A voice for those who cannot speak

Dear Community Members,

The Board of Directors of Mission Valley Animal Shelter would like to address recent public discussion and clarify information regarding our operations, finances, and mission. Recent media coverage referenced challenges from the past but did not reflect the substantial progress made over the last two years.

In 2023, Mission Valley Animal Shelter faced serious financial challenges. Through generous community support, disciplined fiscal management, and strong leadership at both the shelter and our store, that trajectory has been fully reversed. Today the shelter is stable, fiscally responsible, and nearing long-term sustainability. Larger donations are being set aside toward a future building project to ensure continued growth and service. Lake county does not collect a tax to fund the shelter; the County and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes provide annual contributions that, combined, represent less than one percent of our total operating budget. Members may request access to the shelters financials at any time by submitting a written request.

Mission Valley Animal Shelter is open to the public Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On Friday’s and Saturdays, services are provided by pre-scheduled appointment only, as staff are working directly with the animals. We ask that our operating hours be respected, as our priority during all open times is the care and well-being of the animals. Assistance with the Community Food Pantry or low-cost certificates. on Fridays or Saturdays is available by calling 406-883-5312.

Donations left outside of open hours may be placed on the clearly marked donation bench at the front of the shelter. Requests for tax receipts should include contact information and may be placed in the comment box by the front door. The shelter has never and will never discard usable food. Expired or spoiled food must be disposed of to protect animals health. When donated food cannot be used in the shelter, it is redirected to our community food program, which helps pets remain in the homes.

We welcome volunteers Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m., scheduled in two-hour blocks. Animals are accepted from across Lake County on a case by case basis, based on temperament, behavior, and available space. Adoptions are not first-come, first-served; all applicants must be approved, and animals are not adopted until they are spayed/neutered and appropriately vaccinated.

The spread of misinformation is harmful to the shelter, our staff, and the animals we serve. We encourage anyone with questions or concerns to contact us directly so accurate information can be provided. The Board of Directors is also actively seeking new members who are interested in supporting the shelter’s mission and helping guide its continued growth.

Mission Valley Animal Shelter may be reached at 406-883-5312 during open hours or by email at manager@missionvalleyanimalshelter.org. The Board of Directors can be contacted directly at missionvalleyanimalshelter@gmail.com.

We are grateful for the continued support of our community. With that support, Mission Valley Animal Shelter has moved from survival to strength, and we remain committed to serving Lake County.

Sincerely,

Mission Valley Animal Shelter

Board of Directors