10/27/2026
Serving “Both Ends of the Leash”
Each year at Heart of the Valley, we lovingly care for thousands of lost and homeless pets. But you may be surprised to learn that’s only part of what we do! We like to say we are dedicated to serving “both ends of the leash” – pets and the people who love them. We understand how important pets are in our lives and we provide a host of programs and services that help create and maintain special bonds.
When people are struggling, pets can be an incredible comfort and HOV has programs that provide support for pet guardians through transitions. With our Pets and Vets program, HOV provides fee waived adoptions to active and retired military personnel. According to one military family, “we’re so grateful that HOV helps veterans adjust to civilian life with a companion by their side”.
We are also committed to helping low-income pet guardians. When people are struggling to afford food for themselves, much less their pets, they can pick up provisions through our free pet food pantry and supply shed. When people are experiencing homelessness, escaping domestic violence or addressing mental health needs, HOV works with our partners in human service organizations to provide temporary boarding for pets.
We help fulfill our commitment to spaying and neutering pets by supporting low-income pet guardians who struggle to afford the surgery. Each week, HOV offers free spay/neuter surgeries and low-cost vaccines and microchipping through our SNAP clinics.
When people have had a bond with pets their whole lives, continuing to make connections is incredibly important. Something as simple as taking an adoptable dog to visit a nursing home can bring joy and happy memories to people who can no longer have a pet of their own. We believe the human/animal bond is so important and should be nurtured at any age. Our Pet Pals Humane Education camp gives kids the chance to experience that bond and learn about taking care of pets – something that will hopefully stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Heart of the Valley will always be committed to improving our community by caring for lost and homeless pets, making connections, supporting pet guardians and helping create lifelong bonds between people and pets.
Read the full Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/FallNewsletter26
Help us give a second chance to more lost and homeless pets at: https://www.heartofthevalleyshelter.org/newsletter-donations