The Humane Society of the Black Hills is an open-admission animal shelter, meaning that we will not turn away any pet based on health issues, age, behavioral problems, injuries, or aggression. There is no time limit or pre-determined length of stay for any animal in our care, as well as no breed restriction for dogs; we keep every animal’s individual needs in mind. As an open-admission shelter, we provide a safe place for animals who would have no other place to go. The majority of pets are placed for adoption, into a foster home, or transferred to another animal rescue when a pet’s needs are different than what we are able to accommodate.  

Pets are always treated with kindness, dignity, and compassion. Humane euthanasia is present at our shelter, but only if a safe and humane solution can’t be reached, as we never turn our backs on an animal or deny any animal. We have a responsibility to the community to not adopt out animals who could be dangerous, and we have a duty to animals who are suffering to not prolong their mental, emotional or physical pain, even if that means the most humane option for that animal is to provide a dignified and humane end. 

While we take in every animal that comes to the door, this does not mean that we are a no-kill shelter. We are a low-kill shelter. Euthanasia is a service we provide, but we also occassionally must euthanize to some animals that are particularily ill or agressive with no sign of rehabilitaion. However, there is no time limit for the animals here. We do whatever we can to help them heal, if need be, before adoption.

It’s easy! All you need to do is visit our ‘Volunteer’ page under the ‘Get Involved’ tab, here on our website. When you scroll down, there is a form called, “Become a Volunteer at the Humane Society of the Black Hills.” Fill it out and hit the ‘Submit’ button. Finally, visit our ‘Events’ page, under the ‘Get Involved’ tab. Choose a Volunteer Orientation date that works for you and click the link in the description of your chosen day. Use the link to sign up for that Orientation. Now, you’re all set to attend the 20-30 minute orientation to become a volunteer. Thank you for giving your time to the animals here at the Humane Society!

Pets cannot get a GPS tracking implant for several reasons, such as size, comfort, compatibility, and power. Current GPS trackers aren’t small or safe enough to be implanted in pets for the duration of their life.

Most GPS devices have plenty of hardware that can’t fit in a grain of rice, which is the size of a pet microchip. With cireenlt technology, it just won;t be comfortable to implant something with GPS-capable hardware on your pets.

If an animals is labled, “Stray Waiting for Owner,” it means that they will wait for three days to be claimed by their owner. If they are not claimed after the three-day period, they will be evaluated and put up for adoption. Once this happens, they will become available.

Please do not bring in a feral cat. Feral cats are considered wild animals, so they belong outside and may not do well in a home. The best you can do is contact a Trap, Spay & Release or a cat rescue in your area so there can be less kittens in the Spring. 

Feral Cats are considered to be wild animals, so feeding them is actually illegal. Not only does it invite more feral cats into your neighborhood, but it invites more kitten litters as well.