IndyHumane

IndyHumane is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to animal welfare in central Indiana, caring for approximately 10,000 animals annually. Founded in 1905 by nine citizens as the Humane Society of Indianapolis, its original mission included protecting abused women and children alongside animals. Over the decades, the organization shifted its focus entirely to animal welfare, expanding its services and facilities.

A key milestone was the 1965 purchase of a farm on Michigan Road, which became its first dedicated animal shelter. By the late 1980s, facing changing animal welfare laws and community needs, the organization planned a new facility specifically for companion animals, which opened in 1991 with a capacity for 300 animals. To address the medical needs of shelter pets, the 12,000-square-foot IndyHumane Downtown Clinic was later established. In 2018, the organization officially rebranded from the Humane Society of Indianapolis to IndyHumane.

IndyHumane operates as a "limited-admission" shelter, meaning it does not euthanize animals for space. Its business model is based on fundraising, donations, and fees for services, with an average annual revenue of around $7 million. The organization provides a comprehensive suite of services including animal rescue and adoption, foster care programs, behavioral training, and low-cost veterinary services. These services include two low-cost vaccination clinics and the Albert G. and Sara I. Reuben Spay/Neuter Clinic, which are crucial to its mission of ending pet overpopulation. Revenue from the vaccine clinics helps subsidize other shelter services. IndyHumane also runs community-focused programs like a pet food pantry, a dog park, and youth camps.

The organization has experienced several leadership changes. After eight years, CEO John Aleshire retired in 2017 and was succeeded by Steven Stolen, who was terminated after 14 months. David Horth, a long-time board member and business owner, served as interim CEO twice before taking the role permanently at the end of 2018. Horth's tenure ended in March 2022. As of 2023, the CEO is Donna Casamento.

Keywords: animal welfare, pet adoption, animal shelter, low-cost spay/neuter, veterinary services, animal rescue, foster care, pet overpopulation, non-profit, animal advocacy, humane society, Indianapolis, companion animals, pet resource center, animal behavior training, community outreach, pet vaccination, animal health, dog park, humane education