INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Animal Care Services’ (IACS) shelter is once again at capacity and is asking for help in giving pets a forever home.
Shelter staff and volunteers have been doing their best to adopt out cats and dogs, but more and more continue to come in daily. Even with the current “Feline Frenzy” adoption special happening, a promotion which waives adoption fees and offers free cats and kittens, there is still overcrowding at the shelter. As a result, dogs’ quarters have been converted to make room for cats, creating space issues for dogs in the process. This August IACS took in more cats than we have any other month this year — 16 percent more than July and 14 percent more than in August of last year.
Although Animal Control Officers (ACOs) continue to respond to citizen calls and bring in strays no matter how many cats and dogs inhabit the shelter, IACS strongly encourages pet owners to reconsider surrendering their pets, if possible. IACS has placed a sign on the outside door leading to their intake room asking owners to hold on to their animals for as long as possible due to the overcrowding. IACS wants pet owners to be aware that there are numerous services available to help with pet ownership. Before owners decide to surrender their pets, they should speak with an IACS representative to learn of resources to help keep their pet a part of their home.
In addition to pet adoptions, IACS is improving the shelter operations and is getting ready to start construction in the lobby which will greatly help improve the quality of life for the cats in our care. However, before construction can begin space will need to be made for a safe work zone and that means getting cats adopted.
If thinking of adopting a cat or kitten, there is no better time to adopt than now. The “Feline Frenzy” adoption special runs through October 1st and waives all adoption costs for cats and kittens in the shelter. If interested in helping the shelter but unable to adopt, consider volunteering, fostering a cat or dog, or donating litter, canned pet food, cleaning supplies or any other item from the wish list. Monetary donations can be made online to the Friends Foundation or in person at the shelter, 2600 S. Harding St.
Shelter Adoption Hours are:
• Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Wednesday: Closed
Shelter Intake Hours are:
• Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For additional information on IACS foster, adoption and volunteer programs, please visit www.indy.gov/acs.