October is "Adopt a Shelter Dog Month"
October is here, and with it comes one of our favorite celebrations—Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! Every year, thousands of dogs across Indiana are waiting in shelters and rescues for their chance at a loving home. At Pet Friendly Services, we believe that every dog deserves a family, and every family deserves the unconditional love of a dog.
When you adopt, you’re not just changing the life of one dog—you’re making room for shelters to help even more pets in need. Whether you’re ready to welcome a new furry friend, or you want to support spay/neuter programs that keep dogs out of shelters in the first place, there’s a way for everyone to get involved! And you know what? We don’t mind if you adopt a cat, either ;).
Visit our Adoption Calendar to find upcoming adoption events and specials near you at www.AdoptINpets.org!
Fixed Pet Feature: Sophia
When Sophia began showing signs that looked like a serious illness, her family feared the worst. Quotes from veterinarians were far beyond their reach, but they were determined to help their beloved girl.
“We just wanted to do everything we could for her,” her family said.
Thanks to a grant program from Pet Friendly Services, Sophia received the care she needed at the Kokomo Humane Society. During surgery, it was discovered she was not ill, but that she’d gone through a difficult heat cycle. She was safely spayed, recovered well, and her family was relieved and grateful to know she was healthy.
Sophia is one of the thousands of dogs we spay or neuter each year. Your support made her story possible!
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.
New: Show Your Pet Friendly Spirit!
Our Pet Friendly apparel & merchandise store is open until October 7, and every purchase supports Pet Friendly Services’ mission to provide spay/neuter assistance for pets in need. Wear your support proudly and help us create a healthier future for cats and dogs across Indiana.
No matter your style, there’s something for everyone — from cozy hoodies and tees to hats and accessories. Whether you’re looking for everyday comfort, a gift for a fellow pet lover, or a way to spark conversations about spay/neuter, you’ll find the perfect fit in our shop.
Don’t wait — the store closes October 7. Order today and show your support for pets in need!
Upcoming Events
Love Them for Life at Tom Wood Subaru
Mark your calendars—Pet Friendly Services is throwing a BIG adoption bash you won’t want to miss! Join us for the Love Them For Life Adoption Event on Saturday, October 4 at Tom Wood Subaru, where dozens of adorable, adoptable cats and dogs will be waiting to meet you!
Whether you’re looking for a hiking buddy, a couch snuggler, or a playful kitten, this event has pets of all shapes, sizes, and personalities—ready to find their forever homes. Bring the whole family—even your four-legged ones—and help us give every pet the loving home they deserve!
What: Love Them For Life Adoption Event
Where: Tom Wood Subaru, 3300 E 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240
When: Saturday, October 4, 11AM – 2PM
A $25 adoption fee discount will apply, and a FREE lunch will be served!
Pet Friendly Services of Indiana welcomes Puppy Pals!
Rescue Dogs Take Center 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:
- October 10 – Honeywell Center, Wabash, IN
- October 18 – Paramount Theatre, Anderson, IN
In Memory: Suzanne West
Pet Friendly Services lost a dear friend with the passing of Suzanne West. Suzanne volunteered with Pet Friendly Services for many years, helping with various projects and answering our voice mail line. Suzanne always shared her bright spirit, laughter and kindness with others – whether 2-legged or 4-legged. She was a joy to know and work with, and we are grateful to have had her in our lives.
Your Pet Friendly Plate Saves 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.
Our Contact Information
Pet Friendly Services of Indiana
1100 W 42nd Street, Suite 205
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317-767-7771
http://PetFriendlyServices.org
