A voice for those who cannot speak

Meet our available dogs and cats for adoption!
Two women and one man petting a black dog in front of a sign that reads 'Mission Valley Animal Shelter, a voice for those that cannot speak, 883-5312' on a sunny day with a blue sky, clouds, and greenery.
A building with a gray roof, gray siding, brick accents, and a porch with white chairs and four white plastic chairs outside. The building has decorative dog silhouettes and paw prints on the wall, and a small sign with the word 'Open' in the window.

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!

Two images of buildings at Mission Valley Animal Shelter, one from 1994 and one more recent, showing the change in the building's appearance over time.

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.

Snow-capped mountains at sunset with colorful pink, purple, and orange clouds in the sky, and a grassy plain in the foreground.

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!

Close-up of a black and white dog with its tongue out and an orange tabby cat with white fur looking at the dog, both outdoors with greenery and trees in the background.

Adoption

We work to match cats & kittens, dogs & puppies with their forever families.

A person and a dog holding hands while playing outdoors, with other figures and buildings in the blurred background.

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.

A woman with blonde hair holding a tabby cat, close to her face, in a well-lit room with window blinds.

Pet Health & Safety

We offer free vaccine clinics, spay & neuter certificates, and microchipping to keep your pets and our community healthy and safe.

A group of seven people, including kids and adults, are outdoors in a backyard, playing with a wet dog, smiling and having fun.

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.