Indy Animal Care Faces Overwhelming Surge of Animals Due to Cold Weather
As the temperatures plunge in Indianapolis, the city’s Animal Care Services (IACS) is feeling the strain of the cold weather, with an influx of animals arriving at its aging southwest side shelter.
The shelter, which has been operating under emergency intake for the past three months, was forced to take in 70 dogs in the final week of November alone, as temperatures dipped below 20 degrees.
Under state law, pet owners are required to bring animals inside when the temperature falls below 20 degrees, which has led to a sharp increase in calls and strays brought into the shelter. Colleen Walker, IACS public information officer, explained that the shelter’s capacity is under pressure.
“With the increase in calls, we’re seeing more strays and more animals needing emergency intake because they can't be outside,” Walker said.
The shelter continues to operate beyond capacity, a situation it has been grappling with for years. However, the recent emergency intake procedures have helped ease the pressure. Successful adoption events have also played a role in reducing the number of animals housed at the facility.
Walker emphasized the importance of working with local animal nonprofit partners to ensure that all animals, especially dogs and cats, are kept safe and indoors during the cold snaps. These partnerships are critical in preventing the shelter from becoming overwhelmed.
“We’re not going to add kennels into the hallways. It’s not humane,” Walker said. “We’re focused on sending as many animals as possible to rescues, adoptions, and foster homes.”
She also encouraged the public to help by ensuring their pets are microchipped and by considering fostering or adopting.
Looking ahead, IACS is planning a new shelter, set to open in 2026, which will be twice the size of the current facility.
For more information, contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.
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