Animal shelter will continue to limit intake, long-term overpopulation solutions sought

The city’s animal shelter will continue emergency-only intake procedures. The move is in response to ongoing overpopulation problems at the aging facility.

Crates line the hallways and offices at the Indianapolis Animal Care Services building on the west side of Indianapolis. The shelter has been over capacity for years now. There are currently about 230 dogs in the building.

IACS announced a new population management plan to combat overcrowding. Dawn Olsen with the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services said it’s part of a long-term strategy.

“Not only do we want to cut down on the amount of overcrowding at the shelter, but this is our way of helping make things easier on the staff, increasing available space and improving medical care too,” Olsen said.

The shelter began operating with limited intake earlier this month after a dog unexpectedly passed away. It was later determined that the animal died of a respiratory illness known as kennel cough.

The move to emergency intake has allowed IACS to ask important questions about how to improve services. 

“How can we decrease our occupancy rate? How can we help staff and provide them with greater support? How can we get animals the resources they need, or pet owners the resources they need so they don't have to surrender an animal,” Olsen said.

The shelter hopes to keep capacity at around 80 percent. IACS currently has 189 dogs and 15 cats ready for adoption.

The new shelter under construction will be twice the size of the current facility. It’s scheduled to open in 2026.

IACS will become its own agency next year and receive a boost in funding.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.