Visit the Kootenai Pets for Life Shelter at 125 County Shop Road in Libby to see the pets available for adoption. Please call (406)293-5735 for an appointment or to find the times we are open for visitors.

Go directly to pet list

It is impossible to have every cat and dog with photo on the pet list so please stop by the Shelter or call to see what we have available.

Adoption Forms - You Can Fill In and Submit on Line

If you would like to adopt a dog or cat, we now have adoption forms that you can fill in on line and submit electronically. If you would like to keep a copy of the form be sure to print a copy before you hit the "submit" button. You will find the Dog Adoption Form here. You will find the Cat Adoption Form here.

We have an Adoption Agreement that each person adopting a pet must read and sign when receiving their new pet. You will find a copy you can print out and fill in here or we can do that when you pick up your new family addition.

Acquiring a Pet is A Lifetime Commitment and Should Not be Taken Lightly

A new pet can provide you and your family members with more unconditional love than you can imagine. There are many things to consider before adding a new member to your family. Unfortunately, many of the pets in shelters today are there because their previous owners didn't consider these possibilities. Please, before you make your decision, think about it seriously so your pet doesn't become a statistic - once again.

Do you want an adult dog or cat or a puppy or kitten?

The amount of time that you will need to spend training your new pet depends greatly on its age. A young puppy will need to be housebroken, and will need to be given the opportunity to relieve itself at least every four hours. Puppies will go through a teething phase, which can mean chewing! Kittens, while more easily housebroken (litter box trained), are full of boundless energy and may release it by climbing up curtains and other household items unless trained not to do so!

How much time do you spend away from home?

When pets are left alone for long periods of time (more than 8-10 hours) they may display frustration behaviors such as barking, digging and chewing. In addition, if you are frequently away on overnight trips, it will be necessary to have someone care for your pet. Dogs, especially large breeds, need regular exercise. Will you have time in your schedule for a nightly walk?

Do you have small children?

Are they old enough to interact with a dog or cat responsibly without hurting themselves or the animal?

Cost

Remember that the average life span of a dog can be 10-15 years, and that of an indoor cat even longer (up to 20 years). Your pet will need to have regular veterinary care (not to mention veterinary attention for any unforeseen emergencies), a nutritious pet food, toys, a crate (for housebreaking) or litter pan and litter, a pet carrier (for trips in the car) and other miscellaneous supplies. All this can add up. Are you and your budget ready for the additional expense?

Unforeseen Situations

There's an old saying that the only constant in life is change. At some point, you and your family are bound to be affected by a change in job, location, family status - or perhaps all three! How will this affect your pet? If you are required to move, will you be able to take your pet with you? Are you willing to consider your pet in the re-location process? What if you or another family member becomes allergic to your pet? Do you plan to have children? Do you plan to have more than one pet? What if your pet comes down with a debilitating disease? How will you provide for your pet under these circumstances?

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Adopting a shelter animal is an admirable, selfless act but it requires a full commitment of time, energy, love, and money for your sake and the pets sake. You want a good match.

BEFORE you bring a pet into your home

* Do you really want one? Male or female?

* Young or adult? Large or small?

* Pure or mixed breed?

* Long or short-haired?

* Do you have the time, money, space, energy, & patience required?

* When you find one, is the chemistry there?

* Will the new pet get along with your other pets?

* Is anyone in your family allergic to animals?

* Does your landlord allow pets (don't sneak one in)?

* Are you willing & able to care for the pet for its entire life?

* What if you pick an animal that does not grow up to be exactly what you expected??

* Can you afford the pet's medical needs as it becomes elderly?

A pet deserves respect, compassion & a life long commitment from your and your family

A pet should be considered a member of the family & be treated as a valued friend, one who relies on its owner for attention, love, protection, & proper care. Pets need to be played with and exercised, even when they are full-grown. It's easy to play with & love a cute, fluffy puppy or kitten but adult pets need this attention, too. Sometimes people forget about their older pets, believing they've outgrown the need for attention; however, older companion animals also require exercise & affection on a regular basis.

Sometimes along with a new pet will come behavioral issues, such as chewing, scratching, jumping, or housebreaking. Usually there are simple techniques that, when applied consistently, will help to alleviate these behaviors. When you use these techniques to train & interact with your pet, you'll not only decrease the frustrating behavior but also develop a long bond, which will last a lifetime.

Bringing a pet into your home is a lifetime commitment. The love and companionship you give your pet will be returned many times over.

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