Bringing a pet into the shelter

There are a few things our community can do to help the shelter continue our forward motion in helping the pets in our community.

When bringing an animal to the shelter, be aware that hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A call to the shelter first at 406-883-5312 during those hours aids us by putting the pet on our "intake schedule."

Having an intake schedule helps us spread out the incoming of the animals so we do not have too many coming in on one particular day, giving the pet a better chance. It also makes it less stressful for them when they arrive, as we know they are coming in and can make room for them.

One should never abandon a pet at the shelter. The information that we receive from the person(s) surrendering the pet is critical in placing him/her up for adoption or reuniting the pet with his/her guardian. Be prepared that if the pet is a stray, you might have to keep it for a day or two until the shelter re-opens.

A guardian surrendering his/her own pet may be given the phone numbers of a specific breed rescue or, if we are at capacity, there is the possibility of working with other rescue groups locally. It is important that if you know you will have to move, etc., do not wait until the last minute to make the call, as it may be a few days until we can take your pet into the shelter.

If the animal is a stray found inside Polson City limits, please call Animal Control at 406-883-8200, option 5.

I cannot express enough the importance of a call to the shelter first. It is far less stressful for the person surrendering the pet, the pet and the shelter.

Jennifer Sherman

Executive Director, MVAS

Polson