Western Hills Humane Society is a no-kill pet shelter located in Spearfish, South Dakota and is built on a foundation of compassion and kindness toward animals. Pets provide unconditional love regardless of the hardships they’ve faced. The shelter relies heavily on donations and fundraising efforts in the community, and is generously funded by the City of Spearfish, Lawrence County and various grants. WHHS cares for approximately 600 animals a year. Some pet residents have been living at our shelter for several years patiently awaiting their forever home. In 2019 many animals were reclaimed, surrendered, adopted and impounded. 205 animals were reclaimed, 87 were surrendered, 210 were adopted, and 307 were impounded.
Adoptions require TWO visits prior to beginning the adoptions process in order to walk (dogs), play with and /or generally interact with the animals to ensure that the cat or dog you choose is the right one for your family. In the best interest of both the pet and you as the prospective guardian it may take up to five days for review and a decision. Decisions may be based on all of the following: written application, landlords approval (if applicable), observation of your interaction with the animal, observation of your current animals meeting the animal, reference check, veterinarian referral, and home visit. All information is treated as confidential. There are no set right or wrong answers to these questions. By answering honestly we can better find the right pet for you and your family. Submission of this application does not guarantee that you will receive an animal. In order to be considered as an adopter, you must: Be 18 years of age or older; Have identification showing your current address; Have the knowledge and consent of your landlord and/or parent if you live at their home. Although we occasionally adopt out of our immediate area, we are committed to caring for our animals for their entire lives. We prefer to adopt locally as if the new living situation does not work we want our animals to be able to be returned to us to rehome. All adult animals are spayed/neutered before they are adopted. Kittens and Puppies require a spay/neuter deposit that is refundable once proof is provided to us that the procedure has been done. Standards of care for every month an animal stays at our no-kill shelter is $120.00 per month. This includes food, staff, building maintenance, utilities, veterinarian bills. The adoption fees assist us in providing the best care possible. We do provide medical care as necessary, however, animals from the shelter are adopted “as is.” Medical conditions can and do arise with any pet. Adopters assume the cost of any and all conditions the animal has, known or unknown, at the time of adoption.