Homeless Hearts Foundation Inc

We adopt most of our animals from the Humane Society of Park County. For the most part, animals must have been in the shelter for 8 months or more before we will consider taking the dog or cat into our sanctuary. We will also take special animals from other rescue groups throughout the state, and we will consider owner surrenders that are referred to us through local veterinarians.

2. Why is the adoption fee so high?

When Loving Hearts Animal Sanctuary takes an animal in, the animal is given a complete medical exam, all necessary vaccinations and rabies shots, and it is spayed or neutered, Other medical issues, such as needed dental work, are addressed. The cost for this process is approximately $300.00 per animal.

3. What is feline coronavirus and why is it important?

Infection with feline coronavirus is very common in cats that have lived in a multi-cat environment. Most cats that test positive for the coronavirus live long and healthy lives with no signs of illness. However, it is important to know about because coronavirus is shed in the saliva and feces of infected cats and is passed to other cats via contact with infected saliva or infected feces through the sharing of common litter boxes. And in a very small percentage of cases, the feline coronavirus mutates and leads to the development of feline infectious peritonitis, a disease which involves an inflammation of the blood vessels and which is always fatal. For additional information on coronavirus, please see the Healthy Pet Info section on this website.

4. What kind of training is provided?

The sanctuary employs a part-time trainer for the dogs. K.T. Irwin of Northwest K-9 Search and Rescue, provides training three times a week through socialization with other animals, outside individuals, and also works on basic commands. This training is continued through the first month with the dog and the new family and is available for follow-ups throughout the first year.

5. What is your policy towards owner surrender?

The sanctuary will consider owner surrendered animals if they have been referred to us by a local veterinarian. All animals must be current on all vaccinations and all dogs must have bordatella immunization. There is a $50.00 surrender fee.

6. What kind of conditions do the dogs and cats live in at the Sanctuary?

We have constructed a free-roaming section for dogs and at any given time there are 4-5 dogs in that area. These are the dogs that we are socializing to be adopted out into multi-animal homes. Other dogs reside in 12'x12' kennels. They are taken out to playtime several times a day depending upon the weather. The cats are put into the isolation ward upon arrival at the sanctuary. This is to help prevent the spread of any illnesses the cats may have, especially upper respiratory infection. They are then taken to large cages in a special cat room. Upon completion of all vaccinations and medical exams including coronavirus testing, they are then placed in the appropriate free-roam coronavirus positive or negative cat rooms. All our animals receive one-on-one attention and love all day long.

7. Are there volunteer opportunities? What is the minimum age for volunteers?

We eagerly welcome volunteers at the sanctuary. For dogs, we encourage volunteers to socialize with them in the play yard and to brush them or help groom them with the staff. Upon approval, volunteers are also allowed to take the dogs out for a walk within the community. For cats, volunteers will be allowed to socialize, play with them, and brush them in the free-roam cat rooms. We require that all volunteers be at least 14 years of age. Children of this age must be responsible and able to follow directions.

8. Where do you get your funds?

All of our funding comes from donations by kind-hearted animal lovers, individual fundraising events (which are noted on this website) and grants. We do not receive any funding from the City of Cody, Park County, nor the State of Wyoming.