Billings Animal Shelter Fallout: Cleanup Nears End as City Eyes New Agreement

The City of Billings has shared a new update about its ongoing relationship with the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter (YVAS), the cleanup progress at the city’s Animal Control facility, and what’s next for animal services in the community.

City Says Animal Control Cleanup Nearly Done, No Major Contamination Found

The city brought in a certified cleanup company to handle remediation in the facility’s incinerator room under a plan approved by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The DEQ report didn’t find any other part of the building that needed methamphetamine cleanup.

Northern Industrial Hygiene (NIH) performed re-testing last week, and the city expects to receive its DEQ Certificate of Fitness by early November. While NIH did suggest cleaning the whole building and HVAC system for possible smoke damage, they admitted this was based more on statements from shelter staff than on testing. To be thorough, the city is getting independent estimates for additional testing before deciding whether further cleaning is needed.

READ MORE:  Billings Animal Shelter Staff Hospitalized After Drug Disposal Mishap

City Pays Initial Cleanup Costs but Wants More Details Before Spending More

So far, the city has reimbursed YVAS just over $51,000 for the initial cleaning and testing. But before covering any additional costs, city officials say they must confirm that invoices are reasonable and directly connected to city obligations.

The city also paid $6,621 to Right Now Cleaning, another certified cleanup company, to finish the incinerator room work following DEQ’s approved plan. YVAS had separately hired Newman Restoration to clean its own property but hasn’t yet shared a total cost estimate or detailed scope of that work.

City and Animal Shelter May Reunite Under Short-Term Agreement

The City of Billings and YVAS had an agreement in place through January 2026, covering both the lease and animal services. However, YVAS has said it considers that contract terminated and doesn’t plan to return to the facility.

That said, the shelter’s attorneys recently reached out to the city about possibly creating a short-term agreement to continue services through the end of this year. The city responded positively, saying it’s open to the idea and is waiting to receive a draft proposal from YVAS.

City Opens Search for New Animal Services Partner

To make sure animal control operations continue smoothly, the city has opened a Request for Proposals (RFP) for animal services. Interested organizations have until December 5, 2025, to submit their plans.

Importantly, leasing the Animal Control facility isn’t required to apply, the city separated the lease and service agreements, a move that’s been in discussion with YVAS for more than a year.

City Stresses Cooperation and Continuity in Animal Control Services

The city says its top priority is to maintain uninterrupted animal control services for residents. Communication between city animal control staff and YVAS has remained cooperative, and most logistical issues have been worked out. The only topic off-limits for now is anything tied directly to the September 10 incident that sparked this situation.

City Moves to Rebuild Trust With Shelter Over Drug Disposal Concerns

If YVAS decides to return to the facility, the city has agreed it will stop using the incinerator for drug disposal, one of the issues that initially caused tension. Officials say they’re also working with the Montana Attorney General’s Office to update the statewide Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that governs how law enforcement handles drug disposal.

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City Reaffirms Commitment to Openness and Quality Animal Care

The City of Billings says it remains committed to transparency, public safety, and high-quality animal services for the community.