Adopt a Program Animal
Class of 2026
The curriculum within Anthrozoology canine coursework is centered around students learning canine physiology, health, ethology, operant and classical conditioning, applied behavior analysis, animal sheltering, culture and conflict, olfaction, therapy, and service work, as well as identifying possible career objectives. Anthrozoology student handlers work and live with their adoptable dog during the academic year.
Our adoptable animal program does not produce working animals or therapy/service animals. At the end of the academic year, they become lovely companion animals. Each student walks away having had a unique experience impacting their understanding and perspective of the human-animal bond.
A part of the process involves sharing videos and photos with the public via social media, and screening potential adopters. In the Spring, Students interview potential adopters of their program animals. The choice of adopter is based on compatibility, looking for the best home to suit the dog’s needs.
Please note, there is no guarantee a program animal will have the skills and interest to go onto more rigorous training - beyond Carroll College for service work. Animals are selected based on their temperament, and capacities to learn in the campus environment.
Canine Graduation is in late April or early May. This celebration is open to the public and all adopting families. We are thankful for all the local humane societies that have partnered with us!
Important information:
- All of the animals belong to their respective regional shelters. Potential owners will go through the shelter’s specific adoption process.
- Contact us - If you would like more information about the Anthrozoology program, contact us at anz@carroll.edu.
- For information about a specific dog, see the contact information that accompanies each animal's bio. If you are interested in adopting, please fill out our adoption application, and we will get back to you within a week.
- One way to provide substantial support for Anthrozoology’s canine program is through a $2,500 donation to sponsor a shelter animal for one year. Please contact Major Gifts Officer Kathy Ramirez at kramirez@carroll.edu or (406) 447-4445 if you’d like to talk about this or other ways to support our hard work!
