Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Closed Thursdays
Saturday
11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Please make an appointment to surrender your cat or dog.
About IndyHumane
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about the Humane Society of Indianapolis
Our Vision
All Central Indiana animals are treated with dignity and respect and live free from cruelty, harm and neglect.
Our Mission
The Humane Society of Indianapolis is the leading voice for the welfare of animals and improving their quality of life. IndyHumane is the first choice in providing direct services for shelter cats and dogs, including adoption, foster home placement, behavior training, appropriate medical care, and affordable spay/neuter services. As the voice for the animals, IndyHumane brings together like-minded animal-focused individuals and groups to educate the public about animal welfare issues and concerns. For over 100 years, it’s all about the animals.
Our Values
- Compassion: We respect every animal that comes through our door as a valued life and make medically appropriate decisions in the best interest of the animals.
- Respect: We recognize the strong bond between humans and animals and are compassionate in the decisions we make and actions we take that impact that relationship.
- Collaboration: We work with other animal-focused individuals and groups to ensure that animals have a strong voice to advocate for their welfare.
- Integrity: We can be trusted to do what we say we will do. We tell the truth, even when it may be painful. We make decisions based on what we believe is the right thing to do for the animals, their owners and their prospective owners.
- Fiscal Responsibility: We are good stewards of the resources entrusted to us, including both financial and human resources.
A private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that receives no public or private government funding, the Humane Society of Indianapolis is unaffiliated with the Humane Society of the United States and is supported solely by contributions, grants, bequests, investments, and adoption and service fees.
What are your hours?
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Closed Thursday and Holidays
How many animals does the Humane Society of Indianapolis take in every day/year?
The number of animals we take in daily varies from season to season. During the spring and summer months (the canine and feline breeding seasons), we receive as many as 70 animals per day. The Humane Society cared for more than 5,500 animals in 2009.
How many animals does the Humane Society place in new homes?
In 2009, we helped 3,570 cats and dogs find homes through adoption, reuniting lost and found pets with their owners, and rescue transfers.
What do I need to do to adopt an animal?
Think about your lifestyle, and which type of animal makes the most sense for you.
- Visit our kennels and choose the animal that you would like to adopt. Please take a look at our color-coded kennel card system to ensure that you are choosing an animal that can be successful in your home.
- Can’t quite make up your mind? Need more time? A $20 non-refundable non-transferable deposit can be placed to hold an animal until the end of the next business day or until the end of the 4 day stray period. If the adoption is not completed, the deposit becomes a donation to IndyHumane. If the adoption goes through, the deposit is credited to the adoption fee. There are no “second” or “third” holds. Only one hold may be place on an animal.
- Bring the animal’s kennel card (located on the front of the kennel) to our adoption lobby.
- Fill out an adoption profile.
- Upon review of the adoption profile, the customer service staff will collect the adoption fees, and review with you any medical or behavioral information relevant to that animal.
- Every animal that is adopted from IndyHumane is microchipped & registered for their safety and your peace of mind. At this point, a staff member will bring the animal to the adoption lobby, and the microchip paperwork will be completed.
- Congratulations! You are now ready to go home with your new pet!
What are the adoption fees?
So often, adopters fall in love with the fuzzy kitten or playful puppy and pass over older pets awaiting a forever home. There are so many desirable and attractive qualities in a more mature pet that we encourage adopters to explore all of the possibilities. Adoption prices range from $75 to $150 depending on species, breed and age.
May I adopt a pet as a gift for someone else?
Adopting a pet is a personal, lifestyle decision, and all potential adopters are carefully counseled by our Adoption Counselors to ensure that the pet and adopter are a good match. If you’re considering adopting a pet as a gift, we recommend that you, instead, purchase an adoption gift certificate. Gift certificates are available at our Adoption Center. Our gift certificates may be redeemed by adopters for any of our adoptable pets ... plus, the certificates never expire!
How many animals can IndyHumane care for at once? At any given time, IndyHumane cares for hundreds of puppies, kittens, and adult dogs and cats. These animals include not only adoptable animals, but cats and dogs awaiting and recovering from medical treatment. We also have a network of over 200 foster families who care for animals with special medical or behavioral needs.
How long do animals typically stay at IndyHumane? In 2009, the average adopted animal’s length of stay was between two and three weeks. Puppies and kittens usually spend a short amount of time in the shelter, whereas older and/or bigger animals often have a more difficult time finding a forever home. Additionally, black dogs and cats often have a longer length of stay, and there are even other animal-welfare organizations devoted to finding these animals homes.
How long do you keep the animals before they are euthanized?
Our animals don’t have an expiration date - there is no predetermined time limit for how long an animal can remain on the adoption floor. We don’t put animals down for space - animals are only euthanized due to major medical
concerns or severe behavior
and aggression problems.
We use every resource
available to IndyHumane before having
to come to that very difficult decision.We’ve also been placing more and more animals with special needs into caring homes – we’ve recently adopted out animals being treated for heartworm, animals with poor eyesight or hearing, animals whose limbs were amputated after being hit by cars, and even a puppy attacked by another dog on the streets before she came to us. We also have a caring network of more than 100 dedicated foster homes who help us with animals who need the support of a loving home until they find their permanent family.
Do you provide owner-requested euthanasia? Do you offer cremation services?
The Humane Society of Indianapolis offers euthanasia and disposal services to the public, including cremation and memorial packages. Euthanasia is a $50 flat rate. Cremation and memorial package fees vary.
I found a pet. What should I do?
Take the animal to Animal Care & Control or make an appointment for surrender to IndyHumane at 317.872.5650 extension 126.
I can no longer keep my pet. Can I bring it to the Humane Society?
Refer to the resources and contact info on our Giving Up Your Pet information page before deciding to surrender your dog or cat to us. Upon arrival at Incoming Animals, each animal is evaluated for temperament and health. If determined adoptable, animals are vaccinated, groomed if needed and made available to the public. We always recommend that you consider all your options before surrendering your pet. Notify friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers that you need to find a new home for your pet. This type of networking can have very positive results. We cannot guarantee your animal will be adopted nor can we provide you with any information about the animal once it is in our care.
By surrendering your pet to us, you are relinquishing ownership of and responsibility for that pet to the Humane Society. Our goal is to place your pet in a loving lifetime home. Though we do not euthanize for space, pets that do not pass the mandatory health and temperament evaluation will not be placed for adoption.
Is there a charge to leave an animal with you?
No, but we will accept monetary donations or pet supplies you no longer need.
I’m having difficulties with my pet. Can you help with behavior issues?
There are several ways we can help owners of dogs and cats with issues such as house training, scratching, excessive barking and other common challenges. For help, call the Behavior Hotline at 317.876.2173, or register for our Canine Training School obedience classes, 317.872.5650 ext. 105.
My animal is sick. Can I bring it to you for treatment?
We only treat animals that have been surrendered to us. We are unable to provide medical care to privately owned animals. Contact a veterinarian for care and treatment of your pet; check out the Emergency Vet Care page for 24-hour vets and others providing emergency services to cats and dogs.
Where can I get low-cost vet care or have my animal spayed/neutered?
We suggest you contact veterinarians in your area to schedule regular visits in order to maintain your pet’s health. For low cost spay/neuter information contact: Spay/Neuter Services of Indiana at 317.767.7771 or F.A.C.E. at 317.638.3223. We have a low-cost vaccine clinic and are developing a low-cost spay/neuter; sign up for our e-newsletter for updates on when services will be available.
Do you have special pet pricing for senior citizens, the handicapped, or disabled?
Seniors receive a discount of $50.00 off of regular adoption fees.
What is IndyHumane’s budget?
IndyHumane has a balanced budget of $2.8 million. Income comes from private donors, corporate donations, adoption fees, and other goods & services such as retail items, Canine Training School obedience classes, and Pet Park passes.
What other services do you offer?
IndyHumane’s Pet Park offers a safe, fenced area, canine agility course, wooded trails, and was voted one of the top 10 pet parks in the nation by members of HelpingAnimals.com.
Our retail store in the IndyHumane adoption lobby offers leashes, collars, tags, food, toys, treats, crates, bowls, and more for your furry friend.
The Canine Training School is a great place for you and your doggy friend to learn some obedience and tricks based on your dog’s abilities.
Low-cost microchippingis a safe, effective and permanent way of identifying your animal. For only $20, you can have your pet microchipped and registered, so if your pet is recovered after being lost or stolen, vets and shelters across the country can identify them and contact you.
How can I help?
Volunteer– There are many, many ways in which you can volunteer your time, skills, and enthusiasm for the animals! You can walk dogs, help with obedience, keep the animals healthy, or even use your specific abilities for special projects – there are opportunities to help for everyone!
Foster– Want to help but don’t necessarily have the money? We’ll take care of the animal’s health, toy and food costs – all you need to do is be willing to keep an animal in your home, give it TLC, and bring it to us for regular appointments until it can be placed for adoption.
Donate– You can donate money online, donate goods to the shelter, honor loved ones with memorials and statue tags, offer planned gifts, corporate sponsorships, and more. We even have a wish list of needed items on our website.
Spay/neuter – Please have your animals spayed or neutered to prevent more animals from filling shelters nationwide.
Adopt, don’t shop! Many pet stores get their dogs from puppy mills. Only 20% of pet dogs and cats are adopted, yet millions fill shelters every year, and many of those are euthanized.
