The Dumb Friends League has a history of service. For more than 100 years, we have sheltered and cared for lost, abandoned and abused pets. 

Thanks to wide community support, we offer programs that help both pets and people. 

We are proud to be the metro-Denver area’s local humane society. You are invited to visit our website and our two shelters to learn more about us.


How can I make a donation to help the animals in your care?

Click here to make a secure online donation or you can print out a donation form and mail or fax it to us.

What is the Dumb Friends League and what does it do?

We are a humane society and the leading animal welfare organization in the Rocky Mountain Region. Click here to learn more.

Why are you called the "Dumb" Friends League? Do you think animals are dumb?

Click here to learn why we are called the Dumb Friends League.

Is the Dumb Friends League a “no kill” shelter?

No. We are an open-admission shelter. We accept every homeless, lost and abused pet that is brought to us. Click here to learn more about our philosophy.

How long do you keep the animals at your shelters before they are euthanized?

There is no predetermined length of time that animals can stay with us. We may shelter many animals for weeks — sometimes months if we are treating medical problems — while we try to find homes for them. Read more.

Do you sell animals for research?

No. We never have and never will.

Where are you located?

Click here for hours, locations and directions

Will you spay or neuter my pet at your shelter?

We do not have a medical clinic that’s open to the public; however we do have mobile clinics that offer spay/neuter services at reduced fees, subsidized by Dumb Friends League donors. Click here to learn more.

I've found a lost/stray pet. Can I bring it to you?

Yes you can. Click here for more information.

I lost my pet. Where are you located and when are you open?

We're happy to help reunite you with your pet! Check out our Lost & Found Page to find out all you need to know.

I need to put my pet up for adoption. Can I bring it to you?

Yes. Click here for information about bringing your pet to us. The Dumb Friends League accepts dogs, cats and other small pets for relinquishment on a walk-in basis.

How do I adopt a pet from the Dumb Friends League?

Click here for adoption information including fees, locations and hours.

I adopted my pet from the Dumb Friends League and need to update the information associated with my pet's microchip ID implant.

You can contact us at (303) 751-5772 and Home Again at 1-866-PET-ID24.

Can I rent a trap from the League to catch a stray cat?

If there's a stray cat in your yard, you may rent a humane cat trap from us. Traps are available through our Lost & Found department at our Quebec Shelter and through our Buddy Center. There is a refundable $65 credit card deposit (Mastercard/Visa/Discover) required for each trap. The fee is $5 for the first three days, and $1 for each day after. Our staff will show you how to operate them. They will not harm the animal(s). Once you've trapped them, you may bring the cat(s) to us when you return the trap. We may be able to reunite the cat with its owner, or place it in our adoption program, depending on its age, temperament and health.

How is euthanasia performed at the League?

We will take your pet to a special room and perform without delay the most humane euthanasia.

What if my pet dies at home?

You are welcome to bring in the body of a pet that has died at home.

Does the Dumb Friends League offer individual cremation services?

Yes. We offer individual or group cremation services.

Where can my pet's remains be buried?

You may want to place your pet's ashes in our pet memorial garden.

May I reserve a space in the memorial garden ahead of time?

You may at any time choose a particular space for your pets in the memorial garden.

What kinds of things do your volunteers do?

Dumb Friends League volunteers help in many different ways. Some help us clean kennels or socialize the pets at our shelters, including walking dogs or cuddling cats. Other volunteers help by greeting shelter visitors or helping patrons find the perfect pet. Volunteers also help us with administrative duties, fundraising projects and public relations efforts. (Please note that volunteers at the Quebec Street shelter and the Buddy Center must be at least 16 years old; volunteers at the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center™ must be at least 18 years old.)

What do I need to do to be a League volunteer?

Thank you for asking! Go to our volunteer page to find out all you need to know.

I'm having difficulties with my pet. Can you help me?

Yes. There are several ways we can help owners of dogs and cats with issues such as housetraining, scratching, excessive barking and other common dilemmas. Check out our Behavior information for ways we can help.

I think someone is abusing/neglecting their pet. Can you help?

Yes. Our investigators, who are peace officers commissioned by the State Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Protection, investigate reports of animal abuse or neglect, seven days a week, throughout eight counties (Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Jefferson, and Weld). To reach our Investigations team, please call (303) 923-0022 or go to the Investigation's page to file a report.

Can I use one of your behavior articles on our Web site or in our publication?

Yes you can. We are happy to share our information with other nonprofit and animal welfare organizations. Please read our Terms of Use by clicking here. We ask that you contact us first before using any of our materials to inform of us of how the articles will be used and in what publication or on what web site. We also ask that a copy of any printed publication using our articles be mailed to us for our records.

I'm a teacher/youth group leader and would like the League to visit our students. Do you have any programs that teach kids about

Yes. Our Humane Educators provide free presentations throughout the metro area, free of charge. For more information, check out our Humane Education page. To schedule a program, call (720) 241-7132.