Every Tail Deserves to Keep Wagging

The Heart of Matisse helps families keep their beloved pets fed, safe, and home — where they belong.

The Heart of Matisse is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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OUR IMPACT

Households Supported: 197+
Pets Helped: 295+

Our Impact So Far
Through quiet, dignity‑preserving support, we’ve helped stabilize more than 190 households caring for over 295 pets across York and surrounding counties. Our work strengthens families, reduces shelter intake, and fills the gaps when traditional programs can’t move fast enough.

Matisse’s Story

Matisse was more than a dog — he was empathy in fur. He taught us how simple acts of kindness could change a day, a mood, even a life. When we lost him, we promised to keep spreading that love.
The Heart of Matisse was born from that promise — to keep pets and people together, no matter what life brings.

Read Our Story
A man with a beard and cap, wearing a black jacket, stands outside Humane Society of Harrisburg with a brown and white dog on a leash. They are near a cart filled with cases of canned dog food. Behind them is a building with a sign for an adoption center, a yellow building, trees, and parked cars. The sky is overcast.
A man with dark hair and a beard stands indoors in front of stacked pallets of canned food, smiling at the camera. The pallets are arranged symmetrically behind him, and there is a wall with a whiteboard and a note in the background.
A man wearing a black jacket, orange sweater, jeans, and gray boots standing in an aisle of a store with shelves filled with canned food and pet food. He is smiling and looking at the camera.
A man with a beard and a cap, wearing a blue shirt and black jacket, standing in front of stacks of canned food inside a room with a TV mounted on the wall and a kitchen area in the background. There are various signs and decorations on the walls, including a clock showing approximately 11:07.

Mission:

  • Pet Food Assistance
    Helping families feed their pets during hard times.

  • Supply Drives
    Distributing essentials like leashes, bowls, and toys.

  • Community Partnerships
    Working with shelters, food banks, and senior centers.

  • Events & Fundraisers
    Seasonal drives that unite neighborhoods through generosity.

Learn more
Four puppies eating from a metal dish, two tan, one black, and one light cream-colored.

How You Can Help

You can make tails wag today — here’s how:

A happy golden retriever dog sitting on a wooden deck, looking up, smiling, surrounded by green grass and a flower pot with pink flowers.

Donate: Fund meals and care packages.

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Volunteer: Help at events or organize a drive.

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Partner: Work with us to reach more pets in need.

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Stay Connected

Stay connected to Matisse’s mission.
Sign up for updates, upcoming drives, and volunteer opportunities.