Bark Animal Shelter

2.9 (111)

4017 1st Ave S, Billings, MT 59101
(406) 208-2454

Claimed
Animal shelter

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

Write a Review

Paul Southwick

2024-04

Animals are so well cared for and Sandy is the most knowledgeable cat lady around!! Her daughter and granddaughter are so fun to work with everyone should volunteer here at least one Saturday a month!!!

Litha

2023-10

I used to volunteer here. Adopted a dog here named Torrie- she was the best dog I ever will have. The only reason I am not adopting all my animals here is because I moved out of state. The best rescue in Billings easily (if you’ve volunteered places, you know them) and I still recommend them 14 years later.

Brenden Neal

2024-01

The absolute worst customer service I've ever experienced in my life. These people should be ashamed of the way they treat paying customers trying to help help save a dog. A disgrace.

Nikki Carter

2023-05

I was bothered by this so much I have to share. I made my appointment to adopt a kitty, was rudely greeted at the door asking if I had an appointment, I go in to view the kitties and the lady tells me I will have to do so by myself because she is deathly allergic?? Mind you her desk is closest to the cats. I adopted a wonderful kitty which is why I am giving the second star because I love him so much. I took him back in for his first set of shots and this lady tells me to bring the kitty over so I ask if I am just going to hold him because remembering she said she was allergic… she says oh no dear I don’t want him to scratch you. She picks him right up, loves on him and gives him the shot…😦🤔 when she took him from me she goes over by her desk turns her back to me, hunches over with my kitty and gives him the shot 😡I peeked in to see if any kittens were left and ALL of the ones I had viewed two weeks prior were still there… I get making the process smother by doing appointments but if the objective is to find they animals homes rather than living in cages than let people view your animals. Also her desk is absolutely disgusting and I have never seen so many empty pop bottles/cans all around.FINALLY I had to reschedule my kitty to get fixed due to my grandmother starting hospice and us taking a trip to great falls. I received a phone call from this lady threatening to come take my kitty away because I had not gotten him neuter yet… Told me how sad it would be for my daughter to have gotten a kitty for her birthday and now it was going to be taken away… very thankful I got my kitty away from that place. Strangest and most uncomfortable experience for sure. Needless to say we will be going to a vet for the second set of shots 😉Be kind to your customers ♥️

C NR

2023-05

BARK is all about the animals and finding them a loving forever home. I got my dog from them 13 yrs ago. I have always had rescue dogs and my last one is the smartest and best dog I have ever had. Sandy has devoted her life to rescuing animals and does a great job despite never having enough volunteers, supplies or money. I will adopt again for sure!

Mema

2023-05

This place is all about the animals. If Sandy or crew have any doubts about the safety or quality of care an animal will receive you will walk out empty handed. Sandy doesn't really care if you like her. It is not about her. She does this for the love of animals. It has come at a great cost to her personally. It will be a sad day when she retires. Sad for the unwanted, abandoned, abused cats and dogs - not just of Billings or even Montana- she works for animals from all over the U.S of A. However, when the time comes, she can look back at all she has accomplished and know that she has mattered and has made a difference. Then maybe she can enjoy a full nights sleep - or two.

katie

2022-05

called and the lady who answered the phone is awful. this is no way to run a business. i couldn’t even finish my sentence. i called asking about an available dog before i could even set up a time she goes “well she’s probably going to be adopted out so i’d try somewhere else” i asked if her adoption was pending or if there was a list and she just said no?? so you just don’t want to deal with customers to the point where you won’t let your dogs be adopted… wow. i’m absolutely appalled to see someone as rude & careless as her working at a place with animals needing homes. based on other reviews, her behavior seems to be a regular occurrence. this is completely unacceptable. if i could put 0 stars i would. the other interaction i had with her a few years ago was no different, we walked in, not knowing you needed an appointment to visit. the first thing she said when we walked in the door was “do you have an appointment?” we said no, and all she said was “get out.”just nasty.

Carla

2023-05

Today is 6/17/2022 and I called this rescue trying to see what services they provide. I didn’t know it was primarily a dog rescue. The woman who answered the phone was so rude to me. I was asking a few questions as I’m new to Billings and she started using a rude tone of voice and asked me what is it I want and what is it I’m looking for. She assumed I was looking for a place to give up my cats and said she’s not taking any more animals. I said I’m not trying to give up my cats. She said she had to go as she had an appointment and hung up on me. I hadn’t read these reviews but after how she spoke to me I read every review and so many people used the word rude. I don’t know if she owns this rescue but she said people learn about her shelter through word of mouth. I wouldn’t recommend this lady to anyone ever.

Ashley Reese

2023-10

Rang the doorbell and the woman was standing in the window n ignored me. Then when I waved at her she ducked behind the wall till I started to walk away. I noticed she came back to the window n I waved again and she ducked back around the wall. Acted like she was on the phone with the cops.

Julie Bennett

2023-11

We have adopted two dogs and a cat from BARK. Great andoption experiences with all three and they are all amazing pets!

Susan Rand

2023-05

Today we went looking for a dog to join our family. People do not go or give to this facility. The women at the desk was extremely rude and the place was a disaster. It smelled so bad that you left feeling like you needed a bath. This women had no desire to show us anything she might have available. Please do not surrender or adopt an animal from Barks.

Matthew Marullo

2022-05

I’ve been volunteering here for the past week and it is a blessing for the animals they house. Most of the dogs are straight off the reservation, usually they roam and spend 24/7/365 outside. Some of them have never been inside a building until they end up at bark. There are currently 9 adult dogs and around 15 cats up for adoption. Some animals have been there for years. There is an adoption fee no more than $175 and that is for puppies with their shots and fixed. Adult dogs are $75 and cats $50.Please come down and adopt one they all have their shots and are spayed/neutered. Sandy is actually very nice as long as you are respectful. She sees the worst of people and their animals so please keep that in mind.

Ray Tracy

2021-05

Tried to visit over the weekend, but was promptly turned around as we didn't have an appointment. Woman was rude and place was hard to find. Honestly, I haven't had such a poor experience visiting a shelter...ever. Afterwards, I went to Help for Homeless and had a much better - dare I say "pleasant" experience. I'm still in shock of how rude the front desk woman was. Its too bad.

Aaron Holzer

2021-05

Lady behind the counter rudely turned us away because we had no appointment and wouldn't wear a mask. We just wanted to see the dogs and possibly give one a loving home but she was not pleasant to deal with and its a shame because I am seriously interested and would try to give the pup a great life.

Melissa Bodner

2019-05

I thought that the questionnaire form for adopting is a great idea and asks very important questions to help you know if you are ready and prepared to be responsible for an animal. My mom got a beautiful cat. We got to get her out and hold her and play with her first to make sure she was the one. They also gave us some food to start her on. Very helpful and great service to our community!!! Great job and keep up the great work!!!

Hope Evenson

2024-03

The best dog I have ever had came from here ❤️

McKenzie Jenkins

2018-05

We went into Bark and the lady was very rude and told us we needed to have an adult to see any of the dogs like we were 16 looking at dogs just for the fun of it. It also didn't look very clean and I feel bad for any of the animals in the building. No animal is going to get adopted with her at the front desk.

Liz Smith

2023-11

Wonderful place by Wonderful people. I you are looking for a healthy fur baby who has been well loved and taken care of this is the place

Explodin &Relodin

2022-05

Called to speak with them about rehoming a dog. Wasn't even allowed to finish my sentence before I was interupted by an extremely annoyed sounding woman who asked me "how much does the dog weigh?" I answered and only got the response of "we won't have any room for a dog like that for 3 months" and I said oh uhh ok then and she said goodbye and hung up. Tried calling back to ask if they have any resources but was sent to voicemail. Super rude woman

Jessi Anderson

2021-05

They really do care about their animals and the homes they are going to. My wife and I adopted this beautiful boy JB almost 2 weeks ago and couldn't be happier!

B Mac

2020-05

We got our puppy at bark! He was very healthy and well cared for. She asked us questions to make sure we were the right fit for him and were adopting for the right reason. The lady at the front desk has seen alot over the years and loves those animals so much! When I visit with my dog, she always remembers who he is and gives him a treat! Almost 5 yrs later!! She has such a big heart, sorry if you had a less than expected experience, but she just has seen alot and is trying to do the best she can for these animals! My husband and I had gone for help for homeless pets and were appalled by the conditions there. She might have some smells but given the story of some of the pets they help, its bound to happen at times.

Do Better

2022-05

If I could leave zero stars I would. After entering the building I was asked if I was vaccinated I refused to answer. I said I’m not comfortable telling you that. And will not. She said leave I said so you’re kicking me out because I refuse to disclose medical information You should be ashamed. Hoarding pets who need homes, because someone refused to answer a personal medical question. Forcing me to leave because I refused to answer about medical is discrimination.

Dezi Gacha

2023-05

Sandy and her volunteer staff are absolutely amazing!!!! Got a kitten from here. He is an adorable new member of our family

Kelly Hazen

2020-05

After reading the harsh comments, I wanted to make sure to do a review. I didnt find her rude at all. 1st off puppy pads by the door are because she has 2 blind , 1 of which is also deaf, older dogs there that aren't up for adoption. 2nd, she asks questions so that no bodys time is wasted and probably so the dogs aren't stressed by people coming in and out all day. Shes obviously familiar with the animals and will know if it's a good fit or not. Shes got some that are from a puppy mill that are scared to death of people. They are trying to get them comfortable. Also some that are already adopted but not quite ready to go to their new homes yet.

Jessica Ash

2021-05

This place is crazy hard to find. There was no parking available. The place was open but you weren't allowed into the building without an appointment which does not specify you needed one on their FB account since they don't have a website. (It does now) What I could tell from their FB account they seem like they are good people doing good work. I love the Casey Page's photograps of the animals, adorable. But It is impossible to get a response from anyone. It seems if you aren't friends of friends with the people who run you don't seem to matter. I've messaged her and asked about a couple of the pups on the page with no response.

Chrystal Lee

2019-05

The lady at the front was very rude. We were looking into adopting a cat. She asked if we would declaw the cat among other questions. I do not believe in declawing. Before I could answer she said” I don’t adopt to people like you” mind you I’m with my sister and her kids and my son” we were in shock and walked out. Ended up going to Helo for homeless pets and adopted a kitten, she’s now 3 years old and a very happy cat.

Eli Rice

2019-05

Someone really needs to get this place shut down. Dirty dog pads everywhere from what we even could see because we were underage and the lady at the front wouldn’t even let us look at the animals even with an adult with us. The first questions the lady asked were “what are your reasons for adopting?” followed by “do you live at home?” This lady should not own animals let alone a business for them

Lisa Unsworth

2021-05

This woman who runs this place, Brooke Nicole...is all that you have said. Like your daughter we are great with animals too. She is very condescending, mean. Years ago we went there and she handed us a 14 year old dog. She was gonna charge us $175.00 and claiming that's all she had. Lol. But we could see them in the back. We are like you. We treat our animals like royalty. Lol. We do. Also I have NO idea why she is still in business! Poop everywhere... floor was filthy. I could imagine her place... yuck!

Tom Day

2020-05

Last year on this date, I was not doing so well. I had to put down my best friend that was a golden retriever. I went in there and explained my situation and they were helpful. I adopted my puppy Maxine from there on that day. So thank you

Calvin Sissel

2020-05

I'm sure the facility is a wonderful place however after calling the front desk to get information on giving a pet up, the woman there was rude and short with me. She seemed to have zero patience for someone trying to gather resources on a first time surrendering of a pet.

Opening Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 12-6 PM
Wednesday 12-6 PM
Thursday 12-6 PM
Friday 12-6 PM
Saturday 12-4 PM
Sunday 12-4 PM

QR Code

Scan the QR code to leave a review.

Pet Stores in the USA

Discover an extensive listing of reputable pet stores offering their products and services across the country. Find dependable solutions for all your pet care needs with ease.

Broswe by Population

Broswe By States

Browse by Alphabet