The Bitter Root Humane Association was formed in 1972 by a group of local animal lovers. In 1984, Countess Margarite Bessenyey gave the group land on Fairgrounds Road and Betty Cook, as President, led volunteers in raising money to build a shelter. That building served as a temporary home for countless animals for over 35 years. During that time, the shelter also housed hundreds of animals during the major wildfires of 2000 through 2016, and took in animals from numerous neglect and hoarding cases, including the recent, highly publicized Husky case.
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Falling in love with a pet is easy and pet ownership is very rewarding. Adopting a pet, however, is a big decision. Dogs, cats and other companion pets require a lot of time, money and commitment. BRHA encourages you to think through your decision before you adopt a companion animal. Our experienced adoption counselors will gladly help you find an animal that's likely to be a good fit for your lifestyle and living arrangements. Because you are considering adoption from an animal shelter, we know you are a responsible and caring person.
If you or your business are interested in our purpose and mission, support our programs and services by becoming a member! Membership dues will not be applied in advance for more than one year past the current calendar year. By paying your annual membership dues, you are entitled to one vote at our Annual Membership meeting, usually held in March of each year.
Our cat rooms & dog kennels are full and kitten season is upon us, so we're looking for forever homes for all our awesome shelter pets! Fee discounts include: cats & kittens for $50 each and since we have such wonderful dogs we're reducing their adoption fee to $75 too. Our normal "Cat Buddy" Program of adopt two for one fee and our "Senior to Senior" Program (cats & dogs) with fees waived completely for adopters 55+ in age adopting a senior pet are still happening as well.All our feline & canine adoptions include spay/neuter, basic vaccinations, micro-chipping and engraved ID tag!
Reviews (8)
Jay Clarke
Mar 28, 2022
Unfriendly staff on 2 occasions. We were discouraged from visiting with the dogs because they didn't want to take them out to the yard. Kids (under 18) weren't allowed to see dogs because of "liability". Liability waivers are a pretty handy tool. We went to donate a large bag of dog food and were pretty disappointed at the overall experience.
Victoria Wallem
Feb 16, 2022
I will forever be grateful to the staff at BitterRoot Humane Society. They worked with me to be reunited with my dog, Trap, after being separated from him over Christmas and New Year's. The process was completely pain free and the staff was incredibly helpful in accommodating for my unique situation. I wish all shelters would put forth the same level of compassion when attempting to reunite a dog with it's owner.
Janet Ray Bierer
Jan 30, 2022
Melynda Brown
Jan 23, 2022
Michael Barreca
Dec 10, 2021
They were so awesome and I got a gem of a dog from them he is absolutely the coolest dog. protective, he listens, house trained in extremely great condition. The folks working there were awesome they were helpful and accommodating.polite. thank you all for what you do, these animals deserve a shot. Thanx for blue he is awesome
Danielle Arnold
Aug 12, 2021
I have had 2 animals go there and be sold even though I had called and reported them missing. The head lady there is extremely rude, unkind, coldhearted and should not be in charge in my opinion. The company makes it very hard to adopt or get an animal return. There are 2 humane associations in Missoula Montana and I believe it is most definitely worth the drive if you're in the market for adopting.
Rickie Lockhart
Jun 09, 2021
My wife and I checked out their cats, we did not see any kittens. they had many cats that were one year old or more. The cat we settled on was a year old or better. We assumed that if the cat could not adapt or it was not working out, that we could bring it back with in a week and they would refund our $70.00. The cat was strange, it would not drink or eat it was hiding all of the time, we were afraid that it would die.
We took it back after four days. The gal there seemed very rude and did not ask what the problem was and she did not offer another cat. We did not get our money back, she said it was a donation and not refundable. Because of their attitude if I could I would give them half a star.
We took it back after four days. The gal there seemed very rude and did not ask what the problem was and she did not offer another cat. We did not get our money back, she said it was a donation and not refundable. Because of their attitude if I could I would give them half a star.
Tam F. Nn
Jan 17, 2019
