Our Programs
We fund life-saving programs at Indianapolis Animal Care Services that support 3 key areas: Diversion, Care, and Support.
Diversion
Indy CARES
Founded by a dedicated group of shelter staff and volunteers, Indy CARES (Companion Animal Resources, Education & Support) is a grassroots program that operates out of Indianapolis Animal Care Services and helps hundreds of pet owners each year with the resources they need to keep their animals in loving homes. From pet food to vaccines to vouchers for medical procedures, this program ensures that our community cares for one another and helps keep our shelter capacity managed.
ACO Outreach
Every day of the year, 24 hours a day, animal control officers are tasked with keeping animals and people safe in our city. During their shifts, they often encounter situations where people could use support instead of punitive actions. We help provide resources for ACOs so they can educate, support, and equip our neighbors with whatever they need to be responsible and informed pet owners.
We invest in creative solutions to help keep pets in loving homes, and prevent them from entering the shelter entirely.
Care
We fund life-saving programs for homeless and vulnerable animals at Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) who need critical or urgent medical care.
Emergency Medical
The majority of our program budget in 2025 went towards medical expenses for animals at IACS, largely due to the lack of a full-time, on-site veterinarian. While we anticipate this changing in early 2026 with the opening of the new shelter, the need for funding for medical procedures that are not covered by City funding is not going away anytime soon. We’re proud to be there for cases of the greatest need when homeless and vulnerable animals arrive at the back door in the middle of the night in need of care.
Spay/Neuter
Indianapolis city ordinance states that every animal that leaves IACS must be spayed or neutered, however there is rarely enough funding to cover this procedure for every animal that is adopted. We know that fixing your pets is the best way to prevent overpopulation (and shelter overcrowding) so our medical funds are also used for
Support
HOME Scholarship Program
When people adopt a new furry family member it often takes time and resources to make sure they get used to their new surroundings. We want to set everyone up for success and that’s why our HOME Scholarship Program ensures every adopter receives an opportunity for free in-home (or virtual) training with a certified, free-free behavior specialist who can help educate every family member about having a new pet.
Talk With a Trainer
At least once a month we host group classes either in-person or virtually for anyone who has adopted a shelter pet. These are welcoming, inclusive opportunities for people to learn from experienced, certified trainers and ask questions about their specific needs. We also host themed classes for specific needs like puppies, kittens, small children, and other topics of interest.
We provide resources to our neighbors and community partners who complete the circle of care by adopting animals.
Bridge the Gap
Each year, more than 9,000 animals arrive at Indianapolis Animal Care Services, Marion County’s only animal shelter required by law to take in all animals regardless of species, breed, health conditions, or circumstances.
There is a large and persistent gap between the needs of animals at IACS and the funding available. We’re here to close that gap.