About Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

A shelter with obedience classes

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter (YVAS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit shelter at 5056 Jellison Rd in Billings. It was established in 2007, took over sheltering the city's companion animals in 2009, and describes itself as the largest shelter in Montana, taking in over 5,000 animals a year.

Training and behavior

The shelter's Learning Center offers Puppy and Beginner obedience classes in six-week increments, using positive reinforcement and proactive training methods. Registration is required, and upcoming classes are posted on its Special Events calendar. YVAS also partners with GoodPup, which offers one-on-one video training calls at home, and it keeps a list of other local training resources for owners.

Other programs

Beyond training, YVAS runs adoption, foster care, lost-and-found reunification, low-cost spay and neuter clinics, humane education and a Working Cat Program.

What to ask

Ask about upcoming class dates, class fees and whether a dog adopted from the shelter qualifies for any class benefits.