Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption 2026

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Verified Billings Shelter Guide

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption, Hours, Lost Pets, Reclaim & Map 2026

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter in Billings, Montana helps with adoption, lost and found pets, foster care, volunteering, shelter resources and impounded animals. Use this guide to find the official address, phone number, hours, adoption steps, lost-pet plan, animal-control routing, video help and map.

Adoption Info Call 406-294-7387 Map & Directions
Official shelter Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter
Address 5056 Jellison Rd, Billings, MT 59101
Phone 406-294-7387

Quick Answer: What should you do first?

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter is located at 5056 Jellison Rd in Billings, Montana. The shelter lists its phone number as 406-294-7387. For adoption, start with the official YVAS adoption page and application. For lost pets, check the shelter in person when needed, because only you can truly identify your pet.

Most important timing note: YVAS says adoptions and meet-and-greets end one hour before close each day. If you want to adopt or meet a dog, do not arrive near closing time.

Choose what you need today

Pick the task that matches your reason for searching. This page is built to solve the urgent visitor intent first.

Adopt a pet Application, meet-and-greet, hold rules and paperwork. Lost my pet Lost report, in-person search and 72-hour hold notes. Found a pet Report safely and avoid quick rehoming mistakes. Animal control Billings vs county animal-control routing. Reclaim a pet Proof, shelter checks and what to ask before pickup. Watch video Official shelter context before adopting or fostering. Volunteer/foster Support, supplies, foster care and donations. Map and visit Address, hours and arrival planning.

Verified Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter facts

Official nameYellowstone Valley Animal Shelter
Common search nameYellowstone Valley Animal Shelter
Location5056 Jellison Rd, Billings, MT 59101
Phone406-294-7387
Mailing addressPO Box 20920, Billings, MT 59104
Official websiteyvas.org
Mon–Tue / Thu–Fri12 PM–7 PM
WednesdayClosed
Saturday–Sunday12 PM–5 PM
Source verification note: animal availability, special adoption events, temporary relocation details, fee promotions, foster needs and hours can change. Confirm on the official YVAS website or by phone before driving.

Video Guide: Official Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter overview

For users researching Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter before adoption, fostering, volunteering or donating, a video can help show the shelter’s mission and community role. The official YVAS YouTube channel is linked on the shelter website. Use the video below as visual context, then use the official pages for current applications, hours and animal availability.

How to use this video: watch for shelter context, then check the official adoption, lost-and-found, volunteer and foster pages. A video helps you understand the organization, but it does not replace current shelter rules, hours, pet availability or animal-control instructions.

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter adoption process

YVAS explains that the first step to adopting any animal is a simple application. You can fill out an application ahead of time or complete one in person at the shelter. The application helps staff understand your home, lifestyle and what kind of pet will be the best match.

The shelter also says it has meet-and-greet yards where everyone can be introduced in a neutral space. Family meetings are strongly encouraged, especially when the new pet will live with multiple people or other animals. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and adoption paperwork takes about 30 minutes after approval.

Check adoptable pets first.
Use the official YVAS adopt pages for dogs, cats, other animals and working cats. Petfinder can help, but the official shelter site should be your final source.
Complete an adoption application.
Fill out the application ahead of time if possible. It helps staff match your household with a realistic pet fit.
Discuss your household honestly.
Be clear about children, other pets, work schedule, rental rules, fencing, experience level and any behavior limits you cannot manage.
Plan meet-and-greet time.
YVAS stops meet-and-greets and adoptions one hour before close, so arrive earlier than the final posted hour.
Bring what you need.
Bring photo ID, adoption fees, landlord confirmation if you rent, a secure cat carrier or dog leash setup and enough time for paperwork.
Ask about adjustment.
Ask how the animal has behaved in the shelter, what medical notes exist, and what the first week at home should look like.
Official Adoption Page View Pets on Petfinder

Adoption hold rules, landlord checks and payment tips

YVAS dog adoption FAQ notes that adult animals may be placed on hold with an approved application and a nonrefundable $20 hold fee, which can be applied toward adoption if the adoption is completed. The shelter says it does not accept holds for puppies or kittens. If you rent, YVAS says you should verify your pet policy and may need landlord confirmation.

Adoption item What YVAS says / what to expect Best practical move
Application First step for any animal adoption. Fill it out before visiting if possible.
Meet-and-greet YVAS has on-site meet-and-greet yards. Arrive at least 90 minutes before closing when possible.
Holds Adult animals may be held with approved application and $20 hold fee. Ask whether the specific animal is eligible for a hold.
Puppy/kitten holds YVAS says it does not accept holds for puppies or kittens. Visit early and be prepared with application and ID.
Payment YVAS adoption page says cash or credit card only. Confirm current payment rules before arriving.
Renters Pet policy confirmation may be needed. Have landlord/property manager contact details ready.
Fee caution: YVAS may run temporary adoption promotions, and separate dog/cat price pages may update. If you need an exact adoption fee for a specific pet, confirm directly before visiting instead of relying on old social posts or screenshots.

Lost pet in Billings or Yellowstone County: first 24-hour plan

YVAS says stray animals picked up inside Billings city limits are brought to Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, and stray dogs picked up by Yellowstone County Animal Control or Laurel Police Department may also be brought to YVAS. If your pet is missing, you should file a lost report and check the shelter in person regularly.

Call or visit YVAS.
Use 406-294-7387 and check the shelter in person when possible. Photos and descriptions can be wrong.
File a lost pet report.
YVAS links to a Lost Pet Report through Petco Love. File the report even if your pet is not currently listed at the shelter.
Check lost cats, lost dogs and other animals.
Use YVAS lost-pet pages, but do not rely only on online photos. Shelter listings can lag behind intake.
Post locally.
Use lost/found pet groups, Craigslist lost/found sections, neighborhood platforms and local community pages.
Create flyers.
Post flyers near the last-known location, grocery stores, veterinary offices, pet supply stores and traffic intersections.
Update the microchip.
Use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup and contact your chip registry so your phone and email are current.
Do not wait. Yellowstone County Sheriff says county-impounded dogs are held for 72 hours or until owner pickup, and after 72 hours the dogs are placed up for adoption. Contact YVAS immediately if you believe your dog has been impounded.
Official Lost & Found AAHA Microchip Lookup

Found an animal near Billings: what to do before rehoming

A found animal may be a lost family pet. Do not assume the pet is abandoned because it is dirty, hungry, thin, scared or not wearing a collar. Use official lost-and-found and animal-control routes before keeping or rehoming the animal.

Report the found petUse YVAS found-animal guidance or call the shelter to ask the correct next step.
Scan for a microchipA shelter or vet clinic can often scan a found pet. A chip can reunite families quickly.
Use safe handlingIf the animal is aggressive, injured, sick, frightened or in traffic, contact animal control instead of risking injury.
Require proofIf someone claims the animal, ask for photos, vet records, license details or microchip confirmation.
Found-pet script: “Hi, I found a dog/cat near [street/intersection]. The animal is [description] and has [collar/no collar]. Should I file a found report, bring the pet in, or contact animal control first?”

Reclaiming an animal from Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

If you believe your pet is at YVAS, act quickly and bring proof. The shelter encourages owners to physically come in because many pets look alike, and the owner is often the only person who can truly identify the animal.

Bring photo IDUse a current government-issued ID when reclaiming.
Bring proof of ownershipPhotos, vet records, adoption papers, license records, microchip registration or rabies certificate can help.
Ask about feesImpound, boarding, licensing or reclaim fees may vary by city/county rules.
Check quicklyCounty-impounded dogs may have a 72-hour hold before adoption placement.

Yellowstone Valley animal control: Billings city vs Yellowstone County

Animal-control routing depends on where the issue happens. YVAS is the shelter resource, but animal-control field calls are handled by city or county authorities. Use the correct route for bites, cruelty concerns, dangerous animals, noisy animals, dogs at large, injured animals or loose wildlife.

Billings Animal Control406-657-8226
Billings non-emergency406-657-8200
Yellowstone County animal complaints406-657-8200
YCSO office questions406-256-2929
YVAS shelter questions406-294-7387
EmergencyCall 911 for immediate danger
Emergency routing: call 911 for life-threatening danger, active attacks, in-progress cruelty or immediate public-safety risk. Use non-emergency lines for routine complaints, strays, noisy animals or non-urgent concerns.
Billings Animal Control County Animal Control

Surrender, rehoming and shelter diversion

YVAS offers resources such as shelter diversion, rehoming help, training and behavior resources, veterinary services and community support. If you are thinking about surrendering a pet, call first and ask what options exist before bringing the animal to the shelter.

Call before surrendering: do not leave an animal outside the building or assume same-day intake is available. Shelter capacity changes, and surrender may involve paperwork, appointments, fees or alternatives.
Prepare pet detailsAge, breed, sex, spay/neuter status, vaccines, medical conditions, behavior notes, bite history and reason for surrender.
Ask about alternativesTraining help, temporary foster, food support, rehoming tools or rescue partners may prevent surrender.
Be honestMedical and behavior details help shelter staff make safer placement decisions.
Understand finalityAsk whether surrender is final, whether updates are available and what rights you give up.
Shelter Diversion Rehome a Pet

Volunteer, foster, donate and support YVAS

YVAS highlights foster care, volunteering, donation and other support options. Foster homes help animals decompress, recover, grow or wait outside the shelter environment. Volunteers and donors help with daily animal care and community programs.

FosterYVAS says it provides supplies, medical care and support; foster homes provide the love.
VolunteerAsk about orientation, age rules, roles, training and current needs.
DonateUse official donation and item-donation pages. Confirm before dropping off large or unusual supplies.
Support eventsCheck YVAS events and happenings for current adoption or fundraising activity.
Volunteer Info Foster Info

Call scripts for faster help

A clear script helps shelter staff or animal-control dispatch route your issue faster.

Adoption: “Hi, I’m interested in adopting [pet name/type] from Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter. I submitted or want to submit an application. Is the pet still available, and what should I bring?”

Lost pet: “Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [location]. The pet is [description], may have [microchip/collar], and I can send photos. Has a matching pet been brought in?”

Found pet: “Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [street/intersection]. Should I file a found report, bring the pet in, or contact animal control first?”

Animal control: “Hi, I need to report [bite/cruelty concern/dangerous animal/noisy animal/animal at large]. The location is [address/intersection]. Is this handled by city or county animal control?”

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter map and visit planning

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter lists its physical address as 5056 Jellison Rd, Billings, MT 59101. Before leaving, check current hours, pet availability, special events and whether adoptions or meet-and-greets are still being accepted that day.

Before you drive: bring photo ID, adoption application details, landlord confirmation if renting, a secure cat carrier, a dog leash setup, proof of ownership for reclaim and enough time to finish before adoptions and meet-and-greets stop.

Official Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter links

Main websiteYellowstone Valley Animal Shelter
AdoptOfficial adoption page
DogsAdoptable dogs
CatsAdoptable cats
Lost and foundLost/found pets
ReclaimReclaiming an animal
Billings Animal ControlCity animal control
Yellowstone County Animal ControlCounty animal control

Common mistakes to avoid

Arriving too lateAdoptions and meet-and-greets end one hour before close.
Skipping the applicationApplication details help staff suggest the right match for your home.
Waiting on a lost petFile a lost report, check physically, post locally and update microchip records quickly.
Calling the wrong agencyUse YVAS for shelter questions, Billings Animal Control for city calls and YCSO non-emergency for county animal complaints.
Not checking rental rulesRenters should confirm pet policy before applying.
Using old fee screenshotsAdoption prices and promotions can change. Confirm current fees with YVAS.

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter FAQs

The listed phone number for Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter is 406-294-7387.

YVAS lists its physical address as 5056 Jellison Rd, Billings, Montana 59101.

YVAS lists hours as Monday–Tuesday and Thursday–Friday from 12 PM to 7 PM, Wednesday closed, and Saturday–Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM. Adoptions and meet-and-greets end one hour before close.

Start with an adoption application online or in person. Staff use the application to understand your home and help match you with the right pet. Bring photo ID, adoption fees and any rental approval details if needed.

YVAS dog FAQ says adult animals can be placed on hold with an approved application and a $20 nonrefundable hold fee, which can apply toward adoption if completed. Puppies and kittens are not eligible for holds.

File a lost report, check YVAS in person, check online lost-dog and lost-cat listings, post in local lost/found groups, create flyers and update your microchip registry.

Yellowstone County Sheriff says county-impounded dogs are held for 72 hours or until owner pickup. After 72 hours, the dogs are placed up for adoption.

Billings Animal Control handles animal-control services in the city. The listed Billings Animal Control phone number is 406-657-8226, and Billings non-emergency is 406-657-8200.

For county animal complaints, injured animals, stray or at-large dogs and livestock, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Animal Control page directs users to the YCSO non-emergency line at 406-657-8200.

Yes. YVAS links to foster and volunteer pages and says foster homes provide love while the shelter provides supplies, medical care and support.

No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent directory guide. The official Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter website is yvas.org.

Emergency routing and independent-site disclaimer

Life-threatening or in-progress cruelty: call 911. Pet poisoning: call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435; a fee may apply. Crisis for the handler or owner: call or text 988. For urgent wildlife or emergency animal help, use Animal Help Now or a qualified emergency veterinarian.

Animal-Shelter.org is an independent animal shelter and animal control directory. We are not Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, not animal control, not an emergency dispatcher, not a shelter, not a humane society, not an SPCA, not a veterinarian, not a wildlife rehabilitator, not a microchip registry, not a pet poison hotline, not police, and not an attorney. Always confirm current hours, fees, policies, animal availability, emergency instructions and animal-control routing with the official organization or public agency.

Final summary

For Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, use 406-294-7387 for shelter questions and visit the official YVAS pages before driving. For animal-control calls, use the proper city or county route. If your dog may have been impounded by Yellowstone County, contact YVAS immediately because county-impounded dogs may move to adoption after the 72-hour hold.

USA-wide shelter helper • adoption, lost pets, found pets, surrender and animal control

Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper

Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.

Lost Pet PlanSearch, microchip, shelter checks, flyers
Found Pet HelpSafety, scanning, reporting, holding
Adoption PlannerReadiness, questions, supplies, budget
Visit ChecklistDocuments, call script, official links

Build a USA-wide shelter action plan

Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.

Important: Shelter rules vary by city, county, agency, and animal type. Always confirm hours, intake rules, fees, appointment requirements, and proof-of-ownership rules with the official shelter or animal control agency before visiting.

Lost pet recovery checklist

Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.

0% completed

Found pet safety decision helper

Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.

Safety first: Do not approach an aggressive, injured, trapped, or traffic-endangered animal if doing so could put you or others at risk. Contact animal control, emergency services, or a qualified professional when needed.

Adoption readiness checker

This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.

0% readiness signals checked

Pet reclaim document checklist

If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.

Owner surrender preparation helper

Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.

Helpful reminder: Ask the shelter about pet food pantries, low-cost vet care, behavior support, temporary foster options, and safe rehoming resources before making a final decision.

Animal control contact decision helper

Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.

Emergency warning: If there is immediate danger to a person, a serious bite, traffic hazard, or active attack, contact local emergency services or animal control according to local rules.

Adoption and first-month budget planner

This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.

Your generated shelter plan

Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.

Start with the Planner tab

Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.

USA-wide Shelter user intent Official-source focused

Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.

Independent shelter-help tool. Not affiliated with any animal shelter, humane society, rescue, animal control agency, city, county, state agency, veterinarian, or microchip company. Always confirm current rules, hours, fees, and requirements directly with the official organization.