INDIANAPOLIS — The consistently warm weather is on the horizon, and the Indianapolis Animal Care Services is set to launch a program on Thursday that will help their 766 dogs enjoy the outdoors.
"Freedom for a Day" is a program designed to allow dogs who have spent more than 30 days in the shelter, to get a breather.
"Programs like this are not only fundamental to enriching the lives of the animals in our care, but also providing them with the opportunity for a second chance," IACS said in a statement.
IACS assessed the program with their group of volunteers over the last few months. Because of this, one of IACS' long-term residents, Charlene, was adopted (pictured above).
“Dogs who are stressed in the kennel tend to have a more difficult time finding an adopter, because they are either depressed or frustrated and in turn, do not show a positive kennel presence,” Katie Trennepohl, Deputy Director of IACS, said. “Giving these dogs a chance to get out, will not only help relieve and reduce kennel stress, it will also allow a potential adopter to see how the dog acts outside of the shelter environment.”
IACS encourages "Freedom Fosters" to take pictures of their dogs and share their story on social media. IACS will also share those stories on their Facebook page, in hopes of finding a potential adopter.
As of Monday, IACS says they are overwhelmingly full and will be waiving all adoption fees in hopes of making space for more incoming dogs.
Shelter adoption hours are as follows:
• Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Wednesday: Closed
