Looking To Adopt?

• Shelters are brick and mortar structures. Some are operated by local governments, while others are “private”. Government-funded shelters are required to accept all animals regardless of their capacity to care. This is difficult work, and it’s why we advocate for spaying and neutering pets to prevent “shelter intake” of unwanted litters.

  Private shelters can limit their intake/admissions and can determine which animals they wish to allow into their shelters. These shelters “pull” animals from overcrowded shelters, and, in some instances, they accept strays. Their ability to limit intake ensures they are not overwhelmed and are able to work within their budget and capacity to care.

Note that each Indiana shelter is independent, meaning they are not connected to each other or national organizations such as the Humane Society

• Rescue Groups are nonprofit organizations that take in strays and/or “pull” surplus animals from overcrowded shelters. Rescue groups are generally all volunteer and rely on their volunteers to foster animals in their homes, meet with, and approve potential adopters.
  
  

  Fostering animals allows their personalities to bloom, as many dogs become bored and frightened while in shelters. Cats frequently hide in cubbies or snuggle into their litter boxes as they seek additional security. If you want to know more about the pet you’re considering adding to your family, meeting a pet in foster care can be very helpful.

Note that, when you adopt from a rescue group, they will “pull” additional shelter animals right away. Whether you save a life directly by visiting a shelter or indirectly by adopting through a rescue group, you are saving a life.

Indiana state law requires that pets be spayed or neutered before adoption.

There is a nationwide vet shortage and a backlog of animals needing surgeries. Please allow time for surgeries to be scheduled. If the rescue group or shelter you adopt from offers a foster-to-adopt contract, you are required by state law to spay/neuter the animal you are in the process of adopting.

The application process varies, as each shelter and rescue group is independent. Some groups require things such as home visit, a fenced-in yards for dogs, or a meet and great with existing dogs in the home.

Vet records for other pets in your home and a phone call to your vet are other steps generally included in the application process.

Fees vary, as each shelter and rescue group is independent. When shelters are full, they sometimes run specials to encourage adoptions and save lives.

Pure breed animals often have higher adoption fees because these animals are in high demand.

The higher adoption fees for these animals help offset costs of “pulling” sick and injured animals from shelters – or animals that are overrepresented and require more time to find their perfect homes. The cost of recovering sick and injured animals can vary wildly, as it is often unclear as to the exact medical care that is needed to recover a pet.

• Did you know you can adopt outdoor cats? By working with rescue groups known as Community Cat programs, you can find outdoor cats that simply need a caretaker to provide shelter, food and water. In return, you will receive the affection of an easy-to-care-for pet who will patrol for mice and not even require a litter box!

  Because rescue groups rely on volunteers and shelters are facing staffing shortages, please be patient as you reach out to them.

Many rescues specialize in particular breeds. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s likely a rescue you can reach out to!

Keep in mind, sometimes a potential adopter doesn’t find the specific breed they’re looking for because a different dog steals their heart first! Mixed breed dogs are just as capable of being loving, loyal companions.