Lost and Found

If you have lost an animal:

1. Call the shelter at (406) 388-9399 to report that your pet is missing. Do not wait a few days and see if the pet shows up first. After 96 hours in the shelter, the animal is the property of Heart of the Valley and will be available for adoption. Many an owner has come to the shelter only to find their pet went to a new home. Adoptions are final. New adoptees of unclaimed strays will NOT be contacted to return a pet if the real owner shows up. As a general rule, once your pet has been missing overnight, please call the shelter as soon as possible.

2. Go to the shelter and look at all the animals. It is not possible in many cases to confirm a pet's identity over the phone. Please advise a staff member as to the purpose of your visit because sick or injured strays might be at an off site veterinary clinic. If we do not have your pet, make sure you fill out a lost pet report at the desk. If possible, bring us a picture of your pet. We, or the "finder," will notify you as soon as anyone calls or brings in any possible match. After your initial visit, we recommend shelter visits two to three times a week in order to view all strays received or check the pictures and daily admissions via this site. Most pets are found within the first week, but reunions have occurred as long as two years after the pet was lost. Don't give up!

3. Call the Bozeman Daily Chronicle @ 582-2600. They will run a 7-day ad at no charge.

4. Post a flier with a picture of your pet, if possible, at PetsMart, and businesses in your area.Please check with us at least twice a week. We may have up to 100 lost animal reports to monitor. We keep lost reports active for 30 days.

5. Please notify us when your pet is found. Get an I.D. for your pet and keep the information current. Check for any escape routes if there is a fence involved. Make sure the dog has "busy toys" if you are gone for any length of time and that he gets sufficient time and exercise with you. We have names of many wonderful trainers who can help you.

And remember, you can always call us at the shelter for further assistance.

If you found an animal:

1. If possible, provide a safe, secure place for the animal to be while you contact the owners, police, animal control and the shelter. Do not wait a few days to see if the animal finds its way home, as it is at risk and could get hurt or killed.

2. You should call City or County Animal Control to have them pick up the animal and bring it to the shelter. If it is after hours, the police may decide to meet you and the animal at the shelter. The number of City Animal Control is (406)582-2000 ext. 2. The number of County Animal Control is (406)582-2100 ext. 2. Belgrade Animal Control is 388-4262. If you have a way to contain the animal and want to keep it at your house to foster, we will take a "found" report. After calling us, call the Bozeman Daily Chronicle at (406)587-4491 and place a free 7 day found ad with the Classified Department. Local radio stations are also a big help in this matter. Found pet postings at convenience stores, on telephones, and in grocery stores are quite successful.

3. If you find the pet's owner, please let us know.

Good luck! If we can assist in any way, please call at (406) 388-9399.