A voice for those who cannot speak
A Paws-itively Huge Thank You to Glacier Bank and Our Community!
Here at the shelter, our daily mission of caring for animals is a team effort, and that team extends far beyond our own walls. This week, we experienced a beautiful reminder of just how big and generous our community truly is.
We are thrilled to announce that we have officially received the donations from the Glacier Bank "Puppies & Pals Supply Drive"—and the results are absolutely incredible!
The Power of Community Support
When our local community steps up, the lives of our shelter animals are immediately changed for the better. The sheer volume of food, engaging toys, and essential cleaning supplies dropped off during this drive exceeded our wildest expectations.
To every single person in the community who took the time to purchase an item and drop it into a donation bin: Thank you. Your selflessness directly translates into full bellies, comfortable nights, and happy tails for animals waiting to find their forever homes.
A Special Shoutout to Glacier Bank
We want to extend a massive, heartfelt thank you to the management and employees at Glacier Bank. Organizing a supply drive takes time, coordination, and a genuine passion for animal welfare.
To the Glacier Bank team: thank you for championing this cause, setting up the collection points, and rallying the community together. Your hard work behind the scenes has made a massive difference for our shelter, allowing us to stretch our resources further and help even more animals in need.
How These Supplies Help
It takes a lot of resources to keep our shelter running smoothly every single day. The items received from the Puppies & Pals Supply Drive will go to use immediately to:
Keep Pets Healthy: High-quality food and treats keep our dogs and cats nourished and energized.
Provide Comfort: Blankets and beds give our animals a soft, warm place to rest, reducing stress in a shelter environment.
Enrich Their Days: Toys are vital for mental stimulation and play, helping our pets show off their true personalities to potential adopters.
Maintain a Safe Environment: Essential cleaning supplies ensure our kennels and common areas stay sparkling clean and disease-free.
Join Our Village
We are so lucky to be part of a community that cares so deeply about its animals. If you missed the Glacier Bank drive but still want to help, there are always ways to get involved!
Volunteer: Become a dog walker, cat cuddler, or event helper.
Amazon Wishlist: Check out our most urgent, up-to-date supply needs.
Available Pets: Come meet your new best friend!
Once again, from the bottom of our hearts (and on behalf of all the wagging tails and rumbling purrs), thank you, Glacier Bank, and thank you to our wonderful community!
Our Location
MVAS is located in the Mission Valley of Western Montana and is the only brick n mortar animal sheltering facility between Missoula and Kalispell. Sitting between Polson and Pablo, MVAS serves animals from throughout Lake County, much of which overlaps the Flathead Indian Reservation. Lake County is one of the few Montana counties with no animal control ordinances other than a vicious dog ordinance. This, combined with the higher prevalence of stray and un-sterilized animals on reservation lands, poses a unique challenge and most stray animals end up at MVAS.
Please feel free to stop by our facility at any time and visit the dogs and cats who are eagerly anticipating your arrival! Learn how much joy a pet can bring into your life!
Our Facility
The facility has 11 inside dog kennels (including 8 main kennels and 3 isolation/quarantine kennels), 4 puppy and/or small dog kennels, 18 outdoor dog runs, 1 outdoor isolation kennel and 4 separated fenced yards for dogs. The facility includes a nearly half acre yard surrounded by 900 feet of 8 foot tall fencing to ensure security and provide room for animals to exercise and run.
The shelter offers a large adult cat room and a separate smaller kitten room where cats and kittens can freely roam and socialize. Additionally, there is a cat isolation room with 9 cages where new or ailing cats and kittens are observed prior to joining the general population.
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 now have 4 outdoor dog yards for our fabulous furry friends to enjoy.
​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!
Adoption
We work to match cats & kittens, dogs & puppies with their forever families.
Donate
We have a shelter Wishlist available at Amazon and Chewy as well as accepting monetary donations. Your support helps keep the shelter running at optimal performance.
Pet Health & Safety
We offer free vaccine clinics, spay & neuter certificates, and microchipping to keep your pets and our community healthy and safe.
Volunteering
Want to give back? We have opportunities at our shelter with our animals, and at our thrift store to generate income to support our work.