The 10 Best Animal Shelters in Colorado!

Colorado is home to numerous animal shelters and animal welfare organizations for furry friends without a home. Not only do these shelters provide a healthier and safer environment for pets without a home, but they also spay and neuter to prevent overpopulation. No matter if you’re looking for a dog, cat, bird, or even a rodent, these 10 animal shelters in Colorado are sure to match you with an animal friend. 

MaxFund, Denver, CO

This Denver shelter is Colorado’s most popular no-kill shelter, meaning that none of the animals are at risk of euthanasia here. Since opening in 1989, MaxFund has found homes for more than 30,000 dogs and cats and has spayed and neutered more than 45,000. This nonprofit shelter not only houses abandoned and orphaned animals but also acts as a wellness center providing low-cost pet care.  

Denver Dumb Friends League, Denver, CO

The Denver Dumb Friends League is one of the largest animal shelters in the Centennial State. This nonprofit shelter in Denver ensures that every animal adopted from the shelter will be spayed or neutered and implanted with a microchip. In 2013 alone, this shelter placed over 16,000 pets into forever homes. 

Foothills Animal Shelter, Golden, CO

Foothills Animal Shelter in Golden will never turn away a domestic animal that comes through its doors. If you are looking to adopt from Foothills, all dogs and cats are spayed or neutered. Almost 10,000 animals are cared for each year at Foothills Animal Shelter. 

Denver Animal Shelter, Denver, CO

Denver Animal Shelter is Denver’s main municipal animal shelter. View the shelter’s online inventory or take a visit in person to find the perfect pet for you. All adopted pets are spayed or neutered. This shelter is a temporary home for approximately 7,500 pets a year. 

Larimer Humane Society, Fort Collins, CO

The Larimer Humane Society is northern Colorado’s largest open-admission animal shelter. Open in 1969, this animal shelter places nearly 3,000 animals in homes every single year. This Fort Collins facility doesn’t only adopt out animals and connect missing ones with their owners, but it also holds summer camps for children and educational programs for all ages. 

Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, Colorado Springs, CO

This shelter, located in Colorado Springs, houses and offers medical care to homeless animals in the area. The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region is no doubt a great resource for those seeking to adopt a pet. However, this shelter also provides behavioral classes and educational programs.  

Adams County Animal Shelter, Brighton, CO

If you are located in Brighton, the Adams County Animal Shelter is the animal welfare facility for you. Find a pet to adopt or learn more about being a pet owner through education programs. The shelter also offers temporary foster care if you are unsure about committing to keeping an animal long-term. 

Longmont Humane Society, Longmont, CO

Located in Longmont, the Longmont Humane Society opened in 1972. This popular animal shelter receives nearly 4,000 animals a year, performs 1,500 spay or neutering surgeries for shelter animals per year, and performs another 1,500 spay or neuter surgeries annually for public stray animals in an effort to combat overpopulation. There is no doubt that you will find the perfect animal at the Longmont Humane Society.

Humane Society of Boulder Valley, Boulder, CO

This huge animal shelter in Boulder shelters and cares for 7,000 animals a year. The Humane Society of Boulder Valley was founded more than a century ago in 1902. Amazingly enough, 93 percent of the animals at Boulder Valley are adopted out or reunited with their original owners. 

Colorado Animal Rescue, Glenwood Springs, CO

Located in Glenwood Springs, this small animal shelter can only house 80 or so pets at a time. This smaller environment makes for a loving atmosphere, giving attention to each orphaned animal. This animal shelter even has a watering hole for dogs to play and enjoy. Since opening in 1992, Colorado Animal Rescue has placed or taken in over 12,000 pets. 

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