If there’s something strange… in your neighborhood… who are you going to call?

It won’t be Ghostbusters. More likely, those bumps in the night are caused by a stray dog, cat, raccoon, possum, fox, coyote, skunk, or deer — and the right call is to Montrose Animal Control.

A division of the Montrose Police Department, Montrose Animal Control and Animal Services enforces city ordinances related to animals to prevent or minimize nuisances caused by improper or irresponsible pet ownership. This includes both domestic and wild animals, though officers work closely with Colorado Parks & Wildlife when dealing with wildlife. The department also operates the Montrose Animal Shelter, handling both animal control and sheltering functions for the city.

Located at 3383 N. Townsend Ave., the shelter houses stray animals picked up by officers or surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them. At any given time, two to three animal control officers patrol the city, responding to calls and looking for issues. Occasionally, officers are called to round up stray cows, horses, or sheep, as some areas of Montrose are still zoned for farms. These cases tend to be straightforward, as officers are familiar with local farmers.

Once stray cats and dogs are brought to the shelter, they are cared for by kennel technicians and a customer service technician who oversees the office and adoptions.

Animal Control Officer Richard Phillips says, “Seventy-five percent of the animals that come to the shelter are pets that have strayed and are quickly reclaimed by their owners. The other 25% we hold for five days to allow owners to step forward before they are placed in our adoption program. Potential adoptees are treated for illness, worms, and fleas, then spayed or neutered (if needed) and held until they find a forever home.”

The Montrose Animal Shelter is a no-kill facility with a few exceptions. If an animal is too sick or injured—based on evaluation by local veterinarians—or has severe behavioral issues, only then is the animal humanely euthanized.

Community Partnerships and Adoption Efforts

Animal Control works closely with rescue groups across the Western Slope to ensure the best outcomes for animals needing extra care or training.

“We work in concert with lots of organizations on the Western Slope,” Phillips said. “Many rescue groups in the area step up when an animal needs more attention, socialization, or training than we can provide. In addition, we often trade animals between shelters and rescue organizations, especially those animals who have been held for more than 60 days. Where the animal didn’t find a home with us, by trading with other organizations, animals are often quickly adopted elsewhere.”

The shelter also partners with local businesses to increase adoption exposure.

“In addition, we have very close ties with many businesses in town,” Phillips said. “For example, Chow Down allows us to bring cats and dogs to their business for greater exposure and adoption. Foster Farms and other local farms adopt many of the semi-feral cats who come into the shelter and give them a good life patrolling barns and outbuildings. Black Dog Equipment takes a photo of one of our adoptees every week and posts it to their Facebook page. Our community is amazing when it comes to how much they care about animals.”

Support Through Donations and Volunteering

As part of the Montrose Police Department, Animal Control and Animal Services receives city funding for operations but also welcomes donations of money, goods, and services. Monetary donations primarily support the spay and neuter program, while the shelter is always in need of food, old blankets and towels (which can be sterilized), and new cat and dog toys.

The shelter’s greatest need is for volunteers, who play a crucial role in its operations.

In 2024, Montrose Mayor J. David Reed honored shelter volunteers with the “You Make a Difference” award as part of the city’s “Year of Our Citizens” campaign, recognizing their contributions to the community. At any given time, 15 to 20 volunteers help the shelter function smoothly.

To volunteer, visit the City of Montrose website, fill out an application, call, or stop by the shelter. Volunteers assist with exercising and socializing animals, adoption booths, and kennel cleaning.

Adopting a Pet

To adopt an animal, visit montrose.animalshelternet.com or stop by the shelter. Staff allow potential adopters to interact with cats in the cat area and dogs in the visitor’s yard. Visitors can even bring their current pets to check for compatibility.

“I always get a kick out of watching people come in to adopt an animal,” Phillips said. “Nine times out of ten, they have a strong idea of which animal they want by looking at the website. However, once they are here, they nearly always end up picking a different animal. I recall a lady who recently moved to the area. She came in looking for a cat and visited with all of them. She came back two hours later, unable to make up her mind, and ended up adopting three cats.”

Whether through adoption, volunteering, or donations, Montrose residents have many ways to support the shelter and help animals in need.

Jen Wolfe is a freelance contributor for the Montrose Business Times