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IACS overcrowded, shelter space at critical level as surrenders exceed adoptions

Posted at 3:42 PM, Nov 15, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-15 18:42:54-05

INDIANAPOLIS -- Dozens of animals at Indianapolis Animal Care Services only want one thing this holiday season: A home. 

The shelter remains at a critical level as the number of animals they are taking in continues to exceed the number of adoptions.  

The shelter has held numerous adoption events in the past several months, but even at reduced rates, the number of animals being surrendered has been far greater than those being adopted. 

Kristen Lee with IACS says the shelter takes in an average of 35 dogs and cats each day. So far in November, the shelter has taken in 197 cats and 284 dogs. 

PHOTOS | Adoptable Animals at IACS

Earlier this year, the shelter put out a critical notice saying that dogs and cats surrendered were at an increased risk for euthanasia because of overcrowding. A tremendous response from the community helped alleviate some of their immediate concerns but the influx of newly surrendered animals in the weeks that followed has led to the shelter being at a consistent critical level since Summer. 

IACS has 260 kennels for dogs 20 pounds and larger and 50 for dogs that are under 20 pounds. The shelter currently has 134 cages for cats. 

Right now, all of those kennels are filled. 

Through the end of the year, IACS is offering an adoption special - anyone who brings in a product off of their "Amazon Wish List" valued at $15 or more can have their adoption fees completely waived. 

SEE | IACS Amazon Wish List

If you're not in a position to adopt an animal, there are several other ways you can still help. IACS also needs fosters to help free up kennel space for new animals and volunteers to walk dogs, feed them and help clean up the shelter. Lee also says that just by sharing their posts and getting the word out in the community about animals in need can help reach someone who is looking for a pet and may not have thought to contact a shelter. 

Each adoption includes a microchip, vaccines, spay/neuter services and FIV/feline leukemia testing. 

IACS requests that you arrive at least one hour before closing if you would like to adopt.

Indianapolis Animal Care Services Hours of Operation:

  • Monday: 10am-8pm
  • Tuesday: 10am-6pm
  • Wednesday: CLOSED
  • Thursday: 10am-7pm
  • Friday: 10am-6pm
  • Saturday:10am-6pm
  • Sunday: 10am-6pm
  • The shelter is closed on all City holidays.

For more information on IACS’s programs and services, please visit www.indy.gov/acs.

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