Data Transparency & the Power of Reporting
From the Desk of Janet Showley, Development & Outreach Manager
In today’s animal welfare landscape, sharing your data is one of the most powerful tools you have to build trust, attract donors, and inspire your community. Numbers don’t just measure impact — they tell a story. By reporting on intakes, adoptions, return-to-owner rates, and length of stay, shelters and rescues can show supporters exactly how their contributions make a difference. Transparent data highlights needs, celebrates progress, and opens doors for collaboration with local governments, veterinarians, and partner organizations.
Many organizations worry that publishing numbers will expose shortcomings, but in reality, openness builds credibility. Communities respond positively when they see both the challenges and the steps being taken to address them. For example, if intake is rising faster than adoptions, you can demonstrate why investment in spay/neuter, foster programs, or outreach is urgent.
Data becomes even more powerful when paired with stories. Instead of saying, “Our adoptions increased 15%,” share that this means dozens of animals now sleep in homes instead of kennels. If length of stay decreases, explain how that reduces stress for animals and costs for shelters. Numbers provide proof, but stories make them unforgettable.
Getting started doesn’t have to be complicated. Even small rescues can begin with a few simple metrics tracked monthly. Over time, consistent reporting will build trust, strengthen fundraising, and position your organization as a leader in animal welfare.
Transparency isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. By sharing both the victories and the challenges, you invite your community to join you in creating solutions. Data doesn’t just measure your work; it magnifies your impact.
Continued reading:
Transparency in Communication: https://shelterroundtable.com/navigating-animal-welfare-public-relations-strategies-for-success/
Spay/Neuter Before Adoption: More than a great idea - it's the law!
Since July 1, 2021, Indiana law (IC 15-20-4) has required that all pets be spayed or neutered before adoption. Most of you are already doing this (thank you!), but here’s a quick refresher: if a vet says surgery isn’t safe yet — because of age or health — adopters leave a $75 deposit. If proof of surgery isn’t provided within 120 days, the deposit goes to the BMV.
Where That Money Goes
Those forfeited deposits are sent to Pet Friendly Services and go right back into spay/neuter programs across the state. That means even when an adopter doesn’t follow through, the funds still help animals by reducing intake, preventing unwanted litters, and supporting shelters and rescues like yours.
Why It Matters
This law gives you backup when explaining to adopters why spay/neuter is non-negotiable. It helps protect your mission, reduces overcrowding, and keeps more pets healthy and out of shelters. By sticking with it, you’re part of the statewide solution.
Resources for Shelters & Rescues
For more information, including sample Adoption Contracts and Foster-to-Adopt Contracts, visit our website.
Don't Miss this Conference - Great Topics for Shelters & Rescues!
The 2025 United Spay Alliance Online Conference (October 11–12) offers valuable sessions designed to help shelters and rescues expand their impact, strengthen operations, and access practical tools. From funding strategies to hands-on clinic insights, this event brings together national leaders to share what’s working in animal welfare.
Shelter and rescue teams may be especially interested in:
- Scaling Spay/Neuter Access – Learn from high-volume clinics and statewide programs on how to expand affordable services in your community
- Funding & Sustainability – Creative approaches to fundraising, partnerships, and keeping grassroots programs thriving
- Using Data for Impact – How to track surgeries and outcomes to strengthen grants, advocacy, and public messaging
- Public/Private Collaboration – Case studies showing how shelters, nonprofits, and local governments can work together to reduce shelter intake
Now Saving Lives AND Money!
A New Benefit for Pet Friendly Plate Holders
We know your teams work hard every day to save lives and promote spay/neuter. That’s why we’re excited to share some good news: Pet Friendly Services has teamed up with Jiffy Lube to give Pet Friendly Plate holders extra perks on top of saving animals.
Starting now, anyone with a Pet Friendly Plate on their vehicle can get valuable discounts at 48 Jiffy Lube locations across Indiana, including:
- 50% off tire rotations
- $25 off synthetic oil changes
- $10 off conventional oil changes
All they need to do is show their Pet Friendly Plate!
Why It Matters for You
Every plate helps fund free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries across the state — including for shelters and rescues like yours. This new partnership makes it even easier to encourage your adopters, fosters, and supporters to choose the Pet Friendly Plate. Not only are they helping animals, but they’re also saving money on essential car care. It’s a win-win!
Spread the Word
When you remind your community about the Pet Friendly Plate, you’re not just raising awareness — you’re bringing more dollars back into spay/neuter programs that directly support your work. With Jiffy Lube’s added perks, the plate practically pays for itself. Please share this benefit with your adopters and supporters to help more Hoosiers see the value of driving with the plate that saves lives.
Understanding Cat Personalities: Why It Matters When Your Cat Goes Missing
One of the most overlooked parts of a lost cat search is personality. The amazing team at Human Animal Support Services break down four key cat personality types. Knowing which one fits your cat is crucial – because each type behaves very differently when lost, and your recovery strategy should match.
Curious Cat
- Behavior: Bold, adventurous, and often spotted by people. These cats are active and may travel far quickly.
- Best Strategy: Blanket the neighborhood with flyers and alert as many people as possible. Because Curious Cats are more visible, the more eyes watching for them, the better.
- Pro Tip: Expand your search zone beyond the typical 250-foot radius—these cats can cover ground fast.
Cautious Cat
- Behavior: Reserved, often hiding during the day but not completely shut down. They may venture out only at quiet times.
- Best Strategy: Combine flyering with active searching at dawn or dusk. These cats may not approach strangers but will respond to familiar voices.
- Pro Tip: Call gently while searching and use a flashlight to catch the reflection of their eyes.
Careful Cat
- Behavior: Very hesitant around people and usually active at night. They avoid detection and move quietly after dark.
- Best Strategy: Cameras are essential. Ask neighbors with outdoor cameras to review nightly footage. Flyers help too, serving as reminders and providing contact info for sightings.
- Pro Tip: Patience is key – look for small signs like disturbed food bowls or paw prints.
Skittish Cat
- Behavior: Extremely fearful, often staying very close to the escape point but hidden in tight, dark spaces.
- Best Strategy: Conduct slow, methodical searches of your property and nearby hiding spots. Repeat searches, even in the same places, because these cats are masters of invisibility.
- Real-Life Example: A family once searched under their deck but only discovered their missing cat on the second thorough check.
- Pro Tip: Don’t assume your cat has traveled far. A skittish cat may be closer than you think.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your cat’s personality isn’t just helpful – it’s the foundation of an effective search. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Be honest about your cat’s normal behavior, adapt your strategy, and you’ll dramatically improve the odds of bringing them home.
Find the entirely free Lost Cat Guide at www.lostcatrecovery.com.
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!
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
