Help Us Build Surgical Capacity in 2026
From the Desk of Janet Showley, Development & Outreach Manager:
At Pet Friendly Services of Indiana, we know that lasting change in animal welfare doesn’t just happen through funding — it happens through skill-building, partnerships, and investing in the people doing the work every day.
One of the most effective ways we can increase access to affordable spay/neuter across Indiana is by strengthening surgical capacity. High-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) wet labs give veterinarians hands-on training that improves efficiency, builds confidence, and helps clinics serve more animals safely. When surgery times decrease and confidence increases, capacity expands. That means shorter waitlists, fewer transfers, and more pets altered before accidental litters occur.
In 2026, we are supporting three HQHVSN wet labs across the state in partnership with United Spay Alliance and these organizations:
- March 22 – Elkhart Humane, Bristol, IN (canine) — Registration is open
- June 27 – Vanderburgh Humane, Evansville, IN (feline)
- October 25 – 4 Precious Paws Spay/Neuter Clinic, Lafayette, IN (canine)
Each participating veterinarian will earn 8 hours of continuing education (CE) credit, making this not only an investment in community impact, but also in professional growth.
We are asking you — our shelter and rescue partners — to personally invite the veterinarians you work with to attend.
Your voice carries weight. A direct recommendation from you can make the difference in whether a veterinarian chooses to invest in this kind of advanced training. And when they do, your organization benefits. More local surgical capacity means fewer animals waiting, reduced transport strain, and stronger community infrastructure.
Please help us spread the word to community-minded veterinarians that are interested in preventing overpopulation. Together, we can grow Indiana’s spay/neuter capacity — and fix more pets, right here at home.
More info and registration link here: https://petfriendlyservices.org/for-vets/spay-neuter-training/
Secure Your Spot!
Registration for the Indiana Animal Welfare Conference is now open, and if last year is any indication, spots won’t last long. The 2025 conference sold out with animal welfare professionals, advocates, and partners from across the state coming together to learn and connect. We expect another full house in 2026, so we encourage you to register early to secure your spot.
Attendees can choose from three focused learning tracks designed to meet the needs of different roles in animal welfare: Shelter/Rescue Operations, Leadership & Strategic Planning, and Veterinary/Shelter Medicine. Each track offers practical sessions led by experienced professionals who are actively working to solve the challenges facing animals and the organizations that serve them.
Whether you’re managing daily shelter operations, guiding your organization’s long-term strategy, or working on the medical front lines, the conference offers tools, ideas, and connections you can take back to your community.
Conference Scholarships are Available!
In order to support volunteer rescues and smaller shelters Pet Friendly Services pleased to offer a limited number of registrations at 75% off the standard rate. Veterinary Technicians and staff are also welcome to apply. To be considered for this discount, please complete the application. Scholarships will be awarded on a case-by-case basis. Apply by March 15!
Win $2,000 in Spay/Neuter Coupons! Submission Deadline is March 31
Recap: Indiana's Second HQHVSN Wet Lab
Pet Friendly Services is hosting a brand-new storytelling celebration highlighting the inspiring, heartwarming, and entertaining work happening across Indiana animal welfare — and we want to feature your organization.
Shelters, rescues, and individuals are invited to submit short videos showcasing real impact, collaboration, and stories from the field. Winning videos will be announced and shown on screen during the Friday night reception.
Who Can Submit
- Any nonprofit organization
- Organizations may submit videos in multiple categories
- Each organization is eligible to win in one category
Video Guidelines
- Videos must be 3 minutes or less
- Videos should highlight real work, impact, or stories within animal welfare
Award Categories
- Dog Rescue Story of the Year: A powerful or heartwarming canine rescue journey
- Cat Rescue Story of the Year: Compelling feline rescue storytelling that inspires and educates
- Best Rural Shelter/Rescue Video: For organizations with annual intake under 1,500 animals, highlighting impact in rural communities
- Funniest Animal Welfare Video: Humorous content that entertains while promoting adoption, rescue, or spay/neuter awareness
- Community Hero Award: Honoring individuals or organizations making an extraordinary difference, including staff, volunteers, community members, or partner groups
Awards
1st place winners in each category will receive :
- $2,000 in spay/neuter coupons
- 4 NACA Memberships
- 4 Free Tickets to the 2027 Indiana Animal Welfare Conference
Deadline to submit: March 31, 2026.
Treat Yourself at our Yumraising Store!
Easter is right around the corner, and our See’s Candy Yumraising Store is open!
If you already plan to fill a few Easter baskets, this is an easy way to make those treats do even more good. Every purchase made through our store helps fund Pet Friendly Services’ lifesaving spay/neuter programs across Indiana.
See’s Candies has been crafting chocolates and sweets for over 100 years, and their Easter favorites make perfect gifts for family, friends, coworkers, and anyone with a sweet tooth. When you order through our Yumraising store, a portion of every purchase supports programs that prevent unwanted litters and reduce shelter overcrowding.
Fill an Easter basket, send a sweet surprise, or treat yourself!
Every order helps create a better future for pets.
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?
Let’s engage people and get more pets adopted! 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, TNVR Groups, veterinary professionals, and other members of the animal welfare community that are current partners with Pet Friendly Services of Indiana.
You’ll find meaningful conversations and receive important updates about animal welfare.
Another reason to join? Monthly contests where your group can win extra spay/neuter coupons just by sharing the Pet Friendly Plate!
Our Contact Information
Pet Friendly Services of Indiana
1100 W 42nd Street, Suite 205
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317-767-7771
http://PetFriendlyServices.org
