Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

Our Mission

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter is dedicated to strengthening the human-animal bond by providing compassionate and high-quality care, education, and resources to our community. We believe every companion animal deserves a safe and loving environment, and we are committed to helping you find the perfect match for your home.

Our Story

Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2007, we officially opened our doors in 2009 to care for Billings’ lost and transitioning animals. Over the last decade, we have grown into Montana’s largest shelter, intaking over 5,000 animals annually while constantly evolving to meet the needs of pets and their families.

How We Care

We combine a shelter facility with a dedicated foster network to provide individualized care for animals in need. Our programs—including medical services, behavioral support, and the Working Cat Program—ensure that every animal in our care is treated with compassion. By partnering with the University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine Program, we continuously improve our lifesaving capacity and animal health outcomes.

Your Partner in Adoption

We see adoption as the start of a lifelong, joyful partnership. Our team works hard to get to know each animal’s unique personality so we can provide thoughtful suggestions for your family, lifestyle, and home. Whether you are a first-time pet parent or an experienced animal lover, we provide the guidance and resources to ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.

Join Our Pack

Are you ready to meet your new best friend? Visit us at our shelter on Jellison Road to explore our adoptable animals, or visit our website to see how you can get involved by volunteering or fostering. Together, we can create a brighter future for the furry, feathered, and scaly friends in our community.

Trust Assessment
GoldRated Nov 4, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedMunicipal PartnerOperating 10+ years
Finances
Online Review Highlights
  • Knowledgeable and friendly staff
  • Clean facilities
  • Communication breakdowns
Vetted byASPCA
How we assess
Coverage We Reviewed
Mix 97.1
Improves Trust

11/4 - Seven-year-old Potato Traded A Death Sentence For A Fresh Start At Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

A seven-year-old dog named Potato arrived at YVAS facing the worst outcome. Shelter staff chose surgery instead. Now healthy and ready for adoption, she's looking for a home.

Q2 News (KTVQ)

11/3 - Billings City Council weighs future of animal sheltering as contract talks and policy changes loom

The Billings City Council took on the future of animal sheltering services in the city, after the contract with the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter expired at the end of June.

Q2 News (KTVQ)

10/23 - Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter reaches settlement with Billings over 2025 incinerator displacement

The Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter says it has reached a settlement agreement with the City of Billings.

Montana Talks

10/14 - Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter Has A Sweet, Playful 3-year-old Ready For Adoption

Diva's a 50-pound pit bull-lab mix waiting at Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter in Billings. She came in as a stray last week, knows her commands, and gets along great with smaller dogs.

Montana Talks

10/7 - Meet Wally At Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter's Adoption Event Saturday, October 10th

Meet Wally, a four-year-old Pitbull mix at the shelter who's got a gentle side and plenty of love to give to the right home.

NonStop Local Billings

9/24 - Billings City Council weighs future of animal services

BILLINGS, Mont. — Billings City Council is debating what animal services should look like in the city after problems at the former animal control facility pushed Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

KBUL NEWS TALK 970AM & 103.3FM

9/2 - Duke, A Two-year-old Hound Mix, Looking For A Home After Recent Two Moon Park Adventure

Meet Duke. The two-year-old hound mix spent his recent Sunday on the trails at Two Moon Park through Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter's Hiking Hounds program. He's looking for adopters who can keep up with his energy.

Q2 News (KTVQ)
Improves Trust

8/22 - Donation to honor beloved dog will fund 2,500-square-foot wing at new Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

A Billings couple is honoring their late dog with a major donation to the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter's future facility.

KBUL NEWS TALK 970AM & 103.3FM

8/19 - Adopt A Petite Companion: Elanor The Playful Tabby Cat Seeks A Loving Family

Elanor, a lovable two-year-old tabby, is back from fostering her kittens and ready for adoption. With her petite frame and friendly vibe, she’s eager to find a cozy new home.

Mix 97.1

8/12 - A Treat-motivated Lab Named Shadow Is Still Waiting For A Home In Billings

Shadow is a two-year-old Lab mix at Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter who loves treats, plays well with other dogs, and is great with kids. She has been waiting longer than most for her forever home.

Q2 News (KTVQ)

8/11 - Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter submits new proposal to city seeking renewed partnership

The Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter submitted a new proposal to the city of Billings on Monday afternoon, attempting to reestablish a formal partnership after the previous contract expired on July 1.

Mix 97.1

8/5 - Border Collie Mix Sage Is Ready For Adoption At Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

A young Border Collie mix named Sage landed at Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter about a week ago. She's energetic, treat-driven, and already cleared for adoption.

Mix 97.1

7/29 - Hamburger The Rabbit Is Looking For A Home After Turning Up Loose In Billings

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter in Billings has a rabbit named Hamburger up for adoption. He was found hopping around the area in July and seems like he belonged to someone before.

NonStop Local Billings
Improves Trust

7/25 - Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter plans new campus after land donation

BILLINGS, Mont. — Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter said a donated property gave the organization a path toward a larger long-term home for animals and community services.

Mix 97.1

7/22 - Bud, A 42-pound Pit Bull Mix At Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, Knows Sit, Lie Down, And Paw

A curly-tailed Pit Bull mix named Bud has been at Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter for nearly two weeks after his family had to leave him behind when they moved.

Mix 97.1

7/15 - A Shy Pit Mix Named Earl Is Still Waiting At Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter After 30-plus Days

Earl came to Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter after his previous owner passed away. The shy six-year-old Pit Mix has been waiting over a month while most dogs there are adopted in under a week.

Q2 News (KTVQ)
Improves Trust

7/12 - Dogs living in Billings trailer prompt community response as temperatures near triple digits

Concerns over a dozen large dogs living in a trailer parked in a Billings parking lot have resurfaced as temperatures approach triple digits this weekend, sparking a community-wide effort to help.

NonStop Local Billings

7/11 - Montana pet owners urged to protect animals from triple-digit heat

BILLINGS, Mont. — Veterinarians in Billings warned that pets can get sick quickly as temperatures climb well above 100 degrees this weekend.

NonStop Local Billings
Improves Trust

7/9 - Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter adds self-serve mircochip scanner for strays

Billings — The City of Billings and Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter are negotiating a contract that will decide whether the shelter keeps taking in stray animals for the city.

KBUL NEWS TALK 970AM & 103.3FM

7/8 - A Shy Rottweiler Named Pixie Has Been Waiting At YVAS Since Mid-June

Pixie arrived at Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter in Billings as a stray back in mid-June. The three-year-old Rottweiler mix was pretty withdrawn at first, but the shelter's WAGS program helped bring her out of her shell.

Q2 News (KTVQ)

7/8 - City of Billings looks for temporary animal shelter staff during contract negotiations

The City of Billings is looking for temporary animal shelter attendants and volunteers to staff the 1735 Monad Road facility.

Mix 97.1
Improves Trust

6/10 - Adopt Gunnar For Just $10 At Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter Before June 14

At Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, Gunnar the hound mix has been patiently waiting for a loving home since May; he's available for adoption at a reduced fee of $10.

Mix 97.1
Improves Trust

6/3 - Tattoos For Tails: Support Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter On June 7th

This week features Misha, a cheerful seven-year-old Pointer-Terrier mix at the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, along with details on the Tattoos for Tails fundraiser coming up soon.

KBUL NEWS TALK 970AM & 103.3FM
Improves Trust

5/27 - Adopt A Loving Companion Like Ann Chovie At Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

Meet Ann Chovie, a sweet two-year-old Red Heeler mix looking for a home at Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, where you can adopt any pet for just $10 this month.

Mix 97.1

5/13 - Meet Jewel Eyed Judy, A Spirited Husky Mix Waiting For A Forever Home In Billings

Jewel Eyed Judy, a sweet three-year-old Husky mix, is looking for a family at Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter. Her unique eyes and friendly personality make her a perfect companion.

Recent Videos

10/14 - Six puppies are still waiting for their forever homes! 🐾💚 These little ones have been growing big and strong in foster care, and now they’re ready to find families of their own! They’ve been waiting for days to meet their people, and we’d love to help them find their perfect match. From sweet and snuggly to playful little chompy monsters, there’s a personality for everyone! Could one of these pups be your new best friend? The adoption fee is $200, which includes their alteration, age-appropriate vaccination, and a microchip. And we’ll even send you home with a collar, leash, and ID tag to help your new best friend get started! 👉 Click the link below to learn more about the puppies and find your match! Then come meet your future furry family member! https://yvas.org/adopt/dogs/ A few important things to know: Adoptions are first come, first approved application. An application is required before meeting the puppies, so visit our website to print one ahead of time and get a head start!

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Visit Us At

5056 Jellison Rd, Billings, MT 59101

(406) 294-7387
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