Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter is committed to the humane treatment of animals. We are considered an “open door” shelter. This means that we will turn no animal away that is from the city of Billings regardless of health, temperament or age. Because we understand that all animals come to us under the care and compassion of someone, we also are committed to the people involved in the care and welfare of these animals.
YVAS is a tax-exempt non-profit that was founded in 2007, and YVAS assumed responsibility for the sheltering of city animals through a contract with the City of Billings on March 22, 2009. We are the only “open door” shelter within the city limits of Billings; we accept all companion animals, regardless of age, health or temperament. The community relies on us as a resource for adoptions, foster homes, veterinary care, and animal welfare advocacy. We consider the unique needs of all the animals in our care and work compassionately to prepare every safe, appropriately socialized pet for a wonderful new life.
Our Programs and Education
· Adoption and transfer program for dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, birds, bunnies, pocket pets and reptiles.
· Medical treatment program that provides surgeries, lab work, dental care, and treatment for disease to bring an animal to health for adoption.
· Community outreach programs including low-cost spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, training, and medical care. The goal is for beloved pets to stay in their homes with the folks who are committed to them rather than ending up in the shelter.
· Annabel Lee Canine Training and Enrichment Program: Answering the call of animals in crisis is a weekly challenge for staff at YVAS. This program helps keep animals happy and healthy during their stay at YVAS using volunteers, enrichment and training.
· Reuniting pets and owners: Whether you have lost a pet, found a pet or your pet has been picked up by billings animal control, YVAS is a resource and home for critters in a temporary situation or in transition.
· Foster care: Be a hero. Save a life! Fostering can be an excellent family project. It is an intense, short-term commitment. YVAS needs families or individuals who are willing to offer their home on a temporary basis to animals in need. Foster care is most frequently needed for kittens who are too young to be adopted.
· Dog and cat licensing: All companion animals are required to be licensed through the city of Billings. YAVS sells one year and three year licenses.
· Pet food assistance for those in need: YVAS receives more food donations than we can use; we give our excess food and other supplies to the public who are in financial distress.
· Humane education and birthday parties for the community: YVAS hosts child and adult groups for tours and educational talks at the shelter. YVAS also goes into the community to teach schools, businesses and organizations about what the shelter provides Billings and the surrounding areas and educates the public about animal welfare. YVAS also hosts birthday parties and events for youth.
· Cremation services: YVAS has partnered with Faithful Friends to offer a variety of cremation services for beloved pets who’ve crossed the rainbow bridge.
