Recap: Indiana Animal Welfare Conference
The 2025 Indiana Animal Welfare Conference was a record-breaking day! With 400+ attendees, 19 sessions, 3 separate tracks, and the one-and-only Scooter The Neutered Cat, it was a day full of networking, learning, and sharing ways to save lives!
Thank you to everyone who attended, and the sponsors that helped make it possible! All conference resources, photos, and presentations are now available on our website at www.IndianaAnimalConference.org.
Save the date! The 2026 Indiana Animal Welfare Conference is set for Saturday, April 18.
News Briefs
Skunk Rabies in Indiana
Skunk variant rabies was detected in southeastern Indiana for the first time in 20 years in 2024 (Clark & Washington County). Active surveillance techniques are currently being implemented to help state and local officials better understand the extent of rabies circulation amongst skunks.
You can learn more about protecting yourself and your animals form rabies on BOAH’s website.
Avian Flu & Cats: What You Need to Know
Avian influenza primarily affects poultry and wild birds, but has also spread to dairy cows. The virus can have deadly consequences to cats, and dog owners should also take precautions.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has a comprehensive guidance document for cat owners and caretakers.
If you have a backyard flock or captive pet birds with access to the outdoors, the AVMA provides guidance on best practices to keep your animals safe. This article also includes information regarding preventing dogs from becoming sick.
Visit the Indiana State Board of Animal Health’s website to stay informed: learn which counties are affected and report sick or dead birds.
Resources & Education
Keep it Humane (podcast)
Keep it Humane: The Podcast (formerly The Animal Control Report) covers topics in animal welfare, including sheltering, animal control, rescue, and community outreach.
Hosts Daniel Ettinger, Ashley Bishop, and Ashlee Bishop interview officers, shelter staff, and experts to highlight the challenges and successes in the field.
It’s a valuable resource for anyone working to improve animal welfare. Tune in and learn how others are helping people help animals. Find the podcast, here.
Facebook Group: SMART Animal Shelters
Animal shelters are often seen as a negative place. Using the SMART acronym is one step towards creating transparency amongst your staff and the community.
It is often implied that shelters indiscriminately kill unwanted pets. With SMART, that message changes to Saving More Animals Responsibly Together. Our focus is to create a safe and vibrant community where animal shelters can be seen as a resource and necessary function of the One Health model. Join the Group.
Animal Politics with Ed Bocks
Newsletter to share and discuss proven no-kill strategies for animal shelters and communities; and explore the intersection of animals and politics, covering topics such as animal welfare legislation, advocacy, and the political landscape surrounding animal issues. Read more.
Pet Friendly Partner Perks
Grant List for Indiana Shelters and Rescues
Pet Friendly Services maintains a list of grant opportunities for animal welfare organizations. Here are a few highlights of grant opportunities new to the list or closing soon:
- Hugs & Kisses Animal Fund – For all-volunteer groups. https://hugsandkissesanimalfund.org/grant-application/
- AKC Breed Rescue Grant – for breed-specific rescues https://akchumanefund.org/Forms
Each grant has different requirements, deadlines, and application processes, so please review the linked websites to determine which opportunities best fit your organization’s needs.
We know times are challenging, and requests for spay/neuter assistance are higher than ever. We hope this guide helps connect you with more funding opportunities to continue your lifesaving work.
Thank you for all that you do!
Reminder: Be Social With Us! Join our Partner Facebook Group
Join us! We’ve created a Facebook Group to help connect employees or key representatives of animal shelters, rescues, TNR Groups, veterinary professionals, and other members of the animal welfare community that are current partners with Pet Friendly Services of Indiana. Individual profiles and profiles of organizations are welcomed as members to the group and can contribute to meaningful conversations and receive important updates about animal welfare.
FREE Advertising: New and Improved Adoption Calendar!
Shelters and rescues can now reach more adopters with our public adoption event calendar—a central hub for showcasing upcoming adoption events and specials across Indiana.
Whether you’re hosting a fee-reduced event, a breed-specific adoption day, or a senior pet showcase, this calendar makes it easier for pet lovers to find and attend your events. It’s completely free, so don’t miss this opportunity to boost visibility and help more pets find loving homes. Add your events today!
Help Spread the Word!
You can help by spreading the word about driving with the Pet Friendly Plate!
Without this lifesaving plate, our support of your programs wouldn’t be possible. The Pet Friendly Plate is a game changer for Indiana! It’s a shared resource for all of our shelters and rescues. The more plates we sell, the more lives we save!
Share this graphic! Right click and select “Save Image As” on your desktop, or tap the image and select “Save to Photos” on your phone – and then share it on social media to help more people learn about the Pet Friendly Plate!
Here’s a suggested caption:
“Save lives while you drive! Every Pet Friendly Plate helps fund spay/neuter programs that save lives across Indiana. Our organization receives support from Pet Friendly Services and this specialty plate. You’re TRULY making a difference when you drive with the Pet Friendly Plate! Learn about how to get yours at www.PetFriendlyPlate.org”
Our Contact Information
Pet Friendly Services of Indiana
1100 W 42nd Street, Suite 205
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317-767-7771
http://PetFriendlyServices.org
