I Need Help Keeping My Pet

Shelter Diversion Program

The Shelter Diversion Program is designed to prevent animals from entering into shelters by providing personalized options and assistance. One of our main goals at Humane Indiana is to help pet owners keep their beloved pets and avoid surrendering a pet to a shelter.

Our Calling

We work hard to keep family pets part of their forever homes.

While all animals are treated and cared for humanely at our facility, a shelter is a stressful and terrifying place for a pet who has been living in a home environment. We are committed to helping reduce stress for pets and offer resource assistance for owners looking to surrender their pets.

We do not euthanize for space or time constraints however, when cages are full, we can only take in as animals as are adopted out. While Humane Indiana holds its staff to exemplary kenneling standards, we still believe that it is best practice to avoid entrance to a shelter whenever possible.

We’re very fortunate to have many programs that will allow your pet to stay in your home. We want you to be successful, and our team is dedicated to helping pet owners, like you, keep their pets in times of need.

Please review our resource options below before surrendering your pet. Owner-surrenders are by appointment only through our Pet Admissions Center, please call us in advance and make an appointment at (219) 922-3811 ext 211.

Medical Service and Supplies

Medical services in the form of spay/neuter, vaccines, and microchipping are available if you qualify. We also provide initial canine and feline behavioral counseling or a referral to pet trainers or behaviorists.

Pet supplies can be too expensive when life pitches you a curveball. We don’t ask questions and provide supplies when pet owners ask for pet food, cat litter, leashes, collars, toys, treats, grooming products, cat furniture and litter boxes. We get it.

Pet food banks are also here to help you. We know them all and can connect you.

Rehome adoptions offers a pet owner the opportunity to rehome their pet through our website and Facebook page. The program provides a safe and reliable platform to market animals available for rehoming.

Crisis Foster Care offers temporary care for pets in times of great need by a pet owner experiencing a difficult situation in their life.

EMERGENCY CRISIS FOSTER CARE

Have you or someone you know, ever hit a rough patch in life? We see it every day in the homeless and helpless pets that reach our shelter doors. More recently, the human stories of survival and the human-animal bond have touched the hearts of our staff, volunteers, donors and foster families and have given new meaning to the good that we do together at Humane Indiana.

WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY CRISIS FOSTER?

An Emergency Crisis Foster is someone who is willing to temporarily open their home and heart to a pet owner in need. Pet owners who’ve found themselves in very difficult situations, simply need time to resolve them before making the hard decision to surrender their beloved pets. The variety of reasons Emergency Crisis Foster Homes are needed include homelessness, domestic abuse, house fires, injured or ill owners, relocation or moving, etc. In any case, these pet owners are trying desperately NOT to lose or surrender their pets.

Every month, Humane Indiana receives several calls for Emergency Crisis Fosters. These are usually very tough, heart-wrenching situations that require a compassionate heart and hand. Since we do not offer boarding at our facility, Emergency Crisis Foster Homes are our only option in many cases and the best-case scenario for the pets. We truly want to facilitate fostering.

HOW DOES EMERGENCY CRISIS FOSTERING WORK?

Emergency Crisis Fostering is typically a 30-day commitment. We work within our foster network and provide any needs for the foster, including food, bowls, vaccines, bedding, collars, and leashes. We keep in constant contact with the legal owner of the fostered pet to ease all concerns.

Are you facing a difficult life situation and need help?

We know losing your pet is the last thing you want. Let us help you make it through these trying times and keep your dogs and/or cats with your family. If you are temporarily unable to care for your pet or have run into unforeseen circumstances, we will work to match an Emergency Crisis Foster willing to temporarily open their home and heart to your pet. Reuniting you with your furry friend after your hardship is the best-case scenario for you—and your pet.

Humane Indiana is a proud United Way partner offering help for pet owners in need through our Crisis Foster Program. We also partner with area domestic violence shelters. Please don’t let safeguarding your pet stop you from making important decisions. We will help you.

• St. Jude House
• Haven House
• The Caring Place

Humane Indiana’s main coverage area is Northwest Indiana; however, will make our best attempt to help you.

Moving with pets?

We understand that pets are cherished family members and finding a place that welcomes them is crucial. In collaboration with local housing providers, we strive to connect you with pet-friendly living spaces that prioritize the happiness and safety of your beloved animals.

Find your ideal pet-friendly home that welcomes every member of your family, paws and all!