Keeping It Civil: Compassion Matters — for Animals and People
From the Desk of Janet Showley, Development & Outreach Manager
In animal welfare, our work is deeply emotional. We make decisions that impact lives every day — animal lives and human lives — and emotions can run high for staff, volunteers, and the community alike. A recent article from HumanePro, “Keeping It Civil in Animal Welfare,” reminds us that how we communicate during these moments matters just as much as the services we provide.
The article highlights an increasing reality many of us experience: public frustration can escalate into hostility, particularly when people don’t understand policies or outcomes. In this challenging landscape, the path forward isn’t to retreat — it’s to lean into transparency, empathy, and calm communication. Being clear about what we do (and why), listening rather than reacting, and acknowledging when mistakes happen help build trust rather than tension.
Just as importantly, civility must start inside our organizations. Respectful internal cultures support staff and volunteers who already carry emotional weight from their daily work. When we treat one another with understanding and kindness, that tone carries into our community interactions — reducing burnout, increasing retention, and strengthening collaboration between shelters and rescues.
A key takeaway is that civility is not about avoiding tough conversations — it’s about how we have them. Many people who come to us are navigating crises: housing loss, financial stress, or health challenges. Meeting them with trauma-informed compassion doesn’t weaken boundaries — it strengthens community trust and connection.
At Pet Friendly Services of Indiana, we believe that respectful communication fuels real change. When we lead with empathy — for each other and for the public — we create safer spaces for animals and stronger partnerships across Indiana.
Read the full article here:
https://humanepro.org/magazine/articles/keeping-it-civil-animal-welfare
Registration Open Now!
Registration for the Indiana Animal Welfare Conference is now open – and if last year is any indication, you’ll want to sign up early. The 2025 conference sold out, and we expect 2026 to do the same!
This year, we’re excited to add something brand new: a Friday night reception featuring the inaugural “Pawflix” Awards—a fun, celebratory evening recognizing the stories, creativity, and impact happening in animal welfare. It’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend and connect with fellow attendees.
Scholarships Are Available:
Pet Friendly Services is committed to ensuring that shelters and rescue organizations, regardless of their financial resources, can access the valuable learning and networking opportunities the Indiana Animal Welfare Conference provides.
To support those who may face challenges covering registration costs, we are pleased to offer a limited number of registrations at 75% off the standard fee. To be considered for this discount, please complete the application. Scholarships will be awarded on a case-by-case basis.
Recap: Indiana's Second HQHVSN Wet Lab
On November 16th, 2025 Pet Friendly Services of Indiana partnered with 4 Precious Paws Spay/Neuter clinic in Lafayette to host our third High Quality, High Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN) training program for licensed veterinarians.
Through the United Spay Alliance’s proven training model, participating veterinarian trainees gain confidence, efficiency, and surgical excellence—skills essential for high-volume spay/neuter work. Just as importantly, these experiences inspire veterinarians to enter and remain in the spay/neuter field, expanding spay/neuter capacity!This hands-on training brought together three experienced teaching veterinarians and five trainees all working side-by-side to learn best practices for efficient and safe techniques for their patients. Vets noted, that smaller incision sizes not only save time, they result in speedy recovery time.
The icing on top of the cake is that, in just one day, 50 cats from local animal shelters were spayed or neutered!
Our Valentine’s Day Chocolate Fundraiser is officially open now through January 30 — and you won’t want to miss this sweet opportunity!
See’s Candies is an chocolatier known for over 100 years of handcrafted quality and timeless flavor. Now your purchase can do even more than delight someone special’s taste buds.
Why this fundraiser is so sweet:
- Every purchase supports Pet Friendly Services of Indiana and funds vital programs that help local pets get the care they deserve.
- See’s Candies are handmade with premium ingredients, lovingly packaged, and perfect for Valentine’s surprises.
- No need to choose between thoughtful gifts and doing good — this year, you can do both!
Order now before the store closes on January 30!
Looking for Grant Opportunities?
Pet Friendly Services maintains a list of grant opportunities for animal welfare organizations.
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!
Where Will You Be in 2026?
Do you have adoption events coming up in 2026? Shelters and rescues can now reach more adopters with our public event calendar – a central hub for showcasing 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!
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.
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!
Our Contact Information
Pet Friendly Services of Indiana
1100 W 42nd Street, Suite 205
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317-767-7771
http://PetFriendlyServices.org
