The Mission Valley Animal Shelter is a small private no-kill facility serving Lake County, Montana. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), we depend upon the kindness, generosity and love for animals that we all share. Our goal is to reduce the number of abandoned, unwanted and homeless pets through adoption and education.
Serving an area spanned by Lake County and the Flathead Indian Reservation, we are faced with both a rural and a reservation environment where stray animals often wander and breed on the streets. Being the only animal shelter between Missoula (60 miles to the south) and Kalispell (60 miles to the north) and serving a county where no Animal Control services exist, we are regularly challenged by the number of animals in need.
Our shelter is managed and supported by a Development Director, a Shelter Manager, a Board of Directors, a small staff and a host of wonderful volunteers who help us with the maintenance of the facility and care for our animals.
Our Board of Directors meets monthly, and all Directors take an active role in ensuring the organization is run efficiently and professionally.
The MVAS projected 2023 annual budget is $352,650, which is to be covered by Thrift Store sales, grants, event fundraising, private donations, investment returns and client fees. The organization has a 501(c)(3) nonprofit determination, meaning that all donations are 100% tax deductible.
Our History
MVAS was organized in 1989, opened as temporary facility in 1992 and moved to our permanent location in 1994.
During 2000 we raised money for an expansion of our shelter, which was completed in 2001. A further expansion was added in 2010 without incurring any debt.
In 2018 MVAS embarked upon yet another expansion, which was completed in 2019. This expansion added 4 puppy and/or small dog kennels, and five additional fenced-in outdoor runs, as well as a new washroom.
In 2021, we started a Doggy Play yard Campaign to raise money for some new dog yards. In 2022 the construction was completed, and we know have 4 outdoor dog yards for our fabulous furry friends to enjoy. It is in the works for 2023 to install some doggy play equipment into one of the new yards for some good ol' doggy fun!
In 2022, we also were able to place a new roof system over the outdoor kennels in our East Yard and enclose the kennels in our West Yard on three sides. Now our doggos have some serious protection against the Montana weather. This was all possible thanks to the help of some amazing donors!
In 2023, we will also be working on getting three doggy doors with outside dog kennels set up for our iso dogs so these dogs will be able to go in and out while they await access to our dog yards.
Mission and Vision
We envision a community where roaming and uncared for dogs and cats are given temporary shelter, nourishment and love, where these animals receive spay and neuter support services, and are placed into permanent, loving homes.
The Mission Valley Animal Shelter is Committed to the Humane and Compassionate Treatment of Animals
• We shall shelter and care for lost and unwanted dogs and cats.
• We shall seek to return lost animals to their owners.
• We shall place adoptable dogs and cats into humane and responsible environments.
• We shall promote the sterilization of dogs and cats.
• We shall work to reduce euthanasia rates and end the tragedy of pet overpopulation.
• We shall aid in the prevention of abuse and cruelty to animals.
• We shall implement programs and provide services to promote responsible pet ownership.
Adoption Policy
PROCESS:
• Adoption applications must be completed and approved prior to adoption, including two personal references (no family), your landlord if renting, and your veterinarian (if you have had a pet in the last five years).
• Applications can be filled out at the shelter, or submitted online.
• Applications are screened at the earliest available time. Once we have successfully reached your references and approve your application, you will be contacted to set up an adoption appointment. Placement decisions are made by experienced staff who consider the best interests of both the animal and the family. The screening process is not on a first-come first-serve basis.
• We require adopters to spend time at the shelter with their potential new addition, and encourage a walk if adopting a dog. Once an adoption is green-lighted, the paperwork takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Adopters receive a microchip packet, medical records, contract, and an adoption bag.
• For dogs older than 4 months, we require a meet-and-greet with any current dog(s) in the potential home to ensure compatibility.
PUPPIES
• At MVAS, a puppy is defined as any canine under the age of 6 months. Puppy adoptions are processed slightly differently than other adult animals.
• Puppies are spayed/neutered as soon as possible, but not earlier than eight weeks of age. They are micro-chipped and receive vaccinations according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) booster schedule guidelines. This means in some cases vaccinations will still be required after the adoption date.
• Our young puppies are almost always mixed breed, which means that they are not so genetically predisposed to a set physical and behavioral pattern. They have not been bred for specific predictable traits like a Beagle, Heeler, Rottweiler or Pekingese. Unlike a purebred dog, your lovable shelter mutt is not so “locked in” to a predictable set of traits as it grows into adulthood, so you can more easily mold the puppy into what you desire it to be (with love, work, dedication, patience and training). If you want your dog to get along with children and cats, to remain in your yard or if you are hoping your dog will obey basic commands, you can typically make that happen if you are adopting at an early age and put in the effort.
• Because your mixed breed puppy’s ability to get along with other canines is largely in your hands (with proper socialization you should succeed!), we do not require adopters to bring their own dog for a meet-and-greet with their new puppy. We often have many wonderful families wanting the puppies, so sometimes your availability to accommodate our schedule will be a deciding factor on who gets priority. This is in the best interest of the puppies and our staff.
MEET N GREETS
• Meet n greets with animals can be scheduled at any time during our open hours Tues-Sat 11 am- 4 pm. Interested parties must have an approved application in order to claim or adopt our animals.
https://www.missionvalleyanimalshelter.org/available-dogs
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