Heart of the Valley's Volunteer Program is proudly sponsored by Bridger Feeds Animal Nutrition Center.
How can I become a volunteer at Heart of the Valley?
1. Review the program descriptions below.
2. Submit a volunteer application. You will be contacted via e-mail within one month's time to reserve your spot in one of our monthly New Volunteer Orientations.
3. Attend a new volunteer orientation. The Volunteer Manager will schedule your orientation with you.
Foster Family Program
Interested in providing a loving home for an animal in need of extra attention? Consider joining our Foster Program to provide care for young kittens or puppies, sick or injured cats or dogs, or cats or dogs needing a break from the shelter. Applications must be submitted by an adult over the age of 18. Please contact Beth Harper for more information on the foster program; beth@heartofthevalleyshelter.org or 406-388-9399 x104
The PAW Program
Each PAW level includes a hands-on training to provide volunteers with new skills and a better understanding of shelter operations and the care we provide for our animals.
Commitment: 4.5 hours per month for 6 months
PAW I
All volunteers begin here! During your first 8 hours of service you will be busy helping with the baics of what it takes to keep an animal shelter running efficiently. You'll learn everything from dishes and laundry to providing compassionate care for cats and dogs as well as basic enrichment like 1:1 cuddle time with cats and delivery of specialty dog treats designed to keep dogs engaged and promote better behaviors.
PAW II
Moving up! It's our goal to provide you with the foundation of knowledge and skills that will allow you to advance in ways you are comfortable with. After your first 8 hours there are many ways to help! We're gearing up for cat leash walking opportunities as we prepare to open the outdoor Catio. If you'd like to work with dogs you'll attend hands-on trainings in which you'll learn more about dog body language, communication and basic training while meeting energy needs through morning & afternoon dog walks and supervised play time.
PAW III and IV
After consistent service of 4.5 hours per month for 6 months, volunteers are recognized with their third paw and opportunities involving increased responsibility and higher levels of training.
You must be atleast 16 years of age to participate in the PAW Program.
PAW Program Volunteer Application
Junior Volunteers
Our Junior Volunteers and their Designated Parents/Guardians provide consistent love and attention to adoptable cats throughout the week. Opportunities to Cat Cuddle are available daily between 11:30AM and 5:30PM. You must be at least 6 years old to volunteer.
Commitment: 12 visits in 6 months
*** Each Junior Volunteer Application Must Be Accompanied by A Designated Parent/Guardian Application***
Junior Volunteer application ages 6-15
Who you will you be volunteering with?
Group Volunteer Opportunities
Are you a part of a group that wants to volunteer together in a single day of service? There are numerous ways groups can work together to help Heart of the Valley.
Contact Emily Wallace, Volunteer and Education Manager for more information
volunteer@heartofthevalleyshelter.org or call her at 388-9399 ext. 105
Community Service
Community Service volunteers are a huge help at Heart of the Valley! We accept certain court ordered community service volunteers over the age of 18. We do not accept violent or theft related offences. Opportunities are dependent on dates and availability.
Please submit an on-line application as the first step in fulfiling your service.
Please contact the Volunteer and Education Manager at 388-9399 ext. 105 for more details.
