City HallSaturday, November 7
Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter stops taking Billings strays as its contract fight grows
The Good Day Billings team
If you find a stray or lose a pet inside Billings city limits, call city animal control. Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter stopped taking in lost pets and strays from inside the city on Thursday, after nearly 18 years as the city's main shelter for them. City staff told the shelter Wednesday night that Billings plans to change providers, though any new contract still needs City Council approval.
The shelter's city contract unraveled over a year
- Nov. 2025A malfunction during a meth burn sickens YVAS staff and forces animals out.
- JanuaryYVAS moves to its Jellison Road location.
- JuneThe city's contract with YVAS expires.
- JulyCity Animal Control takes the Monad Road facility; YVAS goes month-to-month.
- Nov. 4City staff tell YVAS the city plans to pursue another provider.
- Nov. 5YVAS stops taking strays from inside city limits.
Sources: NonStop Local Billings, KTVQ
The shelter says it spent more than $120,000 over four months caring for those animals after the contract expired in June. "It was a heartbreaking decision to have to make," Executive Director Triniti Halverson said. Council member Andrew Lindley wrote on Facebook that YVAS' full-service bid was over budget, but he still believes the shelter is "the best partner for the city."
$120,000spent by YVAS on city strays over four months without city funding
The shelter kept taking Billings strays after the contract expired in June.
Sources: NonStop Local Billings, KTVQ
- Who to call: city animal control, for strays inside Billings
- Still served: Laurel and Yellowstone County outside Billings
- Council email: Council@BillingsMT.gov
- Next step: City Council must approve any new contract
Sources: NonStop Local Billings, KTVQ