.

Great Falls, MT Dogs & cats Adoption hours Lost/found pets Animal control routing
Official Shelter Page Online Adoption Application Call 406-454-2276
1
Check adoptable petsPet listings can change before you arrive.
2
Confirm today’s hoursThursday and Sunday hours are different.
3
Apply and prepareLandlord rules, ID and transport matter.
4
Use the right routeAnimal control is handled separately.
Important: Great Falls Animal Shelter houses and cares for domestic animals. The City page states that animal control services are handled by the Great Falls Police Department, while the shelter handles domestic animal care, adoption, lost/found support and related shelter services. For immediate danger, aggressive animals, bite incidents or after-hours emergencies, use the proper emergency or animal-control route instead of treating the adoption desk as an emergency line.

Quick answer: Great Falls Animal Shelter hours, address and phone

The City of Great Falls Animal Shelter is listed at 1010 25th Avenue NE, Great Falls, MT 59404. The shelter office phone is 406-454-2276, and the official page lists 406-454-8599 for after-hours emergencies.

Current listed public hours are Monday–Wednesday 12 PM–4:30 PM, Thursday 2 PM–4 PM, Friday 12 PM–4:30 PM, Saturday 12 PM–4 PM, and Sunday closed. Always verify the official City page before driving, especially around holidays, weather events, shelter events or staffing changes.

Best first step Check the official City shelter page and adoptable pet listings before visiting.
Do not arrive late Adoption visits need time for pet questions, application review, meeting the animal and transport planning.
Bring essentials Photo ID, landlord approval if renting, payment method, leash or secure carrier, and household agreement.

Great Falls Animal Shelter adoption hours 2026

The shelter has short public visiting windows, and Thursday is especially limited. If you are driving for a specific animal, call first or check the online pet listing before leaving.

Day Official listed public hours Best visitor plan
Monday 12 PM–4:30 PM Good day to check adoptable pets and ask application questions.
Tuesday 12 PM–4:30 PM Arrive earlier if you want to meet more than one animal.
Wednesday 12 PM–4:30 PM Useful for adoption, lost/found follow-up and fee questions.
Thursday 2 PM–4 PM Short window. Do not arrive near closing for a full adoption visit.
Friday 12 PM–4:30 PM Good before the weekend; confirm specific pet availability first.
Saturday 12 PM–4 PM Weekend visits may be busier; check pet listings before going.
Sunday Closed Use Sunday to review listings, complete application prep and plan Monday contact.
Verify Current Hours After-Hours Emergency: 406-454-8599

How to adopt from Great Falls Animal Shelter

The easiest adoption visit is not random. Check pets online, apply with accurate information, visit during public hours and ask better questions before you commit.

1

View available dogs, cats and other adoptable animals

Start with the official City shelter page and Adopt a Pet listing. Write down the pet’s name, species, size, age, behavior notes and any special needs. Availability can change quickly.

2

Complete the online adoption application carefully

The online adoption application asks for adopter information and helps guide the shelter conversation. If you rent, verify landlord pet rules before applying because size, breed, number-of-pet limits, deposits and extra fees may apply.

3

Visit during listed public hours

Arrive with enough time to meet the animal, ask questions and discuss fit. A shelter visit should not be rushed, especially if you have children, resident pets, landlord restrictions or breed/size concerns.

4

Ask practical first-week questions

Ask about medical notes, vaccine status, spay/neuter, microchip, energy level, other pets, known behavior, decompression time, feeding, crate use, litter habits and what to expect during the first two weeks.

5

Sign, pay and transport safely

Bring a leash/harness for dogs or a secure carrier for cats. Confirm final fee, what documents go home with you, microchip information and whether any deposit or follow-up requirement applies.

Great Falls Animal Shelter adoption fees and what is included

The official Shelter Fee List says dog and cat adoptions include spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations and nametag. A deposit may be required if an animal is too young at adoption time to be altered or receive rabies vaccination.

Adoption or service item Official listed fee What to ask before paying
Dog/Puppy Adoption $150 Ask about leash behavior, training needs, other pets, children, vaccines, microchip and first-week care.
Cat/Kitten Adoption $55 Ask about litter habits, indoor/outdoor history, carrier transport, other pets and adjustment time.
Other Small Domestic Animals $55 Ask about cage setup, diet, handling, vet needs and safe transport.
Small Domestic Birds $15 Ask about housing, noise, social needs and diet.
Rabies Deposit $15 Ask whether a deposit applies and what proof is needed later.
City lifetime registration $45 The City requires a one-time lifetime registration for cats and dogs within city limits. Confirm whether this applies to your situation.

Fees can change, and special promotions may apply. Always verify the official City fee page before final payment.

Before you visit: adoption checklist

Use this checklist before you leave home. It saves time and helps you avoid adopting a pet that does not fit your housing, budget or daily routine.

✓Check the official pet listing the same day you plan to visit.
✓Confirm today’s public hours and arrive well before closing.
✓Bring valid photo ID and accurate contact information.
✓If renting, confirm pet allowance, breed rules, weight limits, deposits and written permission.
✓Bring a secure cat carrier or leash/harness/vehicle plan for a dog.
✓Prepare questions about behavior, medical care, vaccines, microchip and spay/neuter status.
✓Make sure all household decision-makers agree on pet age, size, species, energy level and budget.
✓Plan a quiet first 72 hours at home. Shelter pets need decompression, structure and patience.

Lost and found pets in Great Falls

The official Lost and Found page provides routes for reporting missing pets and found domestic animals. It also points users to lost/found checklists and shows a map of currently reported missing animals in the Great Falls area.

If your pet is missing Report the missing pet, check the shelter repeatedly, search physically, update microchip information, post clear photos and contact nearby shelters.
If you found a dog or cat Keep safety first, avoid handling aggressive or injured animals, report the found animal through the official route and ask about microchip scanning.
Official Lost & Found Page Call Shelter Office

Animal control vs shelter: use the right contact

The City page says animal control services are handled by the Great Falls Police Department, while Great Falls Animal Shelter houses and cares for domestic animals. This distinction matters because the adoption counter may not be the fastest route for active field problems.

Use the shelter for Adoption, lost/found follow-up, adoptable pet listings, animal care questions, fees, volunteer and shelter support.
Use animal control routing for Loose animals, public complaints, bite reports, field response and jurisdiction-specific animal issues.
Use emergency help for Immediate danger, aggressive animal attack, injured animal in traffic, cruelty in progress or after-hours emergency.

Call script: “Hi, I’m in Great Falls at [exact location]. I’m calling about a [lost/found/loose/injured/aggressive] animal. Should I speak with the shelter, animal control or after-hours emergency dispatch?”

Pet surrender, rehoming and support questions

If you can no longer keep a pet, do not drop the animal at the shelter without checking the correct process. Shelter space, intake rules, owner-surrender steps, medical needs and appointment availability can change.

Before surrendering Ask about appointments, required documents, medical records, behavior notes, fees and expected timing.
Before rehoming privately Use safe screening, avoid rushed handoffs, prepare medical records and never abandon the animal.

Better question to ask the shelter: “What options should I try before surrender, and what information do you need if surrender becomes necessary?”

Volunteer, foster and support Great Falls Animal Shelter

The official volunteer page says the shelter relies on dedicated volunteers to support daily operations and improve animal quality of life. It also describes foster care as temporary care for animals not ready for adoption.

Volunteer path Review current requirements, age rules, training, shifts and onboarding before applying.
Foster path Foster care can help animals that need temporary support before adoption.
Official Volunteer Page Shelter Updates

Great Falls Animal Shelter map and visit planning

The shelter address is 1010 25th Avenue NE, Great Falls, MT 59404. Use the map for route planning, but verify live hours and pet availability before driving.

Map is for route planning only. Official hours, fees and policies should be verified on the City of Great Falls website.

Helpful related animal shelter guides

If you are comparing Montana-region shelters, no-kill shelter language, or nearby adoption options, these guides may help. Each internal link below is used once and avoids duplicate URL variants.

Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter Guide Bozeman-area shelter guide with adoption, lost/found and visit planning help. No-Kill Animal Shelter Near Me How to verify no-kill shelter claims and adoption options near you. Snake River Animal Shelter Guide Regional shelter guide with adoption-hours style planning. Idaho Falls Animal Shelter Guide Useful if you are checking nearby Idaho/Montana adoption resources.

What to do if your visit does not go as planned

The pet listing disappeared The animal may have been adopted, moved, reclaimed, fostered, held or temporarily unavailable. Check again and call before driving.
You arrived near closing Do not expect a full adoption process at the last minute. Return earlier or complete application prep online.
You found an injured or aggressive animal Do not handle an unsafe animal. Use the proper animal-control or emergency route.
You need to surrender a pet Call first. Ask about process, timing, space, records and alternatives before bringing the animal.
You rent your home Confirm pet approval before applying. Some landlords restrict breed, weight, species, number of pets or require deposits.
You are not ready to adopt Consider fostering, volunteering, donating, sharing official pet listings or preparing your home first.

Call scripts for faster answers

Use clear, specific questions when calling. Shelter staff can help faster when they know what you need.

Adoption call “Hi, I’m interested in [pet name] from the Great Falls Animal Shelter listing. Is the pet still available, and should I complete the online application before visiting?”
Lost pet call “Hi, I lost my [dog/cat] near [area]. The pet is [description] and may be microchipped. What report should I file, and should I visit the shelter in person?”
Found pet call “Hi, I found a [dog/cat] at [exact location]. The animal is [safe/unsafe/injured]. Should I bring it in, request animal control or file a found report?”
Surrender call “Hi, I may need to surrender my pet. What is the current process, what records do you need, and are there support or rehoming options I should try first?”

Great Falls Animal Shelter FAQs

Where is Great Falls Animal Shelter located?

The City of Great Falls Animal Shelter is listed at 1010 25th Avenue NE, Great Falls, MT 59404.

What is the phone number for Great Falls Animal Shelter?

The shelter office phone is 406-454-2276. The official page lists 406-454-8599 for after-hours emergencies.

What are Great Falls Animal Shelter adoption hours?

The official listed hours are Monday–Wednesday 12 PM–4:30 PM, Thursday 2 PM–4 PM, Friday 12 PM–4:30 PM, Saturday 12 PM–4 PM and Sunday closed. Verify live hours before visiting.

How do I apply to adopt a pet?

Use the official Online Adoption Application page. The application helps guide the shelter conversation and asks for adopter information. Renters should verify landlord rules before applying.

How much are adoption fees?

The official Shelter Fee List shows dog/puppy adoption at $150, cat/kitten adoption at $55, other small domestic animals at $55 and small domestic birds at $15. Confirm current fees before payment.

What is included with dog and cat adoptions?

The official fee page says dog and cat adoptions include spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations and nametag. A spay/neuter or rabies deposit may apply if the animal is too young at the time of adoption.

Does Great Falls Animal Shelter handle animal control?

The City shelter page says animal control services are handled by the Great Falls Police Department, while GFAS houses and cares for domestic animals. Use the proper animal-control or emergency route for field issues.

What should I do if I lost a pet in Great Falls?

Use the official Lost and Found page, file the appropriate report, check the shelter repeatedly, search physically, update microchip information and watch local lost-pet channels.

Can I volunteer or foster?

Yes, the official volunteer page describes volunteer and foster opportunities. Check current requirements, training, shifts and eligibility before applying.

Is Animal-Shelter.org the official Great Falls Animal Shelter website?

No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent guide. The official information is on the City of Great Falls website.

Final visit plan

Before visiting Great Falls Animal Shelter, check the official City shelter page, review adoptable pets, complete the adoption application if you are serious, verify hours, bring ID, prepare transport and call first if you are driving for one specific animal. For lost/found pets or animal-control issues, use the official City routing so the situation reaches the right team quickly.

Official City Shelter Page Back to Top
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Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper

Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.

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Found Pet HelpSafety, scanning, reporting, holding
Adoption PlannerReadiness, questions, supplies, budget
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Important: Shelter rules vary by city, county, agency, and animal type. Always confirm hours, intake rules, fees, appointment requirements, and proof-of-ownership rules with the official shelter or animal control agency before visiting.

Lost pet recovery checklist

Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.

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Found pet safety decision helper

Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.

Safety first: Do not approach an aggressive, injured, trapped, or traffic-endangered animal if doing so could put you or others at risk. Contact animal control, emergency services, or a qualified professional when needed.

Adoption readiness checker

This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.

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Pet reclaim document checklist

If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.

Owner surrender preparation helper

Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.

Helpful reminder: Ask the shelter about pet food pantries, low-cost vet care, behavior support, temporary foster options, and safe rehoming resources before making a final decision.

Animal control contact decision helper

Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.

Emergency warning: If there is immediate danger to a person, a serious bite, traffic hazard, or active attack, contact local emergency services or animal control according to local rules.

Adoption and first-month budget planner

This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.

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Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.

Independent shelter-help tool. Not affiliated with any animal shelter, humane society, rescue, animal control agency, city, county, state agency, veterinarian, or microchip company. Always confirm current rules, hours, fees, and requirements directly with the official organization.