The Bozeman animal shelter, Heart of the Valley (HOV), is well known throughout the state of Montana. With an open door policy and heavy presence in the community, the non-profit maintains a large volunteer program, including foster and junior options. With opportunities for summer camps, birthday parties, shelter crafts, and more, HOV interacts with local families of all types. Offering life changing experiences for both animals and children, it’s no wonder why this shelter receives such a heavy amount of support in the form of volunteers.
With approximately 500 active volunteers, Heart of the Valley receives donated time of about 20,000 hours, the equivalent to 10 additional staff members. About 110 of those volunteers are juniors. A program built specifically for children aged 6-15, the junior program is great for everyone involved, providing benefits to both the kids and the pets. Heart of the Valley’s junior volunteers have the option of cat cuddling or dog story time. Cat cuddling is just as it sounds, allowing the kids to get in touch with their soft side, holding and cuddling the available cats and learning to care for them. On the other hand, dog storytime is a great way for the juniors to boost their confidence, reading aloud to dogs who have nothing to give but tail wags of approval. Volunteer and Outreach Manager, Kristin Sherwood recalled one of her favorite moments of a summer camp in a heartwarming way,
“With 24 Campers, every kid was reading soft and quiet, and all the dogs were sleeping so soundly.” A heartwarming image to hold close while looking at the adoptable cats and dogs. HOV’s summer camp runs in 1 week sessions for 7 weeks. With games, crafts, and guest speakers, kids get to enjoy the amazing Montana summer, while learning about animals in a fun and interactive way.
The junior program and camp serve as more than just a confidence boost, a local parent with a child in the program noted just how much her son loves the animals. It has enriched their lives, allowing him to express himself as a beautifully caring boy. In his first year, he has learned so much about cats, a pet he doesn’t have at home. Although he gets a little sad to say goodbye to the adopted pets, he remembers that means they found a good home and is happy to be a part of that experience.
All the hard work of both staff and volunteers is well worth it. The average length of stay for intakes is only about 10 days. If a companion animal needs to stay longer due to age, recovery, or socialization, HOV relies on the foster volunteers to support the pets during this time. For pets likely to be adopted quickly, they stay in the shelter, where staff and volunteers find themselves loving and caring for them as they await their new home. Speaking with local volunteer Dana Wilkerson, she reflected on the last 11 years she has spent volunteering with HOV. “For everyone who works and volunteers here, it really is a labor of love. It is so meaningful, even if it is hard and dirty work some days.” She adopted her two cats, Billy Ray and Penelope from HOV, another rewarding experience in her life. She volunteers one day per work, averaging about 100 hours per year in the program. With her extensive experience, Dana is a Paw Level 4, meaning she can help with the more sensitive intakes, and teach the new volunteers the best ways to provide support. Alongside classes and training programs, volunteering at Heart of the Valley is a big commitment, but the positive experiences and difference it provides in the community makes it easy to come in and help out.
Heart of the Valley, a beautiful animal shelter, sits on 56 acres of land. With indoor and outdoor kennels, dog parks, training areas, and meet and greet spaces, it is the ultimate safe space for companion animals. Here, volunteers, staff members, children and adults, gather with a common goal in mind. Providing the companion animals and pets of the Gallatin and Madison Valleys with love and care. No matter where they come from, HOV recognizes the importance of sheltering intakes, strays, and litters that are in need. With a community rallying behind them, HOV makes a difference in everyone's lives, no matter what size or shape that may be.
Heart of the Valley is currently in need of foster volunteers. If interested, the shelter requires an online application and a training orientation to ensure all applicants are prepared to foster the animals in need. Primarily, they are looking for fosters of kittens and puppies awaiting their spay or neuter. This could be anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks of care, with all needs provided by the shelter, including food and bedding. Alternatively, Heart of the Valley is also seeking sleepover volunteers. With this program, foster parents can opt to take a long term stay dog just for the night. This provides the dog with reduced stress and a loving home to feel safe in for a sleepover. If interested, make sure to check out the website for opportunities to help.
“In this position, you see all of the reasons why people want to come in and help.” -Kristin Sherwood