Heartland Humane Society is turning 60, and the nonprofit plans to celebrate with dinner, dancing, animals, stories, birthday surprises, and cake… but probably not a cat or dog jumping out of a cake. Although that would be awesome.
(Photo: Bug. A spunky orange girl, currently up for adoption. Bug was sick as a baby, and that left him with occasional squinty eyes/Heartland Humane)
Speaking of awesome, Heartland is awesome, and so is their staff, and so is their mission, and so is their dedication to those in need of a home.
People often get Heartland confused with a local branch of a national humane society. They are not. They are an independent organization that was formed in 1966. Which makes it that much more special.
People also think Heartland is just a shelter and adoption location. It’s not. Their work includes lost-and-found assistance, a pet food pantry, low-cost vaccination and microchip clinics, trap-neuter-return services, humane education, and a working-cat program for feral and semi-feral cats.
It’s an “open-door” shelter located at 398 SW Twin Oaks Circle. Right by that dastardly “not soccer” pickleball place that is supposed to open up (but has been on radio silence for quite some time).
Maybe it’s news to you, but it definitely is not to us… Heartland also operates Whiskers Cat Lounge, located at the Heartland Humane Thrift Shop at 938 NW Kings. Visitors can reserve time to play with adoptable cats. The $10 session fee not only supports Heartland, but rolling around on the floor with a bunch of crazed and cute kittens… probably supports your mental health as well.
It’s very well decorated and comfy. The lounge also hosts special events, including crafts, painting, bingo, and Kitten Yoga. It’s safe to say we added that to the events page.
Let’s point out something else people might not know… Heartland also provides help to keep pets and their owners together during difficult times.
Its Safe Housing Program, which began in 2002, provides temporary care for pets whose owners may be fleeing domestic violence, receiving medical treatment, or experiencing a crisis.
The shelter also offers temporary housing during severe weather for pets that belong to people who are homeless.
During their fiscal year that ended in June 2025, Heartland reported serving 2,047 animals. It recorded 1,311 adoptions and also completed 331 reunifications that returned pets to their owners.
It seems like there is 2,047 living reasons to celebrate and support them turning 60.
Heartland’s anniversary event, “Tails to Celebrate: 60 Years of Compassion,” begins at 5pm on Saturday, September 26th, at the Corvallis Community Center.
Tickets are $60. Heartland says ticket purchases will “help it continue providing animals with care and second chances.”
Tickets and additional information are available on Heartland’s event page. Heartland can also be reached about the event at donate@heartlandhumane.org.
This article was written by Jackson Hayes, a contributor to The Corvallis Inquirer. Feel free to send us your stories or articles to publish at: editor@corvallisnow.com
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