FISHERS — The Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC), a no-kill shelter, is at capacity.
To help connect families with a new furry friend, the Humane Society is hosting a special adoption event Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. HSHC will ask adopters to make a donation of any amount at the time of adoption.
HSHC President and CEO Rebecca Stevens said on Thursday morning, the shelter had two open cages. While they have several dogs and cats, dogs are the main capacity issue right now.
"We have to keep animals moving out the front door so we have room for the ones coming in the back door," Stevens said. "I have faith in people and I think they're going to come to our aid and we need them to. We can't help other animals outside Hamilton County if they don't."
Stevens says each month, the Humane Society is seeing an average of 15 more owner surrendered pets coming in each month compared to last year's numbers.
She described a "phenomenon" of shelter animals being adopted at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Now, over the last four or five months, HSHC is seeing more and more owners surrendering their pets because they are unwanted.
"It's really sad. I don't know how to stop it. How do you make people follow through on a commitment that they made?" Stevens said. "Everybody's getting inundated by these surrenders."
HSHC requires canine adopters to bring all family members as well as any dogs in the home to meet with a potential shelter dog. Cat adopters must bring all human family members. Those renting properties are recommended to bring the landlord’s pet policy.
All adopters are required to present government issued ID.
Stevens says while their screening process can feel extensive to some people, it is in place to try to ensure adopters know about the decision they're making.
"I think we do our best through vigilant counseling, screening, setting expectations, and trying to make sure everybody knows what they're signing up for, and the consequences for the animal if they don't," she said. "I think we're very direct and open about what it means to keep this pet forever."
HSHC says they plan to go to Indianapolis Animal Care Services after Saturday's event and bring animals at risk of euthanasia to HSHC in honor of Deron, who authorities say was killed by the man who adopted him from IACS.
-
"I think we will get the votes.": Lt. Governor on redistricting in Indiana
Both Governor Mike Braun and Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith said they believe the Indiana Senate will have enough votes for redistricting when lawmakers return to the Statehouse Monday.
How to have a healthy Halloween without taking away the fun
Halloween often centers on indulgence, with candy taking center stage. But parents can keep the fun and limit excess sugar without turning the holiday into a battle.
Brown County nears peak fall color, drawing crowds to park and Nashville
Leaves are nearing peak fall color in Brown County, and that's meant a lot of visitors. Eli Major, the park's naturalist, says peak color typically happens between October 23 and 25 each year.
Brownsburg neighbors encouraged after Hawk's Landing public hearing delayed
A request to approve a primary plat for a new subdivision in Brownsburg is postponed. There were over 100 neighbors in the audience to oppose Hawk's Landing on Monday.
