Just for Kids

Please visit our volunteer page for information regarding the junior volunteer program. Junior volunteers are age 6-15 and can participate in Cat Cuddling and Canine Story Time programs.

Children age 6-12 are invited to celebrate their birthday at Heart of the Valley.

Your celebration will include the use of the shelter’s spacious Community Room for a 2 hour block including 15 minutes set-up time as well as 15 minutes clean-up time. The party guests will experience a behind the scenes tour of the shelter and have opportunities to interact with shelter pets depending on availability. The remaining time will be spent with what you choose to provide such as food and drink, or any other activities you would love to include in the celebration! Parties are available on Saturdays and can be hosted from 12-2pm. The birthday boy or girl will also receive an official Heart of the Valley Birthday T-shirt as well as the honor of naming an incoming stray shelter pet.

This Heart of the Valley Birthday Party Package is offered for $130.00.

For questions, please contact the Volunteer and Outreach Manager, Kristin, at (406) 404-3068 or volunteer@heartofthevalleyshelter.org.

Our 7 week summer day camp is for children (6-12 years old) who love animals!  Campers learn the importance of compassionate animal care through time with animals, games, crafts, humane education lessons, and a wide variety of guest speakers. Each week children will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of animals. The camp is Monday-Friday with drop off between 8:30-9:00am and pick up between 3:00-3:30pm. The weekly cost of camp tuition is $250. Need based scholarships are also available. To apply for a scholarship, contact Kristin.

*Since guest speakers and lesson plans are the same each week, we recommend campers only attend ONE week of camp.

For more information and to answer any questions contact Kristin at (406) 404-3068 or volunteer@heartofthevalleyshelter.org.

Registration for Pet Pals Summer 2024 will open on March 1st at 8am.
Follow the link below to register.

 

We are always looking for fun and engaging guest speakers! If you would like to join us at Pet Pals, please contact us at volunteer@heartofthevalleyshelter.org.

Heart of the Valley is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people and companion animals in the Gallatin Valley. One way we do this is by offering free humane education programs for schools and youth groups designed to educate students about animal safety and foster an appreciation for all living things.

Our humane education programs, which engage students through hands-on learning, can be adapted for a wide range of grade levels, age groups and curriculum needs. By learning how to responsibly care for and interact with pets, students help create safer communities while developing important social skills such as kindness, empathy and compassion. All lessons have been designed to complement school curriculum and satisfy Common Core Standards.

Please complete the Humane Education Lesson Request form and HOV’s Volunteer and Outreach Manager will contact you.

*Please note: Due to our Pet Pals Summer Camp we are unable to provide humane education lessons in mid-June to early August.*

Humane Education Lesson Form

Contact Volunteer and Outreach Manager, Kristin, with any questions at volunteer@heartofthevalleyshelter.org.

Help shelter pets enjoy the comforts of home by DIYing your favorite toys or crafts and donating to Heart of the Valley. Click on the links below to find instructions.

Kitten Season Crafts

Braided Dog Toys

Dog Denim Knot Toy

DIY Snuffle Mat

No Sew Tie Blanket

Enrichment Recipe Book