URGENT MESSAGE FROM CEO
-HSHC Announces First Time Event Due to Capacity Crisis-
Wednesday, May 17, noon - 7 p.m.
FISHERS, IN - For the very first time, the Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) will be open on a Wednesday with extended adoption hours. Normally, the shelter is closed to the public on Wednesdays for adoptions so the entire staff can focus on training and deep cleaning the facility. But on Wednesday, May 17, the shelter will be open for adoptions and foster placements from noon to 7 p.m., with HSHC's entire staff of 58 employees on hand to facilitate as many dog adoptions and foster placements as possible.
"Dog adoptions have slowed tremendously pushing several of our deserving dogs to their emotional breaking points," said Rebecca Stevens, President and CEO. "Our team and volunteers do everything possible to keep them engaged through exercise and enrichment. But, just because we never give up on the animals in our care doesn't mean they don't give up. And there are dozens teetering on the edge right now."
Adoption fees for eligible dogs will be left up to the public to decide. Cat adoption fees will not be discounted for this event. The shelter is requesting a minimum donation of $1 toward the adoption fee of eligible pets in hopes an adopter will give what they truly can. The shelter promotes this as "priceless adoptions" and has been pleased with the generosity that adopters have demonstrated during past special events.
For those interested in fostering a dog, the shelter is requesting a commitment of at least one week to provide dogs a much needed stress break, as well as open up space in the kennels. There is no cost to foster an animal, and HSHC will provide fosters with any supplies, food, etc., that is needed.
"The team counts kennels every morning and before we close, often shuffling dogs to visiting rooms and offices to make room for the next day's arrivals," added Stevens. "It's hard to articulate the gravity of the situation for many of these dogs, not to mention dogs in other shelters who are literally dying for a spot in this facility." (Watch urgent video message from CEO at hamiltonhumane.com/theyneedyou.)
Things to know about Wednesday's all hands on deck event:
- HSHC asks that those interested in adopting or fostering a dog fill out an application in advance on their website to expedite the process, but walk-ins are welcome, too.
- If you have a dog(s), HSHC requires that they meet any dog you would like to adopt or foster. If travel time is a concern, feel free to bring your dog(s) with you and we will accommodate you.
- Please come with the entire family so everyone can meet. Exceptions, depending on the dog, would be adult children who are away at college or no longer live at home.
- If you rent or lease, please bring your pet policy to expedite the process.
- All adopted and foster eligible pets are spayed/neutered, microchipped and have at least one round of age appropriate vaccines/deworming. Dogs are tested for heartworm disease, and cats are tested for FIV/Feline Leukemia.
Event details and an urgent video message from HSHC President/CEO can be found at: hamiltonhumane.com/theyneedyou.
About the Humane Society for Hamilton County:
HSHC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. It is not a United Way Agency and is not affiliated with any other animal welfare group in the United States. The mission of the Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) is "Saving Lives. Educating Communities. Completing Families." HSHC serves as both the animal control facility and Humane Society for Hamilton County, and as such, receives partial funding (approximately 20%) from Hamilton County to fund the first seven days of an animal’s basic care. The majority of HSHC's annual operating budget is funded by individual donations. HSHC is one of the only open-admission, truly "No-Kill" organizations in the United States in that it does not euthanize animals for time, space, treatable injuries, illnesses or rehabilitatable behavior issues regardless of age, breed, disability or special needs. HSHC also serves the community with a variety of unique programs like the Survivor Program (which funds the rescue of hundreds of animals at risk for euthanasia in other Indiana shelters each year) and Pets Healing Vets (www.PetsHealingVets.com), which pairs Hoosier veterans suffering from PTSD/TBI with emotional support pets at no cost to the veteran. For more information visit www.HamiltonHumane.com.
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