Animal shelters in North Dakota
Our directory lists 27 animal shelters and rescues in North Dakota, spread across 12 counties and 15 cities and towns. Identified types include 10 animal rescues (37%), 5 animal control and animal services (19%) and 4 humane societies (15%). 13 are registered with the IRS as a tax-exempt animal welfare charity. Fargo has the highest number of listings of any city in the state, with 4. 26 listings include a phone number or website.
Featured animal shelters in North Dakota
- Cats Cradle Shelter Inc9 9th St S, FargoAnimal shelter
- Center for Avian Adoption, Rescue, and Education2202 2nd Ave E D, West FargoAnimal rescue
- Homeward Animal Shelter1201 28th Ave N, FargoAnimal shelter
- Animal Empowerment League25 19th Ave SE, MinotAnimal rescue
- Central Dakota Humane Society2104 37th St, MandanHumane society
- James River Humane Society8700 36th St SE, JamestownHumane society
- Pride & Joy Rescue7420 40th Ave NW, FargoAnimal rescue
- Souris Valley Animal Shelter1935 20th Ave SE, MinotAnimal shelter
- Tlc-ND Animal Rescue307 5th Ave NE, Devils LakeAnimal rescue
- ARRR Rescue and Retirement Ranch5292 129th Ave NW, WillistonAnimal rescue
- Mondak Humane Society413 2nd St W, WillistonHumane society
- Humane Society of Richland-Wilkin Counties18039 79 1/2 St SE, WahpetonHumane society
Ranked by how complete the record is (address, phone, website, opening hours), not by size or popularity.
Types and features in North Dakota
Animal control and animal services
- Fargo City Pound3210 Main Ave, Fargo, NDAnimal control
- Richland/Wilkin County Animal Pound18045 79 1/2 St SE, Wahpeton, NDAnimal control
- Three Affiliated Tribes Animal Control325 Main St, New Town, NDAnimal control
- WPD Animal Control Facility11 12th Ave E, Williston, NDAnimal control
- Bismarck Animal ControlBismarck, NDAnimal control
Humane societies
Cities with the most animal shelters
Animal shelters by county
Frequently asked questions
How many animal shelters are there in North Dakota?
Our directory currently lists 27 animal shelters and rescues in North Dakota, across 12 counties. The count covers municipal animal control shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, rescues, sanctuaries and wildlife rehabilitators found in public map data. Records can be out of date, so please call ahead to confirm hours.
Are there animal rescues in North Dakota?
Yes. We list 10 rescue organizations in North Dakota, based on the source classification or the organization's name. Many rescues are foster-based and have no public shelter building, so they adopt by appointment or at adoption events; check their website before you visit.
Are there dog or cat rescues in North Dakota?
Yes. We have identified 1 bird rescue and 1 cat rescue in North Dakota, based on the organization's name or source record. Most general shelters take in both dogs and cats, so they are worth checking even when they are not listed under a specific animal.
How do I adopt a pet in North Dakota?
Start on the shelter's or rescue's own website: most post their adoptable animals there and on Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet. Visit or call to meet an animal, then fill in an adoption application. Expect to show a photo ID, and if you rent, proof that your landlord allows pets. The adoption fee usually covers spay or neuter surgery, first vaccinations and a microchip. Fees vary by organization and by animal, so ask the shelter directly.
I found a stray animal. What should I do?
If the animal is friendly and safe to approach, check for an ID tag and take it to any vet or shelter to scan for a microchip. Report the found animal to your local animal control or municipal shelter, since that is where owners look first, and post it on local lost-and-found pet pages. Many cities require found pets to be reported or brought to the shelter within a few days. For injured or orphaned wildlife, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead of handling the animal.
Related guides
- Pet Adoption Fees ExplainedTypical adoption fees for dogs, cats and other pets, what the fee usually covers, and why prices differ between shelters and rescues.
- Shelter vs Rescue vs Humane SocietyHow municipal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs and foster-based rescues differ in funding, intake and adoption.
- Pet Adoption ChecklistWhat to prepare before you apply, what to bring on adoption day, the supplies to buy and how to pet-proof your home.
- How to Surrender a Pet to a ShelterHow surrender works today, appointments and fees, what to tell the shelter, and options to try before you give up a pet.