Policies

Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation, is a "no-kill" animal shelter. HOV guarantees that all adoptable animals in our care will find homes. All animals undergo a behavioral and medical evaluation. Every reasonable effort will be made to find a suitable home or placement for each animal. Animals with medical or behavioral problems that are treatable with reasonable effort and resources will receive necessary care to improve their adoptability and place them in appropriate homes.

Heart of the Valley believes the most effective way to affect pet overpopulation is through aggressive spay/neuter and education efforts. Euthanizing healthy, adoptable animals is not a long-term, effective method of solving the overpopulation problem, and diminishes us as human beings. Addressing the pet overpopulation problem in creative ways may help to create a more humane community as well.

Heart of the Valley accepts about 2500 animals a year. Many of these animals are stray while others are abandoned, impounded for cruelty situations or surrendered by their guardians. We place over 1,500 dogs, cats and rabbits a year in carefully screened, lifetime homes. We use a variety of methods to facilitate adoptions including our satellite adoption program at PetsMart. All shelter animals are spayed/neutered, wormed, vaccinated and cats are tested for Feluke/FIV prior to adoption. In addition, they are also microchipped to ensure that they are successfully reunited with their guardians should they ever become lost. We have a 30-day Adoption Fee Return for any adoption that is not working out for whatever reason. Please check out our adoptable animals at montanapets.org/hsgv

Foster Animals are placed in foster situations if they are not old enough to be spayed or neutered, or they need some tender loving care due to an abusive or neglectful past or they are overcoming an injury or sickness. Some animals just need a break from the shelter and an opportunity to learn house manners. Foster homes are able to provide that stability and structure. HOV is always looking for loving, responsible families to foster animals.

Spay/Neuter

All shelter animals (including rabbits) are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, even those as young as eight weeks of age. As a responsible, humane organization, HOV believes responsible pet guardianship including spaying and neutering of animals is the only way to overcome pet overpopulation. If you have an animal that needs to be spayed or neutered, please contact your veterinarian; if you are in need of financial assistance with spay/neuter please contact the Montana Spay Neuter Task Force at www.mtspayneutertaskforce.org

Volunteer

Volunteers are invaluable at HOV. Volunteers help as dog walkers, cat companions, foster homes, animal bank collectors, office assistants, special event participants and more. Their contribution of time enhances the lives of shelter animals and enables more funds to go directly to animal care. Volunteers are always needed to increase the quality of life of the shelter animals and to support the mission of Heart of the Valley.

Humane Education

Teaching responsibility and compassion can only help make this a better world for people and animals. We offer shelter tours and classroom presentations to teach children about responsible pet care, safety around animals, and the role of the animal shelter in the community.

Montana Shares

HOV is an active participant with Montana Shares, a state-wide umbrella organization for non-profits which enables us to take advantage of workplace giving through payroll deduction or a single contribution.