70 Volunteers Move Animal Shelter in Under an Hour

The parking lot was packed with horse trailers, utility trucks, and dozens of strangers ready to work. On a Saturday morning in Billings, Montana, an army of volunteers proved that community spirit is alive and well.

The Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter put out a simple call on social media asking for help with their move. Executive Director Triniti Halverson expected some support, but nothing like what arrived.

Seventy volunteers flooded the temporary shelter location, bringing muscle and equipment. Within an hour, they had moved supplies, food, kennels, and every single animal to the shelter's new building on Jellison Road.

"A group of people that don't even know each other just got together and got it done," said volunteer Pam Kaiser. "It was great."

The move marks a turning point for the shelter, which has faced months of upheaval. In September, a drug incinerator incident forced staff to abandon their longtime location. Safety concerns meant they couldn't return.

For four months, the shelter operated out of just 3,000 square feet of warehouse space. They had to limit animal intake, pause owner surrenders, and split veterinary services across different locations.

The new rental building offers nearly 9,000 square feet. For the first time in months, staff, animals, and veterinary care will all be under one roof.

"I am just so excited to get back to doing the high-quality care that we normally provide," Halverson said. The shelter can now resume full services and take in more animals in need.

The Ripple Effect

Alice Bouslaugh adopted a dog from the shelter last month, right in the middle of their crisis. The experience moved her so much that she showed up Saturday to help move.

"They've been super friendly through the whole adoption process, and I just want to give back in any way I can," she said. The incident that displaced the shelter actually motivated more people like Bouslaugh to get involved.

The shelter has signed a new six-month contract with the city to continue serving Billings. While this building is still temporary, it gives them breathing room to fundraise for a permanent facility planned for the city's south side.

The setbacks have delayed those plans, but Halverson remains focused on the positive. "The turnout from Billings with this whole situation has been amazing," Bouslaugh said. "I've never been more proud to be part of this community."