From the Desk of Janet Showley, Programs & Development Manager:
Summer is the busiest season for animal shelters and rescues, with intake numbers soaring due to kitten season, strays, and owner surrenders. Many organizations are stretched thin, balancing limited resources with rising demand. Fortunately, technology is stepping in as a powerful ally to streamline operations and improve outcomes for animals in need.
Modern software platforms now offer comprehensive tools for foster management, making it easier to match animals with temporary homes and track their progress. Lost and found systems powered by facial recognition and AI help reunite pets with owners faster, reducing shelter overcrowding. Online marketing tools—including automated pet profiles and social media integrations—boost adoption visibility and engagement with the community.
Virtual operations have become increasingly important. From digital adoption applications to virtual home checks and telehealth for fostered animals, tech-based solutions are allowing shelters to do more with less. These tools not only save time but also enhance communication and data tracking, ensuring better care for animals.
As summer pushes shelters to their limits, now is the perfect time to explore and implement tech-driven solutions. Embracing these innovations can increase efficiency, save lives, and help shelters and rescues focus on what matters most—helping animals find loving homes.
The Humane Animal Support Services (HASS) Technology Catalog is a curated, self-service resource designed to help animal shelters and rescues discover and evaluate technology solutions that can enhance their operations. Access the Catalog here: https://tech-catalog.americanpetsalive.org/home
Doobert is an especially innovative software platform that connects animal shelters, rescues and volunteers. It streamlines transport, fosters, and logistics by improving collaboration and increasing the chances of animal adoption and successful relocation efforts. A newer feature is their AI-powered virtual assistant chatbot. Find out more at www.doobert.com.
Looking to boost adoptions and build community support? We’ve created a simple, step-by-step guide you can share with local businesses interested in hosting a pet adoption event.
Whether it’s a brewery, boutique, or bank—businesses are often eager to support animal welfare, but don’t always know how. This guide removes the guesswork and makes it easy for them to plan a safe, successful event with your group.
Pet Friendly Services of Indiana welcomes Puppy Pals!
Rescue dogs take the stage! As seen on America’s Got Talent, Puppy Pals Live is a family fun action-packed show where adopted and rescued dogs perform spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats. Watch as Puppy Pals Live leads the puppies and audience through challenging and comical tricks as the pooches show everyone who is really boss! Full of canine stunts and laugh-out-loud canine comedy, it is no surprise this show has been a hit all over the USA.
Puppy Pals Live Indiana Shows:
- July 12 – The Hobart Art Theater, Hobart, IN
- July 16 – Blue Gate Theatre, Shipshewana, IN
- October 10 – Honeywell Center, Wabash, IN
- October 18 – Paramount Theatre, Anderson, IN
Upcoming Conferences
ASPCA Cornell Maddie's Shelter Medicine ConferenceJuly 11-13th in Ithaca NY
The ASPCA Cornell Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Conference brings together experts in shelter medicine for a weekend of cutting-edge education and collaboration. Ideal for veterinarians, shelter staff, and animal welfare professionals, this conference covers the latest in medical care, operations, and community engagement. Learn more here.
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!
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: Showcase Your Adoption Events!
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
