"Our vision is to Create Lifetime Friends through Adoption."
Kootenai Humane Society (KHS) was founded in 1979. They're a non-profit, open-admission, independent organization that achieved no-kill status in 2003. Their mission is to provide humane care to all animals and educate the community they serve.
Every year Kootenai Humane Society takes in and gives care, shelter, and new homes to over 2,000 animals. They're a critical resource for pet owners who can no longer care for or want their pets. Stray cats and dogs are also admitted into their care to receive medical attention and find permanent loving homes.
As a no-kill shelter, Kootenai Humane Society is a last resort for many animals in need of a second (or third) chance. Those who may have been unsuccessful in finding new homes at other shelters are transferred to Kootenai Humane Society for another shot at a happy life. While under their care, no healthy, adoptable animal will ever be put down.
Kootenai Humane Society collaborates with city and county governments as well as other non-profit organizations to end animal abuse and promote responsible pet ownership. They rely heavily on donations and grants to be able to continue their great work. In addition to offering adoptions, their compassionate staff runs a number of lifesaving programs within the community:
Help support the great work they do. Adopt your next pet from Kootenai Humane Society. Save a life and find a new best friend.
You can begin the adoption process by having a peek at the pets on their website who can’t wait for you to take them home!
When you find the one that could be a perfect match, complete the pre-adoption questionnaire found here. A member of their amazing team will get back to you ASAP to schedule a meeting at the shelter.
Potential adopters who rent will need to provide proof of landlord approval. Dog-to-dog meet and greets are also required prior to finalizing the adoption should you already have another furry friend at home.
Adoption fees at Kootenai Humane Society are as follows:
For any dog coming in on transport from southern states (including, but not limited to, AZ, CA, OK, TX) there will be an additional $20 charge for a 6-month prescription of heartworm prevention treatment.
Your adoption fee includes spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations (including rabies), microchipping, free checkup with a local vet, and post-adoption support.
Our writing team is hard at work researching this shelter's adoption process and fees, so this page will be updated soon!
In the meantime, here's some nice-to-know info that applies to nearly every animal shelter, humane society, and rescue.
Because shelter dogs are full of love!
Is it because they know you saved them and love you harder for it?
I can't say for certain, but yes.
Jokes aside, there are three things all shelter dogs need to thrive in their new home:
Older shelter dogs, generally 1+ years old, may have experienced a lot of trauma, which often results in one of 8 common behavioral issues:
These issues are correctable! Your dog isn't broken, they're just damaged. You can fix them with enough love, patience, and a good training plan.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, finding good dog trainers can be hard. Like everything else, dog training is moving only. but there are great online dog trainers that are proven to work and can help get your new pup on the right path.
You can learn a lot about an animal welfare organization just by looking at their name.
Adoption processes vary drastically from organization to organization, but here are some general tips that apply in most instances. Note that we'll use the term "shelters" here for simplicity but it includes all types of rescue organizations.
If you have any questions about adopting an animal (what you'll need, what to expect, etc.) feel free to contact the PetLists team!
If you're looking to adopt a new dog, our Dog Adoption Guide is a must-read. It has everything you need to know about bringing a shelter dog home:
And we're adding new guides all the time.
