Indy's animal shelter faces 'dire' overcrowding. How to help even if you don't adopt.

Rachel Fradette, Indianapolis Star
·2 min read
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Indianapolis Animal Care Services is running out of space with hallways, offices and kennel space filled up with dogs.

"For this time of year, we were kind of used to an increase in animals coming in but it has been more than usual," Roxie Randall, a spokesperson for the agency.

The shelter has been in an emergency intake situation for most of the year due to staffing shortages and limited kennel space, Randall said. Similar overcrowding is happening in shelters outside Marion County.

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"There are animals literally everywhere," Randall said.

This comes after IACS shared in September that they are taking in fewer animals than years prior through policies like intakes by appointment, asking people to hold onto strays and working to support owners so they keep animals.

"We are taking in more animals than we are getting out, and if the situation doesn’t improve soon, SAVEABLE animals will die," IACS wrote in social media post. "It’s as simple as that."

There are a number of ways the public can help IACS and animals in needs, Randall said.

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Families interested in adopting a dog, should fill out an online application.

The shelter is also in need of foster homes and safety net foster homes for temporary stays of 30 to 60 days. Those who are interested in volunteering, can apply on the IACS website. They are also hiring positions, Randall said.

IACS is accepting donations and the shelter has active Amazon and Chewy.com wish lists with food and crates as priority items.

People who want to volunteer, adopt or foster with IACS can visit the website: indy.gov/agency/animal-care-services. You can donate to IACS here: bit.ly/3QsLhL8.

More:Dogs and cats at Indianapolis shelter who have been looking a long time for a home

IndyStar reporter Claire Rafford contributed to this report.

Rachel Fradette is a general assignment reporter at IndyStar. Contact her at rfradette@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter at @Rachel_Fradette.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy Animal Care Services is overcrowding with dogs. How you can help