Program areas at Friends of Indy Animals
Emergency Medical /Other Medical -- Because Indianapolis Animal Care Services' (IACS) Animal Control officers work 24 hours a day, seven days per week, they encounter animals that require life-saving emergency medical services. Treatment is provided by contracted local emergency animal hospitals and has included animals hit by cars, wounded by gunshots, limb amputations, etc. - largely paid for by Friends of Indy Animals (FIA). In 2023, over 500 emergency medical procedures were paid for by FIA. Additionally, Friends of Indy Animals funded spay/neuter surgeries, heartworm medications, vaccines, and other veterinary care.
IndyCARES -- IndyCARES is an IACS shelter diversion program that helps equip pet owners with the resources they need to continue to care for their pets, preventing them from being surrendered to and entering the already over-burdened shelter system. FIA assistance provided much needed additional funding to purchase pet supplies (food, leashes, litter, collars, flea prevention), spay/neuter assistance, vaccines and other medical assistance, and assistance with crisis pet boarding. 1,127 animals were diverted out of the shelter in 2023.
Offsite Dog Programs and Adopter Training Supports Program (Home Scholarship program, Lodge & Learn, Royal Recess) -- Animals in the shelter, especially dogs, develop behavior issues if their stay with IACS is too long. To improve chances for adoption success, FIA provides training assistance "scholarships" for individuals and families whose newly adopted pets may have short-term issues. FIA also pays for dogs to have time away from the shelter at much calmer, quieter local board/training facilities where they receive individualized attention and training. All these programs help these animals endure the less-than-ideal situation at the overcrowded, outdated shelter.
Other Program Services -- Includes a $20,000 grant paid to Indy Neighborhood Cats, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for unowned community cats by reducing overpopulation through trap-neuter-return (TNR). This helps IACS by reducing the number of cats and kittens entering the shelter each year. Also assisted with costs beneficial to the animals at IACS by funding kennel supplies, facility improvements such as fence work and shade sail installation, medical books and supplies, and volunteer management software.