Dumb Friends League

Our Mission

Working alongside our compassionate community, we are dedicated to ending pet homelessness and animal suffering across Colorado. We believe in building a future where every animal is treated with kindness, care, and dignity.

Our History and Legacy

For over 115 years, our organization—formerly known as the Dumb Friends League—has been a cornerstone of animal welfare in the region. We are proud of our long-standing impact on the communities we serve and remain steadfast in our commitment to being good stewards of the resources you entrust to us.

How We Provide Care

As a socially conscious shelter, we prioritize the health and well-being of every animal in our care. Our team provides specialized medical treatments, behavioral support, and hands-on enrichment to ensure our animals are ready for their next chapter. We operate across five locations, including the Leslie A. Malone Center, where our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide a safe, nurturing environment for every pet.

A Joyful Partnership

Adopting a pet is the beginning of a beautiful, life-long journey. We foster meaningful relationships between people and animals, relying on our knowledgeable adoption counselors to help you find the perfect match for your family's lifestyle. Whether you are looking for a playful dog, a quiet cat, or a small companion, we are here to support your success every step of the way.

Start Your Journey Today

Your new best friend is waiting for you! We invite you to browse our available animals online or visit one of our shelter locations to meet our residents in person. Join us in making a difference by adopting, volunteering, or donating to support the vulnerable animals in our community.

Trust Assessment
GoldRated Oct 11, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedPhysical FacilityOperating 50+ years
Finances
Online Review Highlights
  • Compassionate and dedicated staff
  • Clean and well-maintained facilities
  • Lack of transparency/communication regarding euthanasia decisions
Vetted byASPCABanfield Foundation
How we assess
Recent Videos

10/28 - Lilith had a day out, made some human friends, explored the world, and reminded everyone why she’s so easy to fall for. 🖤 Just under 2 years old, Lilith is a sweet, fun-loving adventurer with a smart mind and an eagerness to learn. She loves meeting people and trying new things. Making canine friends takes her a little longer, so if there’s already a dog at home, bring them along for a visit! Lilith is looking for a family with kids ages 10 and up and a lifetime of adventures ahead. She did great on her day trip. Now she just needs someone to take her on all the adventures still to come. Meet Lilith at our Leslie A. Malone Center.

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10/28 - Did you know we offer classes throughout the year to help strengthen the bond with your pet, including loose leash walking? While this class does not allow dogs to attend, our training support specialist Zach is here to teach out techniques to practice at home to help your pup be on their best behavior on walks. If you're ready to learn and kick start your loose leash walking journey, sign up for the next session at the link in our bio!

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10/26 - Six weeks old and already making quite the entrance. 💀🐈‍⬛ This tiny lady is growing big and strong in a foster home, where she’s getting the time and care she needs to develop and socialize before she’s ready to find her people. For now, she’s got some growing to do and a whole lot of mischief to prepare for. 🖤🎃 Interested in fostering with us? Visit our website to apply!

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10/23 - This 12 year old LADY has so much pep in her step and lovvessss treats (would prefer an endless supply)! She is looking for her forever family today at @humanecolorado

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10/22 - Aptly named, Cupid wins everyone over immediately with his hearts for eyes!! 😍 He is available for adoption today at @humanecolorado !!

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10/22 - Our "wheek" of waived adoption fees for our guinea pigs is almost over! If you're interested in adopting any of these cuties (or our other piggy residents!) make sure you come by this weekend to take advantage of this promo (ending October 25)!

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10/21 - Class is in session! 🎓🐾 Today’s instructor, Mike, is teaching our shelter dogs the art of getting noticed. The curriculum? Show off your personality, flaunt your favorite toy, and let that adorable face do the talking. 🧸 And the best part? Professor Mike practiced what he preached and found his home over a week ago! 🏡❤️ For all the dogs still waiting for their families, take it from Mike. You never know who might be watching! Class dismissed. Go get noticed, friends! 🐶

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10/21 - Are you not entertained?! This handsome giant is available for adoption at @humanecolorado !! He’s a 4 year old Bloodhound-Great Pyrenees mix who is a whopping 117 lbs of love!

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10/21 - Our little piggies had a LOT to say but don't worry we'll translate for you 😋 We're busting at the seams with guinea pigs right now so for one "wheek" only, we'll be fully waiving adoption fees for these little guys. This promo ends October 25 so make sure you stop by our Buddy Center in Castle Rock or our Leslie A. Malone Center in Denver to visit with some of our smallest residents and maybe take a new best friend home!

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10/14 - It's about that time again...Have you ever dreamed of seeing your pet's adorable face on one of Denver's most iconic landmarks? With Tails on the Tower, that dream can become reality! For a donation of just $50, your pet's photo will light up the Daniels and Fisher Tower on December 12! The Denver community will get to see your pet in lights, and your donation will go toward pets in need! Visit the link in our bio to donate and submit your photo 📸

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10/7 - Floyd came to us with a broken back leg. But when we looked at his X-rays, we learned there was much more to the story: his femur had been shattered by a bullet. 💔 After amputation of his injured leg, Floyd has been recovering beautifully, and through it all, this sweet boy has continued to show us just how special he is. At around 2 years old, Floyd is ready to leave the medical care behind and get to the important stuff: being a cat. Napping. Getting attention. Being adored. And finding a home where he can be his ridiculously sweet self. Floyd is ready for his next chapter, and we think it should be a pretty great one. 🐾❤️

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10/7 - If Sandy could put her sweetest thoughts into words, we imagine they’d be something like this: love everyone, give lots of kisses, enjoy the little things, and keep smiling. 🥹 She has such a gentle, loving spirit, and it’s impossible not to feel a little happier when she’s around. Sandy has completely won us over, one big smile at a time. We all love Sandy, and we know you will too. ❤️

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10/5 - Consider this your sign to come meet Charlotte. 🐶💕 She loves going for walks, checking out new places and letting her nose lead the way. 👃🐾 She’s looking for an active home where she can explore, stay busy and have plenty of adventures with you! . 💗

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Visit Us At

2080 S Quebec St, Denver, CO 80231

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