Services
Rainbow Bridge
- Losing or having to choose to let go of a pet is one of the hardest things that we as animal lovers ever have to face. The LCHS staff are here to help guide you in anyway that we are able. We know that your pets mean the world to you, so caring for your pet even after life is incredibly important to us, and we are so grateful that you trust us with the duty of helping to usher your pet over the Rainbow Bridge.
- At this time, we do not offer euthanasia services at our facilities, but please find a list of Helena area veterinarians here.
- We do offer on-site cremation services for your beloved pets. Your pet’s ashes are placed in individual urns and returned to you. We also take a paw print and lock of hair to commemorate your pet. All fees go to the ongoing care of the shelter animals.
- Cremation fees are calculated by weight.
| Weight of Animal | Cremation Only | Cremation with Ashes returned to Owner |
|---|---|---|
| 0-20 lbs | $40 | $85 |
| 21-40 lbs | $55 | $100 |
| 41-60 lbs | $70 | $115 |
| 61-80 lbs | $85 | $130 |
| 81 – 100 lbs | $100 | $145 |
| 100+ lbs | $115 | $160 |
Animal Resources
Local Resources
City of Helena: (406) 447-8461
Lewis and Clark County (406) 447-8293
Food & Veterinary Bill Assistance
- Pad For Paws (406) 442-7373
- Care Credit
Spay/Neuter Assistance
- Helena Area Friends of Pets (406) 465-0009
- Spay Montana
Animal Emergencies
- Helena Animal Control: Helena animal control can be reached at the dispatch center non-emergency line at (406) 447-8461.
- Lewis & Clark County Animal Control: Please contact the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency phone number at (406) 447-8293.
- Veterinary Medical Emergency
Surrendering an Animal
We know that surrendering an animal is an incredibly difficult decision to make, but sometimes it is what is ultimately best for the animal and for the family. We understand that this is not a choice you have made lightly, and we are here to guide you through the process as much as possible.
Before you surrender your animal to the shelter, please make sure you have exhausted all other resources:
- Ensure that the animal is healthy by taking them to veterinarian. Many behavioral problems including inappropriate urination, destructive behaviors, and even aggression can be linked to a medical issue that often can be treated.
- Reach out to a local trainer or veterinary behaviorist who may be able to discuss behavior problems and set up a training plan to help keep your animal in their home.
- Try rehoming with Home To Home, see below.
Once you have done everything that you can feasibly do in order to remedy the situation and you still feel that the best option for the animal is to re-home them, please call the shelter at 406-442-1660 and we will guide you through the process of surrendering an animal. Due to shelter capacity, we often have a wait list for individuals wanting to surrender an animal. Depending on the circumstances, we may require you to keep your animal until an available spot opens up at the shelter. Once a spot opens up, our staff will contact you to bring your animal in. There is a $25 owner surrender fee for each animal within our service area, a $75 fee for a litter surrendered, and $125 fee for animals surrendered from out of our service area.
Rehoming with Home To Home
The Lewis & Clark Humane Society utilizes Home To Home™ for any family wishing to rehome an animal and are able to keep it in their home until a new family is found. In this scenario, we list the animal as an adoptable courtesy listing via the Home To Home website, accessible through the LCHS website. People interested in adopting the animal will reach out to you through the Home To Home platform. Through a Home To Home listing, you are able to select the new family for your pet.
For inquiries about doing using Home To Home to rehome your pet, please call the shelter at 406-442-1660.