INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) is rolling out a new initiative to help prevent the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable dogs.
When IACS is at, near, or over capacity, shelter staff are forced to create an “At-Risk List,” which details the animals who are most at risk of being euthanized when the shelter runs out of space and staff hours to care for them.
“The at-risk list typically consists of animals that have a history of behavior issues and animals that are suffering at the shelter due to the stress of the kennel environment,” IACS Deputy Director Katie Trennepohl said. “But if the trend continues, we could be looking at having to euthanize healthy adoptable animals.”
To clear kennel space and ultimately prevent having to make this list at all, IACS is introducing the “Preventing Euthanasia List.”
The list includes up to 20 animals that IACS staff have identified and believe would be a good fit in a variety of homes. The staff believes these animals would be capable of doing well in many situations, whether that be in adoptive homes or foster homes.
“Finding homes for the animals on this list will free up resources for the more difficult-to-place animals in the shelter,” said Trennepohl. “With 229 dogs in our care, getting the dogs on this list out of the shelter and into adoptive or foster homes allows us to focus on finding homes for the dogs that have more specialized needs.”
Currently, the shelter’s greatest need is homes for medium to large dogs.
According to IACS, since September 1, 178 animals have come into the shelter. This includes animals picked up by our Animal Control Officers, strays and owner surrenders.
The list will be updated every Friday and released via IACS’ website and social media sites. All animals, including those on the list, are free to adopt and come spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
IACS is open today until 5:30 p.m. and this weekend from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for adoptions.
-
Future of I-65, I-70: INDOT concludes ProPEL Indy study
I-65 and I-70 are two of the main ways to get in and around the Indy metro. The city's transportation network is due for a major revamp in the coming years.
IMPD specialized teams recover nearly 2,000 guns in 2025
Newly released numbers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department highlight the significant impact of specialized teams working to reduce violent crime across the Circle City.
Carmel Police roll out new tech to protect officers during traffic stops
The Carmel police are introducing new technology to protect officers during traffic stops, following a weekend when three Indiana State Police vehicles were struck while parked on the roadside.
Holiday prices rise as tariffs and inflation hit retailers and customers
The most wonderful time of the year could soon become the most expensive as retailers and customers alike deal with rising inflation, new tariffs and higher operating costs this year.
