Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter recognizes that many older adults are on fixed incomes and in some cases, may have a hard time providing their pets with veterinary care or basic supplies. YVAS’s PALS Program, short for Pets Are Loving Support, realizes the need for older adults to have a companion animal that can help provide a healthy outlook on life and positively impact one’s emotional health. PALS provides low-cost veterinary services, pet care, and supplies to help support elderly owners (65 years of age or older) and keep loved pets in their homes.
PALS Program
Services Offered through the PALS Program:
- Wellness exams
- Vaccinations
- Spays/neuters
- Dentals
- Grooming
- Transportation to/from grooming or veterinary appointments
- Pet food & supply delivery
- Safety-net foster care (temporary pet placement)
- End-of-life services (euthanasia)
PALS does not cover the entire expense of owning and caring for a pet. The program does not cover all prescription medications, emergencies, x-rays, and examinations other than annual wellness exams. Clients are responsible for a $20.00 per animal co-pay.
All applicants will receive a response within 72 hours of completing the form below.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I enroll in this program?
Pet owners must be at least 65 years of age or older in order to qualify for the PALS Program. Applicants must fill out a general inquiry form by using the button above or by clicking here.
What is "safety-net" fostering?
Safety-net fostering is the short-term fostering/housing of owned pets whose families are experiencing a temporary inability to provide care for them. This may be related to financial instability, hospitalization, etc. Through the PALS Program, Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter will help bridge that gap of care and provide temporary housing for these pets in one of our screened & vetted foster homes. Safety-net fostering maxes out at 90 days.
Pets placed in safety-net foster homes are not available for adoption. PALS’s goal is to reunite the pet and its family, so “foster failing” or adoption by the foster parent is not possible.
Where are other resources for senior citizens in our community?
- Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County
- 1505 Avenue D, 406-259-9666
- 935 Lake Elmo Drive, 406-606-1170
- Big Sky Senior Services
- 935 Lake Elmo Drive Ste. B, 406-259-3111
- Adult Protective Services
- 2121 Rosebud Drive Ste. D, 844-277-9300
How is the PALS Program funded?
PALS is made possible by private donations, grants, and support from our shelter parnters, such as UnitedHealthcare, who specifically allocated funds to make this program a reality for those in need in our community.
