Bitter Root Humane Association

Bitter Root Humane Association 262 Fairgrounds Rd. Hamilton, MT 59840
[email protected]
Phone: 406.363.5311

We’ll see you in on the 14th!
11/10/2025

We’ll see you in on the 14th!

Another great PUPDATE: Scrappy is becoming much more affectionate with the humans in our household and continues to lo...
11/10/2025

Another great PUPDATE: Scrappy is becoming much more affectionate with the humans in our household and continues to love his big fur-sister, Hazel! He still is a thief and we have to keep our house Scrappy—proofed or he will steal and/or eat anything in his reach…he especially loves eyeglasses!😞 Despite his naughtiness, he is much-loved and we are very happy we have him as part of our family ♥️

11/09/2025

Hello. This is Shannon with another adventure day “pup-date”! Today my kids and I took Gander on an adventure day to the...
11/09/2025

Hello. This is Shannon with another adventure day “pup-date”! Today my kids and I took Gander on an adventure day to the river walking path. What a sweet, happy, boy! He rode well in the car most of the time unless we rolled the windows down and then he got a little excited. We rolled the windows back up and he calmed right back down. He didn’t bark at other cars or dogs while in the car. On the trail, he lead very well. My 6 year old was able to walk him without too much pulling! He is good on the leash unless he sees other dogs and then he gets very excited to try and greet them. He was never mean, just pulled to try and visit the other dogs. We took him around town a little bit too and he wasn’t bothered by cars driving by. Gander is a sweet boy with enough energy for a nice walk and got along really well with all of my kids. He wasn’t bothered by their playfulness and was happy to be walked by all of them. Gander is a good family dog and is easy to be around, (not to mention good looking as well with his beautiful, shiny, golden, coat! 😍

11/08/2025
Egburt came to us as a stray, and we’re still piecing together the puzzle of his past, learning more about his unique pe...
11/08/2025

Egburt came to us as a stray, and we’re still piecing together the puzzle of his past, learning more about his unique personality every day. He’s a delightfully rambunctious and bouncy boy, his tail wagging with an infectious happiness that brightens the entire home. While he’s proven to be excellent with other dogs, always ready for a playful romp, we’ve also observed that he can be quite afraid of men, a behavior that suggests he likely had some challenging experiences before finding his way to us. We’re patiently working to build his trust, cherishing every moment with this energetic and loving companion.

Trudy ( now Daisy ) has been !🐶 A wonderful start to the 🥰
11/07/2025

Trudy ( now Daisy ) has been !🐶 A wonderful start to the 🥰

UPS Dogs thank you for featuring our sweet girl Velma! 😘
11/07/2025

UPS Dogs thank you for featuring our sweet girl Velma! 😘

Sheesh! Some privacy if you please! I’m getting a bath! 😱Remember Matilda? She’s thriving at and has lots of kids who ...
11/07/2025

Sheesh! Some privacy if you please! I’m getting a bath! 😱Remember Matilda? She’s thriving at and has lots of kids who love her. ❤️ We find the right fit for all our animals, even a one-eyed hedgehog. 😉🥰

Address

262 Fairgrounds Road
Hamilton, MT
59840

Opening Hours

Monday 1pm - 6pm
Tuesday 1pm - 6pm
Wednesday 1pm - 6pm
Thursday 1pm - 6pm
Friday 1pm - 6pm
Saturday 12pm - 6pm
Sunday 12pm - 6pm

Telephone

+14063635311

Website

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Who We Are

The Bitter Root Humane Association was formed in 1972 by a group of local animal lovers. At that time they built a shelter on Adirondac Street in Hamilton. In December of 1982 the City of Hamilton took over the property for a septic treatment plant. Without the necessary funds to relocate, the shelter was forced to close. Homes were found for the remaining animals and the shelter was dismantled. A new Board was chosen in 1983 and in 1984, Countess Margarite Bessenyey came to the rescue and gave the group land on Fairgrounds Road with a ninety-nine year lease. Six years later, in 1990 the Bessenyey Estate deeded the land to the Bitter Root Humane Association.

Betty Cook, as President in 1984, led the volunteers in raising money for the shelter. They did everything from holding dances to bake sales and raffles. Even without a shelter, they did the best they could and placed many stray animals and answered cruelty calls. By January of 1985, they had enough money (approximately $100,000.00) to put out for bids to build their shelter and building began in May 1985. That building is the current shelter facility at 262 Fairgrounds Road.