Through its robust adoption program, HSHV facilitates over 5,000 adoptions each year. With a remarkable save rate of 95 percent, the shelter’s staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure animals in their care receive the support they need to heal and find permanent homes. HSHV welcomes all adopters 18 years or older regardless of where they live. Walk-ins are encouraged during adoption hours, and the staff helps prospective families navigate the process with care and transparency.

To meet with adoptable animals, visitors complete a short survey, which can be submitted online or filled out upon arrival. This step helps staff make thoughtful matches. All cats and dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated before adoption.

HSHV’s full-service veterinary clinic expands its mission beyond shelter walls, offering affordable, high-quality care for the public. The clinic provides preventive care, surgeries, dental procedures, laser treatments and hospice support. The staff, which includes a team of experienced veterinarians, sees over 12,000 animals each year. The clinic operates by appointment only, and funds generated from services help support animals in the shelter.

Beyond adoption and medical care, HSHV works to keep pets and families together through a range of support services. The Lost & Found program reconnects hundreds of pets with their owners each year. Staff assists with everything from identifying found animals to helping pet guardians navigate microchip databases. Additional resources include behavior consultations, training programs and temporary support for families in crisis.

HSHV offers a variety of ways for community members to contribute, regardless of age or experience. Volunteers help in nearly every department—from walking dogs and comforting cats to assisting with office work and special events. The organization’s Junior Volunteer Program invites youth ages 12 to 17 to participate in age-appropriate service, while family-friendly projects offer opportunities for children as young as five to help animals in meaningful ways.

Foster families extend the reach of the shelter by caring for animals that need extra support. Some are recovering from illness or surgery, while others may be too young for adoption or struggle with shelter stress. All foster parents are trained and provided with supplies, food and veterinary care. The experience is flexible and often deeply rewarding. Some animals may stay only a few days, while others require several weeks of care.

At Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center, located at 5245 Jackson Road, guests can spend time with friendly, adoptable cats in a cozy café environment. Cats roam freely as visitors read, sip beverages or participate in events like yoga classes and trivia nights. This relaxed setting often leads to more successful adoptions, as potential adopters see cats behaving naturally in a homelike environment. The center also hosts birthday parties, children’s programs and group events designed to deepen human-animal bonds.

HSHV’s Love Train program is a model of cooperative rescue. When space allows, the shelter brings in animals from partner organizations, primarily in the South, where high euthanasia rates persist. The majority are puppies, but the program has transported adult dogs, cats, kittens and even the occasional rabbit or bird. These transports are carefully planned to avoid disrupting the shelter’s local responsibilities. Love Train animals are placed in short-term spaces and typically adopted within days. Their adoption fees support care for harder-to-place animals, making the program both humane and financially strategic. More information about Love Train transports is available at HSHV.org/lovettrain.

There are many ways for supporters to contribute to HSHV’s ongoing work. Monthly donations through the Love365 program provide reliable funding that helps cover essentials like food, vaccines and emergency care. Donors can also sponsor kennels or contribute in honor or memory of loved ones. Legacy giving options allow individuals to make a lasting impact through wills or beneficiary designations.

HSHV also welcomes third-party fundraisers. From lemonade stands and bake sales to wedding gift donations and office jeans days, the possibilities are nearly endless. Businesses can partner through sponsorships, matching gift programs and hosting events. The organization provides toolkits and support to help make each effort a success. Even everyday activities—like shopping online or walking a dog using a designated app—can benefit the shelter when linked to participating programs.

For those who prefer in-kind donations, HSHV maintains a public wish list that includes everything from cleaning supplies to enrichment toys. Items can be purchased locally or ordered online and delivered directly to the shelter.

HSHV’s commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility has earned it the highest rating from Charity Navigator for 12 consecutive years—an honor achieved by only one percent of rated charities. This consistent recognition reflects not just operational excellence, but also a deep respect for donor trust.

Tiny Lions continues to offer drop-in hours and scheduled events for those looking to unwind in the company of felines.