Kokomo Humane Society receives mobile pet assistance truck after years of delay

James Bennett, Kokomo Tribune, Ind.
·2 min read
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Sep. 20—The Kokomo Humane Society will now be able to offer services away from its animal shelter.

After two years of waiting, the Kokomo Humane Society has acquired the "Love Bus."

The Ford E-450 is 23 feet long and equipped with 23 cages, a sink and a refrigerator for vaccines.

A graphic, designed by volunteer photographer Mike Dukes, covers the truck and shows off a handful of dogs and cats the Humane Society has sheltered.

"It was really great — made it fun, and basically, we're trying to spread the love," said Karen Wolfe, executive director of the Kokomo Humane Society. "We're all really excited about it. It's a little mind blowing."

Wolfe explained the bus will primarily be used for adoption events and the Pet Assistance Program, which helps cover the cost of things like vaccines, microchips, ID tags, flea prevention medication and assisted spay or neuters for local pet owners.

Wolfe said the two-year wait for the truck was mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While it was difficult to wait that long, the executive director said, the delay gave the Kokomo Humane Society time to develop the Pet Assistance Program.

Wolfe noted the Humane Society is also looking to partner with organizations to identify community members who could use help caring for their pets.

"I feel like it's really going to be utilized well for lots of areas," Wolfe said.

Plans for the "Love Bus" were initially announced in October 2021 after the Humane Society received a $225,000 grant from the Lazin Animal Foundation to acquire the truck.

In May 2023, Wolfe explained a $70,000 grant from Petco Love will help the Humane Society fund outreach efforts and establish a new staff position meant to enhance and jumpstart programs with the "Love Bus."

The Humane Society's first event with the truck will be held Sept. 30, with a rabbit adoption outside Kokomo's PetSmart. The organization also has three trunk-or-treat events planned.

James Bennett III can be reached at 765-454-8580 or james.bennett@kokomotribune.com.