NOCO Humane (formerly Larimer Humane Society) - Loveland, Colorado

Emily B.

BEWARE - this is a KILL SHELTER - THEY WILL PUT DOWN A SEMI-AGGRESSIVE ANIMAL IN LESS THAN A WEEK. Very sad story below.

My sister works as a park ranger in North Carolina where she found a puppy lost in the woods after Hurricane Helene. It was clear this puppy was abandoned to the wild and was fearful of strangers. Local shelters wouldn't accept her because they were full, and in NC animal shelters will only accept animals found in the county of surrender. She couldn't keep the puppy because she already has pets and her boyfriend wasn't keen on having another. So, when she came to visit for Thanksgiving, she brought the puppy with her to give the puppy (Rocky) her best shot at finding a new family.

We cried when dropping her off on a Saturday morning, explaining that when she was found and promptly kissed on the face that led to Rocky biting my sister on the nose (yes, my sister understands how stupid she was being doing that to a stray) and that most of her bark and bluster was just noise but to be careful because she would be terrified and needed her space respected while she adjusted to her new shelter but that me, after only knowing this puppy for 3 days, had graduated to cuddles and play time and trust with Rocky. We were told she would have an adjustment period prior to any behavioral testing for family placement.

We called back on Friday for an update, less than a week after dropping her off, to be notified she had been euthanized. This was a 35lb 2 year old puppy. Really - she posed such a great threat at her size and age that she was a hopeless case? Just because she had some pitbull in her? She was already full size, and we spent 45 minutes at her intake appointment explaining her behavior and boundaries.

When surrendering, we thought we asked the right questions. We were told that only terminally ill animals and hopeless cases for highly dangerous animals led to euthanasia. We were LIED TO. In no world was that puppy a "hopeless" case. My guess is she bit the first person who didn't respect her boundaries, and they branded her dangerous and gave up trying. No muzzle, no second chances?

My sister donated a bag of food, a bed, a crate, a leash, a harness, toys, money, etc. It was clear this dog had adjusted well to family life with the first person who found her, and she was here for her chance at a family who could give her the time she deserved with all her supplies ready to go. I am still in shock and wished I had decided to keep her rather than surrender because she would still be alive.

BEWARE - do not surrender unless you are prepared for this to happen. Ask better questions than we did. Give your animals a chance and take them somewhere else. R.I.P. Rocky

Alexa F.

They were so sweet when our foster kitty crossed over the rainbow bridge. They wrote me a sympathy card and gave me a card with her paw print on it. This meant so much to me.
The people who work here truly care about every single animal. Even though there are hundreds, they take their time to get to know every animal and its foster family 🩷

P.S...her sister, Boo, survived and got adopted!

Julie C.

My dog, Rio, got out while I was at work. Discovered he was missing when I got home, was out searching for him when I got the call that he was at NOCO Humane. They stayed past close so I could retrieve him, as he’s diabetic and requires insulin. Thank you all for being accommodating!

Joe P.

March 17th 2025 I called NOCO Humane Society to purchase 3 pet licenses. I had the privilege of talking with “Melissa”. It was early and I was greeted with her uplifting and cheering personality. It was noticeably helpful in every way. Melissa’s service oriented attention to help me navigate through 3 rabies certificates and licensing took what I thought would be daunting to EASY. I don’t know her, but if you read this Melissa ….know you deserved my taking the time to write this out of my busy day!!!

sharelle M.

We were told that the kitten we adopted was not to be domesticated had to be an outside cat and was dangerous and feral When questioned, they were rude about the idea of us having the kitten as an inside cat. The kitten is about 18 weeks old and was very terrified of everyone around it, Born outside and after about 24 hours in our home with lots of love and care it is not biten or scratched anyone is no longer scared of anybody and loves my children, I would’ve definitely been OK with it being an outside cat as well but I was hoping to be able to keep him warm and spoiled inside Sometimes all you need to do is give the pet love this is definitely not an outside cat or dangerous I’m so happy we gave him a chance

Rachel S.

These guys really care about their animals and give them amazing care. While they are not a no kill shelter, I found out that euthanization is only when health concern or behavior issue that is threatening. Place is super nice, well kept, and great place for all fur babies and more.

Chantelle M.

I called the after hours emergency line tonight to see if the humane society could help a very sick raccoon. When the officer responded, she was very helpful, professional and able to catch the little guy very quickly. Thank you so much for your help and professional service! I hope the little guy will make a recovery. 💜

LollyB

Excellent place to adopt a dog. The employees are helpful, efficient and the facility was clean. I was very happy with my experience adopting my new dog Oliver