INDIANAPOLIS — It’s a packed house at the Upchurch residence.
Carrie Upchurch has five dogs of her own. And even with all the commotion, she still opened her home to foster Forrest, a little schnauzer.
“I tend to like the big dogs,” Upchurch said. “If I have the space or the money, or I have extra, or I have the time, whatever it is — why wouldn’t I help?”
Indianapolis Animal Care Services is urging you to ask the same question.
“New foster homes are desperately needed," said Coordinator Ashley Temple.
IACS, the state’s largest animal shelter, cares for more than 14,000 animals every year.
“We're at capacity. That might not necessarily mean that every cage is full, but due to staffing shortages, we are really struggling," Temple said.
Every day, Temple receives requests from folks who can’t take care of their pet but don’t want to surrender.
“Anything from housing instability, loss of a job, need for medical care, some people won’t even go to the hospital because they don’t know what to do with their animal while they’re there," she said.
That’s why the shelter launched the Safety Net Foster program.
The initiative is a part of Indy CARES — a shelter diversion program that offers support from free supplies, food and leashes to free behavioral consultations, medical exams, and medication.
“This idea of a safety net foster program offers another solution, where the animal is given a soft place to land, the pet owner has some time to get back on their feet and the two are reunited, without ever having to stay in the city’s shelter,” she said.
So what goes into fostering a pet?
- The time commitment ranges from 30-60 days.
- There’s no cost to you or the pet’s family.
- IACS will cover supplies, as well as medical care.
IACS has only received a few applications for foster homes so far, and they’re urging the community to lend a hand.
If you’re not able to foster, IACS is accepting donations. All the money will go towards helping these animals. You can find a link here.
-
Clark-Bueckers matchup 2nd most-watched WNBA regular-season game on ABC or ESPN
The matchup between Indiana's Caitlin Clark and Dallas' Paige Bueckers on the WNBA's opening weekend averaged 2.49 million viewers on ABC.
Daly, Palou become 1st drivers to top 228 mph on 2nd day of Indy 500 practice
They were the only drivers to top 228, while Palou had the fastest trap speed of the day at 237.220.
IPS announces 2026 Summer Meal Service locations
Indianapolis Public Schools will start its Summer Meal Service program on June 1, offering up to two meals a day to children 18 or younger, regardless of whether or not they are enrolled in school.
No serious injuries reported after car crashes into apartment building
A woman and her one-year-old child were injured after she crashed her car into an apartment complex on the south side of Indianapolis.
