Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter recognizes that many older adults and veterans 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 importance for people 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 senior citizens (65 years of age or older) and U.S. Military Veterans in order to keep loved pets in their homes.
PALS Program
Services Offered through the PALS Program:
- Wellness exams
- Sick calls (as availability allows)
- Vaccinations
- Spays/neuters
- Microchipping
- Dentals
- Pet food & supply delivery
- ID tags & collars
- 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 $25.00 per animal co-pay.
YVAS is not accepting applications for new PALS participants at this time. Please keep an eye out for future openings.
Please see below for a list of veterinary clinics in Billings if immediate care is needed:
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I enroll in this program?
Pet owners must be at least 65 years of age or older OR be a U.S. Military Veteran in order to qualify for the PALS Program. YVAS is currently not accepting new program applications. Please keep an eye out for future openings.
What wellness services are covered by the PALS Program?
The PALS Program provides wellness and preventive care for homebound and low-income seniors and veterans. Wellness services offered include but are not limited to physical exams, vaccines, dental care, and medical necessary grooming.
What services are not included in the PALS Program?
Examples of services that are NOT available through the PALS Program are management for long-term chronic or terminal issues (i.e. heart failure, skin allergies, hyperthyroidism, renal disease), regular grooming services that are not medically necessary, bloodwork, advanced imaging, long-term prescription refills that require monitoring. If it is deemed that these services that are not offered are needed through the physical exam, that will be communicated by the medical team and the pet will be referred to a veterinarian in the community that can provide these services.
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.
