Dear Pet Friendly Supporter:
Spring is here, and with it comes one of the most critical times of year for animal welfare. Shelters are already seeing an increase in litters, and without spay and neuter, those numbers will continue to grow. This is when prevention matters most. Every surgery now helps reduce suffering, overcrowding, and the number of animals in need later this year.
In this update, you’ll see the impact of your support in action, including a recent veterinary training that is expanding access to care, a simple way you can help reunite lost cats with their families, and a look ahead at the Indiana Animal Welfare Conference just weeks away.
Thank you for being part of this work. Because of you, we are not just responding to the problem. We are stopping it before it starts
Expanding Access Through Training: A Successful Wet Lab for Dogs
On March 22, Pet Friendly Services of Indiana—in partnership with United Spay Alliance—hosted our first-ever canine spay/neuter surgical training lab at Elkhart Humane Society, and it was a tremendous success.
Six veterinarians were trained alongside two expert teaching veterinarians. As the day progressed, their confidence and efficiency grew quickly—so much so that by lunchtime, they had nearly completed all scheduled surgeries. To maximize the opportunity, our team coordinated with a nearby rescue to bring in a litter of five 9-week-old puppies in need of surgery. The veterinarians welcomed the chance to practice pediatric spay/neuter, helping those puppies reach their adoptive homes even sooner. Three additional cats were included at the end of the day for further hands-on experience.
In total, 34 animals from local shelters and rescues were spayed or neutered, with each veterinarian performing approximately five surgeries.
But the impact of this training goes far beyond a single day.
Across Indiana—and nationwide—communities are facing a critical shortage of veterinarians. Even when funding exists to make spay/neuter affordable, long waitlists and limited appointment availability delay care. The result is unplanned litters and increased strain on already overcrowded shelters.
By equipping veterinarians with high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter skills, we increase how many animals each veterinarian can serve. One trained veterinarian can go on to spay or neuter hundreds—if not thousands—of animals over time.
In just one day, average confidence in canine spay rose from 2.6 to 4.1, and neuter from 3.5 to 4.4. As one participant shared, “I feel confident doing spays now—even at high speed!”
This is how we address the root of pet overpopulation—by expanding both access and expertise.
We are excited to continue this work in 2026, with two additional training opportunities planned: a feline lab on June 27 in Evansville and a second canine lab on October 11 in Lafayette.
Fixed Pet Feature: Lava
I wanted to thank you again for helping get Lava spayed. We had our appointment today at the Low Cost Veterinary Clinic in Noblesville. You can tell the Vet Tech is very good at her job!
– Pet owner receiving financial assistance
When you support Pet Friendly Services, you’re helping dogs like Lava stay happy, healthy, and with the people who love them.
Is This Someone’s Cat? A Simple Way to Help
A friendly cat shows up… now what?
Before assuming they’re a stray, try a simple step. Use a paper collar with your contact information to see if the cat has an owner or caretaker. Place it loosely around their neck and wait for a response.
It’s quick, easy, and can prevent a loved pet from being taken away from home. Sometimes, that “stray” already belongs to someone. You can be their hero!
Is it time to update your will?
Your compassion has already touched so many animals. And it can continue long into the future.By including Pet Friendly Services of Indiana in your estate plans through our legacy society, Pet Friendly Forever, you ensure that:
- pets are spayed and neutered before they can reproduce unwanted litters
- shelters are less crowded and less overwhelmed
- families with limited means can keep the animals they love
With a legacy gift, you help this life-saving work continue for generations. There is no minimum amount and no complicated process. Many supporters simply include a small percentage in their will, retirement plan, or life insurance beneficiary designation.
Registration for the Indiana Animal Welfare Conference is open now – and filling fast!
We invite everyone to join us, from seasoned professionals and volunteers to those brand new to animal welfare.
This year’s conference features three separate learning tracks:
1. Shelter/Rescue Operations,
2. Leadership & Strategic Planning
3. Veterinary/Shelter Medicine (Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians can earn up to 5 CEs!)
There is also a Friday night networking reception featuring the first-ever ‘Pawflix’ Awards! It’s a wonderful chance to connect with others who share your passion for animals.
Where We’ll Be Next!
Midwest Meow Fest
Crate Escapes Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4, 11:00 AM
Crate Escapes, Westfield, IN
Get ready for one of the egg-citing events of the year at Crate Escapes! Dogs will sniff, search, and hunt for hundreds of Easter eggs filled with treats, surprises, and even a few Golden Eggs with special prizes.
Fix ‘Em 5K
Saturday, May 9, 8:00 AM
Ashland Park, Clarksville, IN
Dogs welcome! Join us to walk, run, or roll 5K to support spay/neuter! Registration includes a mesh running cap, pet bandana, and post race snacks. Get moving and help Indiana’s cats and dogs.
Tails & Ales
Thursday, May 21, 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Broad Ripple Brewpub, Indianapolis, IN
Tails & Ales returns to Broad Ripple Brewpub! This event is free to attend provides small animal rescues the opportunity to introduce themselves and some of their adoptable animals. Stop by the Brewpub, grab a beverage, and meet a new furry best friend!
Got… Cats?
Surgeries are $100 OR LESS, with financial assistance available at every clinic. Clinics with a * have extra assistance thanks to Scooter the Neutered Cat. Do you have a kitten at home? Kittens can have kittens! Remember to “Fix By Five” months of age to ensure there are no accidental litters!
Clinics out fast! If you or someone you know have a cat at home, there’s no better time than the present to make an appointment!
The Pet Friendly Plate is more than an accessory for your car.
It saves lives.
Every plate sold provides $25 directly to Pet Friendly Services, and 100% goes to spay/neuter surgeries. No overhead. Just lifesaving care that prevents suffering before it starts.
We frequently meet people who are shocked to learn they could be saving lives every time they drive. The Pet Friendly plate shows more than love for our own pets: it shows a deep commitment to Indiana animal welfare.
Do you already have a plate? Tell someone else about it.
The link below has quick and easy graphics and captions to share on social media, as well as a link to request a free marketing kit to help spread the word! We have post cards, brochures, and business-sized cards available
Our Contact Information
Pet Friendly Services of Indiana
1100 W 42nd Street, Suite 205
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317-767-7771
http://PetFriendlyServices.org
