Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter overwhelmed by community generosity following emergency relocation
In challenging moments, the strength of a community becomes clear. Following Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter’s emergency relocation in September, that strength was on full display.
“When our shelter was forced to relocate with little notice, we had to rely on our community in a way we never had before,” said Triniti Halverson, Executive Director of Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter. “What we experienced was an outpouring of generosity, creativity, and problem-solving that carried us through one of the most difficult chapters in our organization’s history.”
After evacuating the Monad facility, YVAS staff and volunteers worked quickly to relocate animals, equipment, and essential supplies. Volunteers stepped in to move heavy items, while Lionheart Cannabis offered temporary space at no cost for as long as the shelter needed it.
Local veterinary partners including Trailhead Veterinary Clinic and Moore Lane Veterinary Clinic provided care for sick and rehabilitating animals while the shelter lacked access to its own medical spaces. Community members donated critical medical supplies, and animal welfare partners across Montana, from Hamilton to Livingston, welcomed animals to relieve capacity constraints.
As new challenges arose, solutions followed. Newman Restoration arrived the night of the evacuation to assist with mitigation efforts. Spin Fresh provided free laundry services when shelter facilities were inaccessible. Northern Elevation Technology responded immediately to IT needs. Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter in Bozeman took in and cared for thirteen sick kittens, while PetSmart provided space for adoptable animals.
In total, more than 36 Billings businesses, nonprofits, and organizations stepped forward through adoption events, donation drives, giving trees, meeting space, and countless acts of support. Dozens of individuals also contributed time, labor, and financial resources to help keep animals safe and services operating.
While Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter continues its search for a permanent home, one thing is certain.
“This experience has reinforced what we already believed,” Halverson said. “It truly takes a village to care for animals, and Billings has shown up as that village in every possible way. We are incredibly grateful to call this community home.”
Here we have a list of all of the incredible places that assisted YVAS:
Lionheart Cannabis
Newman Restoration
Trailhead Vet
Pet Passages
Langlas & Associates
Big Sky Coffee Roasters
North Elevation Technology
Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter
Moore Lane Vet
Kennel Quilts
Spin Fresh on Grand Ave
Billings Public Library
Lewis and Clark Humane Society
Stafford Animal Shelter
Dr. Albright
The Dog House
Help for Homeless Pets
Phillips Pet Food & Supplies
Bark Park
Fuel
Skyline Espresso
Dee-O-Gee
Western Security Bank
The Bike Shop
Canyon Creek Brewing
Friendship Vet Center
Scheels
Shiptons
Shiloh Vet
Skyview Vet
Best Friends Animal Hospital
Clarity Animal Hospital
Vet-To-Go
