HELENA — Staff at the Lewis and Clark Humane Society say one adoption can save a life — and now, they’re celebrating a major milestone: 1,000 adoptions so far this year.
To be more specific, the shelter says as of Friday, they have had 1,007 adoptions in 2026; 635 of those were cats and kittens, 350 dogs and puppies, and 22 for smaller animals.
This marks a significant increase, as this time last year there were 858 adoptions and they say over the last five years the average number of adoptions sits at around 1,200.
Staff say the adoption process is now faster and easier than before, with more employees available to help families through the process — sometimes in as little as 30 minutes for same-day adoptions.
Even with the success, the humane society says challenges remain, including funding, keeping up with spay and neuter needs, and overcrowding — especially during the busy summer kitten season.
The shelter says reaching the milestone was possible thanks to strong community support, successful fostering programs, donations, and volunteers helping animals find permanent homes.
“We have an amazing community,” said community programs manager Katie Axline-Pittman. “I think our community really has just been so helpful and supportive, and we wouldn’t have the adoptions without them, so I think it's kind of everyone coming together to make this happen.”
The humane society says its next goal is another 500 adoptions for the year— and staff plan to keep providing care and helping more animals find their forever homes.
