Missoula Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
This guide explains the right Missoula route for adoption, lost pets, found animals, animal bites, barking dog reports, dog licensing, multiple-dog permits, wildlife/bear concerns and after-hours animal emergencies.
Fast distinction: Missoula Animal Services is the city-county shelter and animal-control route at Butler Creek Road. If you meant Humane Society of Western Montana, there is a quick comparison section below.
Choose What You Need
Clickable Missoula Animal Help Cards
Tap the action that matches your situation. This prevents adoption, lost-pet, animal-control and licensing tasks from getting mixed up.
Shelter vs Animal Control: Which Route Do You Need?
Missoula Animal Services handles shelter services and animal-control work, but your first sentence should match the task.
| Need | Correct route | Phone / link | Say this first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog, cat or small animal | Missoula Animal Services adoption | 406-541-7387 | “I want to meet/adopt [animal name/type]. Should I submit the form first?” |
| Lost or found pet | Lost & Found Animals form + shelter call | Lost/Found form | “My pet is missing / I found a pet near [exact location].” |
| Animal bite | Missoula Animal Services / Public Health | 406-541-7387 | “An animal bite happened at [location/time]. What do I report?” |
| Barking dog | Animal Control Officer report form | Animal page | Use the barking dog form with address, dates and times. |
| After-hours animal emergency | Missoula City Police or Missoula County Sheriff | Use local emergency/non-emergency dispatch route | “This is an animal-related emergency after hours at [address].” |
| Dog license or multiple-dog permit | Animal Licensing & Permits | Licensing page | “I need to license a dog / apply for a multiple-dog permit.” |
Missoula Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
Use these hours for shelter visits and adoption planning. Call first if you need a specific animal meeting, cat-room appointment or help during remodel/temporary space changes.
| Day | Public shelter / adoption hours | Best arrival tip | Useful note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00pm-5:30pm | Arrive before 4:30pm | Good for applications, meetings and questions. |
| Tuesday | 12:00pm-5:30pm | Arrive before 4:30pm | Call ahead for dog meetings if shelter is busy. |
| Wednesday | 12:00pm-5:30pm | Arrive before 4:30pm | Ask about current dog/cat availability first. |
| Thursday | 12:00pm-5:30pm | Arrive before 4:30pm | Good weekday option. |
| Friday | 12:00pm-5:30pm | Arrive before 4:30pm | Check before weekend traffic. |
| Saturday | 12:00pm-4:00pm | Arrive before 3:00pm | Shorter day; call ahead if you need a specific visit. |
| Sunday | Closed | No public visit | Use online pages and forms. |
Missoula Animal Services Adoption Fees
Fees are short, clear and useful for users deciding whether to visit.
| Animal | Adoption fee | Extra cost / note | Included / important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | $100 | $20 licensing fee | Available dogs are spayed/neutered; adult dogs are up to date on rabies vaccines. |
| Cat | $75 | No dog-license fee | Available cats are spayed/neutered; adult cats are up to date on rabies vaccines. |
| Kitten | $75 | Ask about vaccine timing | Kittens too young for rabies vaccine go home with a discounted rabies vaccine voucher. |
| Small animal / other | Varies | Ask shelter before visiting | Rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, lizards and other animals may appear under the cat/other page. |
| Dog in city-county limits | Adoption fee + license | Dog licensing is required | Ask how the $20 licensing fee is handled at adoption. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order before driving to Butler Creek Road.
Check adoptable animals first
Open the official Missoula Animal Services adoption page and check available dogs, cats and other animals. Screenshot the animal name/photo/details.
Submit the pre-adoption questionnaire
Fill out the pre-adoption questionnaire online or download it, then email the completed form to the shelter address shown on the official page.
Wait for review if you submit before visiting
Missoula says interest forms are reviewed first-come, first-served and the review process typically takes 1-2 business days before staff begin calling interested adopters.
Discuss real home-fit questions
Staff may discuss medical history, adoption contract, supplies, living situation, whether current dogs are licensed and whether a multiple-pet permit is needed.
Schedule final appointment after approval
Once staff gives approval, complete the adoption application and contact the shelter to schedule the adoption appointment.
Bring practical supplies
Bring ID, payment, leash/collar or carrier, landlord approval if needed and a plan for the first 72 hours at home.
Lost or Found Animal in Missoula
Missoula Animal Services says its mission is to reunite pets with families quickly. Use the official form, call the shelter and check reported animals.
If your pet is lost
- Submit the official lost/found animal form.
- Call Missoula Animal Services at 406-541-7387.
- Scroll/check the reported animals section on the official Lost & Found page.
- Update microchip contact details immediately.
- Post a clear photo, cross streets, last-seen time, collar/tag and contact method.
- Walk nearby hiding spots: sheds, porches, garages, bushes, alley edges and under vehicles.
- Call nearby veterinarians in case an injured pet was taken in.
If you found a pet
- If safe, take a photo before moving the animal.
- Keep the found pet separate from your own pets.
- Check collar/tag only if safe.
- Submit the found-animal form and call 406-541-7387.
- Ask whether the animal should be brought to the shelter or handled by Animal Control.
- For unsafe, injured or aggressive animals, call instead of handling.
Missoula Animal Control: What They Handle
Animal Control Officers are generally available to respond Monday-Sunday from 8am to 5pm, except holidays. After-hours animal-related emergencies route through police or sheriff response.
| Situation | Best route | Phone / link | Micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barking dog | Animal Control Officer barking dog form | Animal page | Use exact address, repeated dates/times and your contact details. |
| Animal bite | Missoula Animal Services / Public Health | 406-541-7387 | Call to report the bite. If it is a medical emergency, call 911. |
| Potential rabies exposure | Missoula Public Health | Rabies page | Report dog, domestic animal or bat bite/exposure. |
| Lost/found animal | Lost & Found Animals form | Lost/Found page | Submit details and call 406-541-7387. |
| Dog license or permit | Animal Licensing & Permits | Licensing page | Bring rabies proof and payment. |
| After-hours animal emergency | Missoula City Police or Missoula County Sheriff | Use local emergency/non-emergency dispatch | Give exact address, animal description and immediate risk. |
Missoula Dog Licensing Fees and Permits
Missoula says dog licensing is legally required, helps reunite lost dogs, verifies rabies vaccination and supports animal services.
| License type | 1-year | 2-year | 3-year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy, all dogs under 1 year | $15 | — | — |
| Altered / spayed or neutered | $20 | $35 | $50 |
| Unaltered / not spayed or neutered | $35 | $65 | $95 |
| Senior owner 65+ altered dog | $10 | $17.50 | $25 |
| Senior owner 65+ unaltered dog | $17.50 | $32.50 | $47.50 |
| Chicken permit, city | — | — | $30 |
| County kennel license, 6+ dogs | $100-$150 | $100-$150 | $100-$150 |
| City multiple dog permit, 3+ dogs | $75 application fee, then $50 annually | — | — |
| County boarding kennel license | $50 | — | — |
Bears, Wildlife, Bites and Local Safety
Missoula has animal-control needs that go beyond dogs and cats. Bear/wildlife pages and rabies guidance matter for public safety.
Rabies exposure
Report dog, domestic animal or bat bites/exposures to Missoula Public Health or Missoula Animal Services. Medical emergencies go to 911.
Bears and garbage
Check bear-resistant garbage rules for the Missoula Bear Buffer Zone and Potomac Bear Mitigation Zone.
Deceased deer
Use the official wildlife page for current deceased-deer disposal guidance and bear-conflict prevention notes.
If You Meant Humane Society of Western Montana
Some users search “Missoula animal shelter” but mean the nonprofit Humane Society of Western Montana instead of Missoula Animal Services.
| Place | Address | Phone | Public adoption hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missoula Animal Services | 6700 Butler Creek Road, Missoula, MT 59808 | 406-541-7387 | Mon-Fri 12-5:30pm; Sat 12-4pm; Sun closed. |
| Humane Society of Western Montana | 5930 Highway 93 S, Missoula, MT 59804 | 406-549-3934 | Wednesday-Sunday 1-6pm; Monday-Tuesday closed. |
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, questionnaire, application, ID, carrier/leash, landlord approval if needed.
Recent photo, microchip number, license tag, last-seen location and shelter form details.
Photos, exact location, safe confinement status, collar/tag details and call-first plan.
Rabies certificate, spay/neuter proof if applicable, dog age and correct fee.
Local Missoula Tips
Use Butler Creek Road
Missoula Animal Services is at 6700 Butler Creek Road, not the downtown Public Health office.
Call before cat-room visit
Missoula specifically suggests calling to schedule a cat visit to avoid crowding.
License current dogs
Adoption staff may ask if current dogs at your residence are licensed.
Multiple dogs matter
If you have more than two dogs within city limits, a multiple pet permit may be needed.
Application required
A completed application is required for all animals, even if you have already met the pet.
Donate useful items
The shelter lists useful items like fleece blankets, towels, laundry detergent and cat toys, but says it cannot use items like pillows, electric blankets or expired food.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in [animal name/type]. Is this pet still available, and should I submit the pre-adoption questionnaire before visiting?Dog meeting
Hi, I would like to meet [dog name]. Is the shelter busy today, and can I schedule a time for a dog meeting?Cat visit
Hi, I would like to visit the cat room or meet [cat name]. Can I schedule an appointment so the room is not crowded?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/license/microchip]. Has a matching animal been reported or brought in?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/animal] near [exact location]. It is [safe/injured/aggressive]. Should I submit the form, bring it in, or wait for animal control?Animal bite
Hi, I need to report an animal bite that happened at [location/time]. The animal was [owned/stray/wild]. What information do you need?Map: Missoula Animal Services
Use this map for shelter visits, adoption appointments, licensing and lost/found follow-up. For after-hours emergencies, use police/sheriff response instead of driving to the shelter.
Official Missoula Animal Shelter & Control Links
The important details are already summarized above. Use these official pages for live animals, forms, license payments and final verification.
Missoula Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the main animal shelter in Missoula for animal control?
The main city-county animal shelter and animal-control route is Missoula Animal Services at 6700 Butler Creek Road, Missoula, MT 59808.
What is the Missoula Animal Services phone number?
Missoula Animal Services lists 406-541-7387 as its phone number.
What are Missoula Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Missoula Animal Services lists public shelter hours as Monday through Friday from 12:00pm to 5:30pm, Saturday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, and Sunday closed.
Are Missoula Animal Control Officers available after shelter hours?
Animal Control Officers are generally available Monday through Sunday from 8am to 5pm, except holidays. After-hours animal-related emergencies are handled by Missoula City Police or the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Missoula Animal Services?
Missoula Animal Services lists dog adoption fees as $100 with a $20 licensing fee.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Missoula Animal Services?
Missoula Animal Services lists cat adoption fees as $75.
Are Missoula Animal Services pets spayed or neutered before adoption?
Missoula says all available dogs and cats are spayed or neutered. Adult dogs and adult cats are up to date on rabies vaccines.
How do I report a lost or found pet in Missoula?
Use the official Missoula Animal Services Lost & Found Animals form and call 406-541-7387. Check the reported animals section on the official page.
How much is a Missoula dog license?
Missoula lists a 1-year altered dog license at $20, a 1-year unaltered dog license at $35, and a puppy license for dogs under 1 year at $15. Multi-year and senior rates are also available.
Is Humane Society of Western Montana the same as Missoula Animal Services?
No. Missoula Animal Services is the city-county animal services and animal-control shelter on Butler Creek Road. Humane Society of Western Montana is a nonprofit shelter at 5930 Highway 93 S.
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.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
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.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
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.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.