Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption 2026
Use this guide before visiting Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter in Bozeman, Montana. It covers adoption hours, address, phone number, dog and cat adoption fees, lost-pet steps, found-pet routing, animal-control contacts, surrender rules, SNAP/spay-neuter help, microchips, map directions and official links.
Heart of the Valley is an open-admission shelter for companion dogs and cats serving the Gallatin and Madison Valleys. Start with the official adoptable dog and cat pages before driving because pet availability changes daily.
Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter Quick Details
These are the details most visitors need before calling, checking adoptable pets, reporting a lost animal, bringing in a found pet, asking about surrender, or planning a Bozeman shelter visit.
Address
1549 E. Cameron Bridge Rd, Bozeman, MT 59718.
Use the map section below for directions before you leave.
Main phone
406-388-9399.
Use this for adoption, lost/found, surrender, microchip and program questions.
Public hours
Tuesday–Sunday, 12 PM–5:30 PM.
Dog kennels close at 5 PM daily. Closed Monday.
Open admission
HOV describes itself as an open-admission shelter for companion dogs and cats.
It says it does not euthanize for space or length of stay.
What Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter Helps With
Heart of the Valley is not only an adoption counter. It is a local shelter resource for adoption, lost pets, found pets, pet surrender, rehoming, food assistance, training help, SNAP spay/neuter support, microchips, humane traps and community education.
Dogs and cats
HOV helps visitors meet adoptable dogs and cats, complete an adoption questionnaire and talk with adoption counselors about the right fit.
Reuniting pets
The lost/found page gives steps for lost pets, found dogs, healthy found cats, injured cats and found litters of kittens.
Programs and services
Community programs include SNAP, microchips, humane traps, training classes, pet food assistance, rehoming help and surrender support.
Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
HOV lists its normal public hours as Tuesday through Sunday from 12 PM to 5:30 PM. The dog kennels close at 5 PM daily, so arrive early if you want to view dogs, ask questions and complete adoption steps.
Current listed public hours
Tuesday through Sunday, 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Dog kennels close at 5:00 PM daily. Monday is listed as closed.
| Day | Listed Hours | Visitor Planning Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Use this day to check adoptable pets online and prepare questions. |
| Tuesday | 12 PM–5:30 PM | Good weekday option for adoption visits, lost-pet checks and program questions. |
| Wednesday | 12 PM–5:30 PM | Also useful for food assistance pickup questions and shelter support needs. |
| Thursday | 12 PM–5:30 PM | Good for adoption visits and calling ahead about a specific pet. |
| Friday | 12 PM–5:30 PM | Good before the weekend; arrive before 5 PM for dog kennels. |
| Saturday | 12 PM–5:30 PM | Weekend visits may be busier; check pet availability before driving. |
| Sunday | 12 PM–5:30 PM | Useful for adoption and lost/found visits; confirm holiday updates before going. |
How Adoption Works at Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter
HOV’s process starts online but should not end there. The shelter says pictures only tell part of the story, and visiting in person helps adoption counselors match you with the right dog or cat.
Check adoptable dogs and cats online
Start with the official adoptable dog and cat links. Write down the animal’s name, species, age, size, notes and any special needs before you call or visit.
Visit the shelter during public hours
Visit 12 PM–5:30 PM Tuesday through Sunday. If you want to meet dogs, arrive before the dog kennels close at 5 PM.
Talk with an adoption counselor
Ask about behavior, energy level, medical notes, other pets, children, home schedule, exercise needs and what the first two weeks at home should look like.
Complete the adoption questionnaire
If you decide you have found a match, complete the adoption questionnaire and give accurate household information. HOV staff can help with dog-to-dog introductions if needed.
Prepare for transport and follow-up
Bring a safe leash setup for dogs or a secure carrier for cats. HOV says staff are available for post-adoption help if you have concerns after taking your pet home.
Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
HOV lists adoption fees by pet age, size and species. Use this as a planning guide and confirm current fees before adopting because fees, promotions and policies can change.
| Pet Type | Listed Fee | What to Ask Before Adoption |
|---|---|---|
| Adult dogs over 25 pounds and over 6 months | $120 | Ask about leash behavior, exercise needs, other dogs, children and home fit. |
| Adult dogs under 25 pounds and over 6 months | $170 | Ask about handling, house training, barking, separation and small-dog medical notes. |
| Adult dogs over 7 years | $85 | Ask about dental care, mobility, medication, stairs, food and long-term vet planning. |
| Puppies 6 months and under | $225 | Ask about vaccines, training, socialization, chewing, crate needs and expected adult size. |
| Adult cats over 6 months | $50 | Ask about indoor/outdoor history, litter habits, other cats, dogs and personality. |
| Kittens 6 months and under | $120 | Ask about kitten socialization, vaccines, spay/neuter status and whether a pair may be better. |
| Adult cats over 7 years | $35 | Ask about medical history, diet, dental care and adjustment in a quiet home. |
Companion Cats for Seniors
HOV says it waives the adoption fee on cats six months or older adopted by a senior person age 62 or older, limited to one cat per 12-month period and subject to normal review.
Pets and Vets
HOV says it waives adoption fees for veterans and their immediate families, limited to one pet per 12-month period and subject to the normal adoption process.
What to Bring Before You Visit Heart of the Valley
A smooth visit starts before you leave home. Bring the practical items that help you ask better questions and safely transport the pet if adoption is completed.
Photo ID
Bring photo identification and be ready to provide accurate household contact details.
Housing rules
If you rent, know your pet policy, breed restrictions, pet deposits and any landlord approval needs.
Resident pets
Ask about dog-to-dog introductions if you already have a dog at home.
Dog transport
Bring a safe leash, collar, harness or vehicle plan if dog adoption is likely.
Cat carrier
Bring a secure cat carrier if you may adopt a cat or kitten.
Enough time
Do not arrive near closing if you expect to meet animals and complete an adoption questionnaire.
Animal Control Routing Near Bozeman, Gallatin County and Madison County
Heart of the Valley is not the only number to use for every found animal situation. HOV’s found-pet guidance points people to local animal-control or law-enforcement contacts depending on where the animal is found.
Animal Control
For found dogs or injured/sick cats in Bozeman or Gallatin County, HOV lists animal-control contact through 406-582-2000 ext. 2.
Local animal control
For Belgrade animal-control routing, HOV lists 406-388-4262.
County or town route
HOV lists Madison County Sheriff’s Office at 406-843-5301 and West Yellowstone Animal Control at 406-646-7600.
Lost and Found Pets at Heart of the Valley
Lost and found steps need speed. HOV asks lost-pet owners to call right away, send color photos and visit the shelter. Found-pet steps vary depending on whether the animal is a dog, healthy cat, injured cat or litter of kittens.
If your pet is missing
- Call HOV right away at 406-388-9399 ext. 201 and leave a detailed message if outside business hours.
- Email clear color photos to frontdesk@heartofthevalleyshelter.org.
- Visit the shelter in person to look for your pet. Multiple visits may be needed.
- Check HOV’s stray cat page daily if your missing pet is a cat.
- Post a clear photo, last-seen area and contact information in local lost-pet channels.
If you found a pet
- For a found dog, contact the correct city or county animal-control route if possible.
- Call HOV at 406-388-9399 ext. 201 to file a found report.
- Bring the animal to the shelter to be scanned for a microchip if safe.
- For a healthy found cat, check local lost-pet posts before assuming it is homeless.
- For sick, injured or very young animals, contact the shelter or appropriate animal-control route quickly.
Pet Surrender and Rehoming at Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter
HOV accepts dog and cat surrenders, but all surrenders are by appointment. The shelter encourages owners to explore support resources and direct rehoming before surrendering when possible.
Before surrendering
- Call 406-388-9399 to schedule an appointment.
- Ask about behavior consultation, training classes, food assistance and spay/neuter help first.
- Consider Home To Home rehoming if the pet can safely stay with you while you find a new home.
- Gather medical records, vaccine history, medication notes and behavior information.
- Be honest about bites, illness, fear, aggression or special care needs.
What HOV says about surrender
- HOV does not charge a surrender fee.
- The shelter encourages a voluntary donation because average care and housing cost is listed at $450 per animal.
- HOV asks owners to complete a surrender form with as much helpful information as possible.
- Once surrendered, the owner relinquishes the right to obtain further information about the animal’s outcome.
- Every animal must pass medical and behavioral evaluation before being placed for adoption.
SNAP, TNR, Food Assistance and Microchips
Heart of the Valley offers several community support services that may help people keep pets, prevent unwanted litters and reunite lost animals faster.
Spay/Neuter Assistance
HOV’s SNAP program helps with spay/neuter support for community cats and qualifying low-income families. Call 406-388-9399 ext. 204 for eligibility questions.
Humane traps and TNR
HOV rents live traps to assist with Trap-Neuter-Return for outdoor cats and can provide sterilization support through SNAP clinics.
Microchipping
HOV microchips dogs and cats by appointment during normal business hours. The listed microchip cost is $40.
Pet food assistance
HOV provides free pet food to low-income pet guardians from donated supplies, with food pickup listed for Wednesdays and Sundays.
Training help
Programs include group classes and private lessons, which may help with common issues before a family considers surrender.
Post-adoption support
HOV encourages adopters to call or email if they need help after bringing a new pet home.
Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Arrival Tips
Use the map for directions to 1549 E. Cameron Bridge Rd in Bozeman. Before driving, confirm hours, dog kennel timing and current pet availability.
Call first
Call first if you want one specific pet, have a lost pet, found an animal, need surrender support or want SNAP details.
Arrive before 5 PM for dogs
Dog kennels close at 5 PM daily, even though public hours continue until 5:30 PM.
Transport safely
Bring a leash setup for dogs or a secure carrier for cats if adoption is possible.
Choose Your Best Route Before You Call
Use this quick decision helper so you do not waste time using the wrong process.
I want to adopt
Check adoptable dogs or cats online, visit Tuesday–Sunday during open hours, arrive before 5 PM for dog kennels, and complete the adoption questionnaire if you find a match.
I lost my pet
Call 406-388-9399 ext. 201 right away, send color photos, visit the shelter in person, check stray cat listings and post clear flyers.
I found a dog
Contain safely if possible, call local animal control when appropriate, call HOV ext. 201 for a found report, and bring the dog for microchip scanning if safe.
I need to surrender
Call for an appointment, explore support resources first, complete the surrender form, and bring medical records or behavior information.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Heart of the Valley
These mistakes can slow down adoption, reclaim, surrender or animal-control routing.
Before visiting
- Do not visit on Monday expecting public hours.
- Do not arrive after 5 PM if you need to view dog kennels.
- Do not drive for one pet without checking if the animal is still available.
- Do not skip housing rules, pet limits or landlord permission.
- Do not assume HOV is the correct animal-control route for every found animal situation.
Before adoption or surrender
- Do not adopt based only on a photo.
- Do not skip questions about behavior, medical notes and first-week adjustment.
- Do not surrender without calling and scheduling first.
- Do not hide bite history, illness, medication or behavior concerns.
- Do not wait more than a few hours to report a missing pet.
Official Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter Links
Use official HOV pages for final decisions. This guide is independent and should not replace current shelter instructions.
Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter located?
Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter is located at 1549 E. Cameron Bridge Rd, Bozeman, MT 59718.
What is the phone number for Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter?
The main shelter phone number is 406-388-9399.
What are Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Heart of the Valley lists public hours as Tuesday through Sunday, 12 PM to 5:30 PM. Dog kennels close at 5 PM daily, and Monday is closed.
How much are dog adoption fees at Heart of the Valley?
Listed dog fees include $120 for adult dogs over 25 pounds and over 6 months, $170 for adult dogs under 25 pounds and over 6 months, $85 for adult dogs over 7 years, and $225 for puppies 6 months and under.
How much are cat adoption fees at Heart of the Valley?
Listed cat fees include $50 for adult cats over 6 months, $120 for kittens 6 months and under, and $35 for adult cats over 7 years.
What is included with adoption at HOV?
HOV says all pets are spayed or neutered, receive age-appropriate core vaccines, are dewormed, receive a medical exam, are microchipped, go home with local vet coupons and have a 30-day adoption refund guarantee.
Is Heart of the Valley an open-admission shelter?
Yes. HOV says it is an open-admission animal shelter that accepts dogs and cats regardless of condition or circumstance, and it does not euthanize animals for space or length of stay.
What should I do if my pet is lost near Bozeman?
Call HOV at 406-388-9399 ext. 201 right away, email color photos, visit the shelter in person, check stray cat listings and post a clear photo near the area where the pet went missing.
Does Heart of the Valley accept pet surrenders?
Yes, HOV accepts dog and cat surrenders by appointment. It does not charge a surrender fee, but it encourages a voluntary donation to help cover care costs.
Does Heart of the Valley microchip pets?
Yes. HOV microchips dogs and cats by appointment during normal business hours. The listed microchip cost is $40.
Does Heart of the Valley offer spay/neuter assistance?
Yes. HOV offers SNAP spay/neuter assistance for community cats and qualifying low-income families, subject to eligibility and appointment availability.
Final Take: Plan Your HOV Shelter Visit Before You Drive
Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter is a major Bozeman-area resource for adoption, lost pets, found animals, companion dog and cat surrender, SNAP support, food assistance, microchips, humane traps and community education.
The most useful visitor plan is simple: check adoptable pets online, call 406-388-9399 if you need help with a specific animal or service, visit Tuesday through Sunday from 12 PM to 5:30 PM, and arrive before 5 PM if you need to view dog kennels.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, any city animal-control office, Gallatin County, Madison County, Petfinder, Shelterluv or any official shelter portal. Always verify current hours, fees, animal availability, surrender appointments, SNAP rules, microchip availability and animal-control routing directly with official sources.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.