Frequently Asked Questions
The estate of Margaret J. Maclean gave $400,000 in matching funds to the Animal Foundation. The match was successfully met in the fall of 2005. Ms. Maclean loved animals and was raised on a family farm and ranch west of Conrad, MT. She died on April 11, 1997, at the age of 83. To read the Great Falls Tribune article on Margaret Maclean click here.
The new shelter is being built on four acres at 900 26th Avenue N.E. The land was obtained from the City of Great Falls and a private landowner. The land sits west of the City’s shelter and across the street from North Middle School.
It isn’t fancy; the building is a basic design and not a dog and cat pound. Animal shelters, done right, are complex buildings that require sophisticated drainage and air exchange systems to prevent the spread of disease. Special materials must be used to ensure thorough and easy cleaning of kennels and cat areas. We are building a community facility that will last.
All donors receive our newsletter and those who contribute $1,000 or more will have their names permanently displayed in the new facility. At certain levels of giving, people or businesses may designate a specific area of the shelter as a memorial or honorarium for a special person or pet. In addition, “pavers” are being sold to allow people to recognize friends, family members, or pets.
It is a fun place that allows dogs to run and play “off-leash” in a fenced area. There are over 700 dog parks in the USA and they provide an interesting and frolicking place for both dogs and people to visit. On July 15th, 2009, the Animal Foundation opened the first dog park in Great Falls. The Pacific Steel and Recycling Trailside Dog Park is over two acres in size and has areas for small and large dogs to play.
Great Falls dog lovers were clamoring for a park where their pets could run free. We used donations earmarked specifically for a park and investment income. Building the park has not slowed construction of the new shelter, and it has greatly enriched the lives of the dogs that go there to romp and play. We invite you to check it out!
Letters and donations can be mailed to the Animal Foundation of Great Falls, PO Box 3426, Great Falls, MT, 59403. For more information, call us at (406) 727-7387, contact one of our board members by clicking here, or email us. We’d love to hear from you!