Help Give Comfort to Animals Impacted at Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

How are the animals doing? That’s the question everyone keeps asking, and it’s the one the staff at Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter has been working around the clock to answer. When an emergency forced them to move every single animal out of the building late Wednesday night, it was an all hands on deck situation. Seventy five animals suddenly needed safety, comfort, and care, and the staff and volunteers made sure they got it.

Quick Action Protects Pets During Smoke Emergency

On Wednesday, September 10, what should have been an ordinary day turned into chaos when an incinerator used for drug disposal at the shelter malfunctioned. During a scheduled burn, confiscated narcotics like meth were being destroyed in the machine when a pressure issue pushed smoke back into the building instead of out. In an instant, the shelter wasn’t just filled with staff and animals, it was filled with chemical fumes. Several employees became ill and had to be treated at local hospitals, but even through that sudden crisis, the team managed to safely evacuate every animal from the building.

READ MORE: Did You Know This Happens Inside Billings’ Animal Shelter?

From Chaos to Care: Finding Safe Spaces for Every Pet

That night, dogs were set up outside in shelter yards while staff figured out next steps. By the next day, many were moved into foster homes. Cats and kittens spent the night in wire kennels at the Learning Center, with most of them also heading to foster care soon after. It was a whirlwind of phone calls, transport, and quick decisions, all fueled by one goal: making sure no animal was left without care.

The Healing Journey Is Just Beginning

While it’s heartwarming to know so many animals are now soaking up love in foster homes, the truth is that the transition hasn’t been easy. Some cats and dogs are still struggling with stress and stomach issues. The feral cats, who aren’t suited for typical homes, remain in kennels until a safe outdoor solution is found. And the kittens being treated for ringworm, a group that already needed extra care, are now also battling upper respiratory infections. The staff is working tirelessly each day to help these animals feel secure again.

How You Can Show Up for the Animals

This is where the community comes in. If you’d like to help, supplies can be dropped off at Trailhead Veterinary Services, 1327 Central Avenue. Monetary donations can be made online at yvas.org, mailed to PO Box 20920, Billings, MT 59104, or sent via Venmo @yvas_mt. Every bit of support, whether it’s a bag of food, a few dollars, or a kind word, makes a difference right now.

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Your Kindness Is Carrying Them Through

The staff and volunteers want you to know how much your support means. They’ve been through one of the most challenging weeks imaginable, but they’re not facing it alone. Your kindness is helping them provide comfort to animals who have already been through so much. And at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about, standing together for the ones who can’t ask for help themselves.