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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Animal Protection & Welfare, Animals
Mission: The lewis & clark humane society is a private, community-based, not-for-profit organization that provides shelter for unwanted and stray animals (primarily dogs and cats), while working to end pet overpopulation, reduce the need for euthanasia, and improve the humane treatment and well-being of companion animals. It serves a population of roughly 70,000 residents in southwestern montana and a service area covering roughly 5,500 square miles.
Programs: Shelter provides a safe, clean, and comfortable for abandoned or stray pets. The organization contracts with the cities of helena, east helena, and townsend, lewis and clark county, and broadwater county to house the animals brought in by animal control officers and citizens. It also provides shelter for the dogs and cats of families in emergencies such as forest fires, women and children in domestic crises who don't want to leave the family pet behind, and animal cruelty cases going to trial.
the lewis & clark humane society works to provide permanent homes for all healthy animals in the shelter. Adopted animals leave the shelter spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated, and with an id microchip implant, a pet id tag, and one free visit to a local veterinarian. Staff and volunteers ensure suitability between pets and owners, work with animals that have behavior problems, and provide the opportunity for potential owners to try out an animal in their home for several weeks to see if the adoption will be a good fit.
the lewis & clark humane society euthanizes pets at the request of owners due to old age, illness, or behavior problems. It also provides pet cremation services for owners who request them.
the main reason people give up a pet is due to the animal's behavior. The lchs works to educate pet owners on how to address those problems so they can continue to enjoy their companion animal. Staff provide pet training workshops, visit schools, and host shelter visits by 4-h and other youth groups. They also provide information to the public on responsible pet ownership, preventing abuse, and the need to spay and neuter pets to reduce overpopulation.