Billings Council Will Consider Animal Sheltering Options

City officials plan to meet September 28 to determine a future path for regional animal care services.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Veterinary Medicine

Billings Council Will Consider Animal Sheltering Options

Live Poll

Should your city government be responsible for funding and operating local animal shelters?

Billings City Council members and the mayor will meet on September 28, 2026, to develop recommendations for the city's animal sheltering strategy. The council is evaluating next steps after previously rejecting two noncompliant proposals from potential partners.

Why it matters

The city is working to resolve sheltering gaps following the end of its contract with the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter in September 2025. Officials are seeking a viable solution after past proposals failed to meet requirements or budget expectations.

The city has proposed a five-year contract to secure animal care services. These terms include a 10% funding boost for the first year, followed by 5% annual increases for the remainder of the term.

The players

Billings City Council

This is the governing body for the city of Billings responsible for setting local policy and approving municipal contracts.

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

This organization formerly provided animal sheltering services for the city of Billings until their partnership concluded in 2025.

Mayo

As the Assistant Police Chief, Mayo provides operational insight into the costs associated with city-run animal control facilities.

The details

Assistant Police Chief Mayo noted that maintaining city-run facilities is expensive, prompting the city to seek an external partner. Current operations remain based at the Monad Road animal control facility while the council considers potential code changes to reassign responsibilities.

September 2025: The city and Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter ended their partnership.
September 28, 2026: A council group will meet to develop sheltering recommendations.

Culture Shift

The potential changes to the Billings municipal animal control ordinance reflect a broader trend in municipal governance regarding the privatization of local animal welfare services. This shift mirrors ongoing efforts by city governments to balance rising operational costs with the demand for essential public services.

Residents should monitor these meetings as the outcome will determine the long-term location and accessibility of animal control services. Current operations are centered at the Monad Road facility, which remains the primary site for local animal containment until a new plan is adopted.

The takeaway

The city remains in a transition period as it attempts to finalize a sustainable contract for animal services after multiple failed attempts. Residents should stay informed about potential shifts in how and where their community handles animal control and welfare.