IACS is at critical capacity: Here's how you can help

Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) is facing a critical overcrowding crisis and is calling on the community for support. The shelter is currently operating at 104% capacity for dogs, with every kennel full and more animals arriving each day. 

Severe winter weather has limited adoptions which prevented the shelter from creating the space it desperately needed to continue at its current intake. Without immediate relief, staff are now in the unfortunate position to confront the reality that there may be some difficult decisions to make. 

“We are at a breaking point,” said IACS Director Amanda Dehoney-Hinkle. “Every full kennel means there is one less dog we can help. The animals in our care are relying on the community to step up for them.” 

To help provide immediate relief of overcrowding and to save lives, IACS is urging the public to:   

·         Adopt: Opening a kennel saves a life and gives a dog a second chance at a forever home. 

·         Foster: Even short-term fostering provides critical relief and helps dogs decompress outside the shelter environment. 

·         Share: Spreading the word on social media and within personal networks helps reach potential adopters and fosters quickly. 

IACS is also making an urgent request to pet owners who may have lost a dog: Owners of lost pets should come to the shelter in person to look for their animals.  Many dogs arrive without microchips or with outdated contact information, making reunification difficult. Reclaiming a lost pet not only reunites families but also immediately frees up vital kennel space for other dogs in need. 

Those interested in adopting, fostering, or reclaiming a lost pet are asked to visit Indianapolis Animal Care Services in person as soon as possible. 

Location: Indianapolis Animal Care Services, 2600 S. Harding Street, Indianapolis, IN 46221. Open daily, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM 

For more information about adoptable animals and how to help, visit: https://www.indy.gov/acs  

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