Love is in the air! The Heritage Humane Society is once again inviting the community to share the love this Valentine’s season with its annual Hearts for Homeless Pets fundraiser. Running through Feb. 28, this heartwarming initiative allows pet lovers to honor special animals while supporting homeless pets in need who are currently at Greater Williamsburg’s largest animal shelter.
A Tradition of Love for Pets in Need
Founded in 2022 by a dedicated shelter volunteer, Hearts for Homeless Pets has become a cherished event at The Heritage Humane Society. Community members can purchase personalized paper hearts for a $10 or more donation, which are displayed at the adoption center as a symbol of compassion for animals awaiting their forever homes.
Each heart can include up to three names, with special categories including:
❤️ In Memory Of — honoring a beloved pet who has passed
❤️ HHS Alumni — celebrating pets adopted from The Heritage Humane Society
❤️ Adopt Me — highlighting shelter pets still waiting for homes
An Anonymous Gift Match Donor Returns to Double Donations
Last year’s event raised an incredible $22,846, thanks to 417 hearts purchased and two generous $5,000 matching gifts. In a heartwarming show of continued support, an anonymous donor has pledged another $5,000 gift match for 2025, doubling the impact of community contributions — and doubling the love for local homeless pets.
How to Purchase a Heart
Community members can show their love for pets in one of three ways:
- Order online
- Mail a printable order form
- Visit the Adoption Center at The Heritage Humane Society, open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Businesses Can Share the Love Too
This year’s 2025 Heart Sponsors include Burn Boot Camp, WMBG Radio, Williamsburg Jewelers and Nautical Dog/Schwartzy’s Cove Cove. All of these businesses are returning sponsors from 2024.
On Saturday, Feb. 8, Burn Boot Camp will also have a Hearts for Homeless Pets table set up during their morning camps at 7 a.m., 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Burn Boot Camp participants are welcome to make a donation towards Hearts for Homeless Pets. In 2024, they raised $1,282 at the camps. They are also collecting supply donations from the wish list for The Heritage Humane Society.
Local businesses can join the love fest and make a difference by becoming Heart Sponsors. Sponsorship benefits include:
- A package of 20 customizable hearts to display
- A visit from an adoptable dog
- Logo placement on the HHS website
- A sponsor spotlight and social media tagging
- Sponsor signage at HHS
Become a sponsor by going online or completing this printable sponsor form and emailing it to donate@heritagehumane.org.
Give from the Heart This Valentine’s Season
In addition to the Hearts for Homeless Pets, another way to share the love is through adoption. 170 dogs, cats and small pets are currently in the shelter’s care. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from noon to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday
To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
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