Humane Society for Hamilton County implements new measure this week to boost dog adoptions
Fishers, Indiana – In an attempt to increase dog adoption, the Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) is implementing an extraordinary measure this week.
Marking a first in the organization’s history, the shelter will open its doors on a Wednesday, extending adoption hours for the public. The complete ensemble of its dedicated 58-member staff will be on deck, their collective efforts aimed at facilitating the maximum number of dog adoptions and foster placements.
While Wednesdays are traditionally reserved for staff training and extensive cleaning of the facility, this exception has been made for Wednesday, May 17. The shelter invites the public for adoptions and foster placements between the hours of 12 noon and 7 p.m.
Rebecca Stevens, the CEO of HSHC, expressed her concern over the diminishing rate of dog adoptions, which she believes is pushing many deserving dogs to their emotional limits. She elaborated in her announcement that despite the staff’s best efforts to keep the dogs active and engaged, some dogs seem to be on the verge of losing hope.
The gravity of the situation is hard to convey, as per Stevens. She emphasizes the dire circumstances of dogs in other shelters who are desperate for a place in a facility like HSHC.
In an effort to encourage adoptions, HSHC has decided to let the public determine the adoption fees for eligible dogs, under a scheme they refer to as “priceless adoptions.” A minimum donation of $1.00 is requested for the adoption fee, with the hope that prospective adopters will contribute as much as they can genuinely afford.
For those interested in fostering a dog, HSHC requests a commitment of at least one week. This provides the dogs with a much-needed respite from the stress of shelter life and creates additional room in the kennels. The cost of fostering a dog is borne by HSHC, which provides all necessary supplies and food.
This initiative does not extend to cat adoption fees, which will remain unchanged during this event.
- HSHC asks anyone interested in adopting or fostering a dog fill out an application in advance on their website to expedite the process. Walk-ins are also welcome.
- HSHC requires current dog owners to introduce their current pet to any dog you would like to adopt or foster. You may bring your dog(s) with you to HSHC.
- Bring all family members to meet the dog you want to adopt or foster.
- If you rent or lease, please bring a copy of 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.
