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13 Best Dog Rescues In Indiana (Updated 2023 Guide)

Best Dog Rescues In Indiana

Dog adoption is great. But it can be quite stressful if you don’t know where to start. 

No worries, I’ve got you.

In this article, you’ll find a compilation of the best dog rescues in Indiana.

Read more to know:

  • Their dog adoption process.
  • Activities and services they offer.
  • 13 best dog rescues in Indiana (with contact information).
  • And much, much more…

This list is based on my thorough research in Google Maps. 

The information about the places is from their official websites and online testaments of people who had firsthand experience in these shelters. 

This way, you can set your expectations before you decide on visiting a rescue. 

This article provides you with a concise overview of these places. 

Disclaimer: Ratings and reviews of the places listed below are accurate as of the moment of writing. But they can be subject to change during your time of viewing this article. 


13 best dog rescues in Indiana


#1: IndyHumane

Rating: 4.3

Reviews: 1,143

Website: http://indyhumane.org/

IndyHumane has two addresses, one for their Main Office and one for their Downtown Clinic. 

Facility Address: 7929 N Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268

Downtown Clinic Address: 456 N Holmes Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46222

Opening hours: 

  • Tuesday-Saturday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00-5:00 PM

Social media presence:

The Humane Society of Indianapolis or IndyHumane has been rescuing pets in Central Indianapolis since 1905. 

Aside from being a pet shelter, it offers other services for kitties and pooches. 

Services

Vaccination and other medical services

You can take your doggos to their clinic for vaccination. Here are their available vaccines:

  • Lyme.
  • Rabies.
  • Influenza.
  • Bordetella.
  • Leptospirosis.
  • DAPPV/4-in-1 Vaccine.

They also offer testing and control of parasites such as heartworm, and Pre-Operation bloodwork.

Microchipping

Their microchipping service is only $15 including the registration. 

Dog Park

You can take your dog for a run in IndyHumane’s dog park. It has a full acre of a safe, grassy meadow that you and your dog can enjoy. 

Note: Due to COVID, additional precautions are added to the dog park guidelines. Wearing masks and social distancing should be observed. 

Onsite and Virtual Tour

And if you’re looking for a fun field trip with friends or family, you can also take a tour of the whole place. Schedule your tour here.  

You can also have a virtual tour of the place including a virtual meet and greet of the Fidos that they have. What a cute way to liven up a normally boring video conference, right?

#2: Humane Society For Hamilton County

Rating: 4.3

Reviews: 687

Website: http://www.hamiltonhumane.com/

Address: 10501 Hague Road, Fishers, Indiana 46038

Phone: (317) 773-4974

Opening hours: 

Temporary Adoption Hours:

  • Monday, Friday- Saturday: 12:00PM – 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday, Thursday: 12:00-7:00 PM
  • Wednesday: CLOSED

Stray and Owner Surrender Hours and Admin Hours:

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday- Sunday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
  • Tuesday, Thursday: 8:00 AM-7:00 PM

It has a truly no-kill philosophy. This means that old Fidos and those who have disabilities and illnesses are welcomed and cared for. 

To learn more about their awesome story, you can watch this video:

Services

Pets Healing Vets

This program is an initiative of qualifying Indiana veterans with doggos who need new homes. These veterans are those who suffer from or has displayed symptoms of PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Youth Education and Scout Program

They also host some benefit events and offer programs for kids like the scout programs. Bite prevention lessons are also available for K-12 kids. 

Adoption

HSHC also has post-adoption phone support to guide you if you run into some behavioral or training issues with your new furry best friend after adoption. 

Read Next: Adopting A Rescue Dog: The First 7 Days [Checklist]

#3: Humane Indiana

Rating: 4.5

Reviews: 569

Website: https://humaneindiana.org/

Address: 421 45th Avenue, Munster, IN, 46321

Phone: (219) 922-3811 

Opening hours: 

  • Everyday: 11 AM – 5PM

Note: With the pandemic, all visitors of the shelter must wear a mask. Those who are vaccinated are not required to wear a mask anymore. 

Services

Estelle Marcus Clinic

The Estelle Marcus Clinic offers the following services for your pets:

  • Microchip.
  • Vaccination.
  • Deworming.
  • Spay/neuter.
  • Feline FeLV/FIV Testing.
  • Canine Heartworm Testing.

Note: You need to book an appointment before availing of the services of the clinic.

Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center

Humane Indiana does not limit their help to pet animals only. They also aid wild animals that need medical aid such as chipmunks, eagles, opossums, etc. 

However, there are also wild animals that they cannot accept. Check the list here and know more about their wildlife center. 

Wildlife Center Address: 570 North 450 East Valparaiso, IN 46383

Phone: (219) 299-8027 

Opening hours: 

  • Animal intake: Open 7 days a week
  • Winter/Spring hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Resale & Consignment Shop

Fond of bargains and treasure hunts? You can check out the Resale and Consignment Shop. The sales of the shop go to the Animal Shelter and Wildlife Center. 

Some of the items you can buy are:

  • Toys.
  • China.
  • Books.
  • Furniture.
  • Art Work.
  • Pet items.

They also have a Shop Local Gift Center where you can find some local goods from small local businesses.

If you want your local business to be a part of their Gift Center, you can send an email at resale@humaneindiana.org.

Resale & Consignment Shop Address: 8149 Kennedy Avenue, Highland, IN 46322

Phone: 219 838 PAWS (7297)

Opening hours: 

  • Monday – Thursday: 10 AM – 5 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM

#4: Humane Fort Wayne

Rating: 4.4

Reviews: 507

Website: https://humanefw.org/

Address: 4914 S. Hanna Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46806

Phone: 260 744-0454

Opening hours: 

  • Tuesday–Friday: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
  • Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
  • Monday: Closed

The merger of Allen County SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and H.O.P.E (Humane Organization for the prevention of Euthanasia) for Animals gave birth to the Humane Fort Wayne Rescue. 

Services

Clinic

It is not easy to take care of a rescue dog. It might also cost you some dollars. 

Do not fret. The shelter has low-cost clinical services for your doggos like affordable spay/neuter and rabies vaccination. 

Online Pharmacy

They also have a very convenient online pharmacy service. 

This way taking care of your rescue dog or any dog will be a walk in the park. 

Click this link to start browsing for your pooch’s medical needs online. 

Additional reading: 17 Critical Tips To Take Care Of A Rescue Dog (Guide)

#5: It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue, Inc.

#5: It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue, Inc.

Rating: 4.5

Reviews: 409

Website: http://www.itvrescue.org/

ITV Rescue has two locations. One in Evansville and another in Spencer County.

Evansville Address: 1417 N. Stockwell Road, Evansville, Indiana 47715

Phone: 812/909-1306

Opening hours: 

  • Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 12 PM – 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 12 PM – 7 PM 
  • Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM

Spencer County Address: 824 E County Road 800 North, Chrisney, IN 47611

Phone: 812/362-4027

Opening hours: 

  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 12 PM – 5 PM

For after-hours concerns, you can leave a voicemail at 812-250-WAGS (9247)

Social media presence:

#6: Rosie’s Southside Animal Shelter

Rating: 4.1

Reviews: 454

Website: https://ssasi.org/

Address: 1614 W Edgewood, Indianapolis, IN, 46217

Phone: 317-781-0755 

Opening hours: 

  • Monday, Wednesday – Sunday: 12 PM- 4 PM
  • Tuesday: Closed

The center is focused on the nurturing of cats and dogs in Indianapolis. As well as getting them ready for a new and loving home. 

Social media presence:

The center has no government or agency funding. They are solely dependent on donations and adoption fees. 

The adoption fees vary but are inclusive of the following:

  • Worming.
  • Microchip.
  • Vaccination.
  • Bag of Food.
  • Spay/Neuter.
  • Vet wellness Exam.

Note: It seems that because of the pandemic, the center has halted taking in volunteers. But you can still contact them if you want to adopt, donate or ask for other ways to help.

#7: Humane Society of Hobart Inc

Rating: 4.1

Reviews: 441

Website: https://www.hshobart.org/

Address: 2054 East State Road 130, Hobart, Indiana 46342

Phone: (219) 942-0103

Opening hours: 

  • Monday- Wednesday, Friday- Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
  • Thursday: Closed
Together Forever Program

HSH offers assistance to pet owners during hard times through the Together Forever Program. They offer foster assistance, medical service aid, training, etc., to fur families who need it. 

If you want to avail of this program you can call them or arrange the details with their staff.  

Return to Home Program

If you lost your pooch or found a lost pet, you can contact HSH, to assist you. 

The rescue has the following programs to have high chances of reuniting fur families with each other:

  • Lost Pet Page.
  • Return in Field Policy.
  • Microchipping Program.
HSH Pet Food Pantry

Residents of Hobart, Lake Station, and New Chicago can pick up some pet supplies at HSH. While other pet families who can’t travel can arrange for delivery. 

These are all part of the HSH Food Pantry. This is their way of helping pet families in need. 

You can reach them by phone or arrange a meeting with their staff to learn more about this service. 

Social media presence:

#8: Vanderburgh Humane Society

Rating: 4.6

Reviews: 394

Website: https://www.vhslifesaver.org/

Address: 400 Millner Industrial Drive, Evansville, Indiana 47710

Phone: 812-426-2563

Opening hours: 

General Business:

  • Tuesday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Adoptions & Animal Viewing: 

  • Tuesday – Saturday: 12:00- 6:00 PM
  • Sunday 12:00-4:00 PM

From their original location in Buchanan Road on Evansville’s west side, VHS has moved to their current location at Millner Industrial Drive with a proudly standing 20,000 square-foot facility. 

Mutt’s Morning Out

Aside from adoption, fostering, and volunteering, VHS also offers other activities. This includes Mutt’s Morning Out, which allows you to take the shelter pooches “out of town” for a walk for a few hours. 

Adopting

Interested in adopting from this rescue?

Well, they have a very simple adoption process

All adopters are required to fill out a short application. This way the adoption counselors of the center can match you perfectly to your new fur bff. 

You can have a look at their adoptable pups here. While browsing, click on their picture to get to know them better. 

Social media presence:

#9: Bloomington Animal Shelter

Rating: 4.4

Reviews: 357

Website: https://bloomington.in.gov/animal-shelter

Address: 3410 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47401, United States

Phone: 812-349-3492

Opening hours: 

  • Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Social media presence:

Next on our list is an Open Admissions Shelter or an Open Door Shelter. This means that they don’t turn away any animals entered in their facility. 

Bloomington Animal Shelter is operated by the Animal Care and Control division under the Department of Public Works of Bloomington City. They have a direct partnership with county animal control. 

They are involved in animal control. They respond to any animal-related issues in the city of Bloomington.

Read next: 13 Mistakes When Adopting A Rescue Dog (Guide)

Services

After hours emergency assistance

In case of emergencies like aid for a sick or injured animal, call (812)339-1444. 

Rehoming

They also offer assistance to their citizens who would like to rehome their pooches. They will give you an option to enlist your dog for rehoming on their website. 

Or they will refer you to some non-profit organizations that can help you keep your fur baby. 

#10: Natalie’s Second Chance No-Kill Dog Shelter

Rating: 4.4

Reviews: 228 

Website: https://www.nataliessecondchance.org/

Address: 10 South 16th St., Lafayette, IN, 47905

Phone: 765-426-1285 / 765-426-1425

Opening hours: 

  • Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 4 PM – 7 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM

Social media presence:

Services

Adopt/Foster

Note: Applying to foster a Fido does not guarantee acceptance of adoption.

To avail of their adoption and fostering service, click this link.

Get to know the pooches up for adoption here.

Food Bank

To help pet owners who are struggling to feed their pets, this rescue has Food Bank. Dogs foods and cat foods are available, free of charge. 

Pet owners in the area can visit the foodbank during open adoption hours. 

Donations to the Food Bank are also highly encouraged and very much welcome. 

They accept any brand of wet or dry food and an open bag of food and treats. Arrangements can be made to pick up donations that can’t be dropped off in the center. 

Volunteering

To schedule volunteering at the rescue, click this link.

Note: Only 6 volunteers are needed every shift. If you’re volunteering in groups, be sure that each member signed up for the form. 

Walker Hours:

  • Everyday: 8 AM – 10 AM
  • Sunday- Friday: 4 PM – 6 PM
  • Saturday: 3 PM – 5 PM

#11: Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter

Rating: 4.4

Reviews: 201

Website: https://www.cityofshelbyvillein.com/departments/animal-shelter/

Address: 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, IN 46176

Phone: (317) 392-5127

Opening hours: 

  • Monday- Friday : 10:30 AM – 5PM
  • Saturday- Sunday: Closed

Social media presence:

You can also send them an email at cbrowder@cityofshelbyvillein.com to set up an appointment for adoption or inquire about volunteering. 

#12: Animal Welfare League

Rating: 4.4

Reviews: 163

Website: https://awlwarsaw.com/

Address: 1048 S 325 E, Pierceton, IN 46562

Phone: +1 574 267 3008

Opening hours: 

  • Tuesday- Friday: 11:30 AM – 5PM
  • Sunday-Monday: Closed

Social media presence:

Note: Ever since November 16, 2021, the AWL rescue operates by appointment only. Be sure to set an appointment before visiting. 

#13: Brown County Humane Society

Rating: 4.7

Reviews: 134

Website: https://www.bchumane.org/

Address: 128 S State Road 135, Nashville, IN 47448

Phone: (812) 988-7362

Opening hours: 

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday-Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
  • Tuesday, Thursday: Closed
Adopting

Fill out this dog adoption application form to start your adoption process. 

Note: When adopting a Fido that would live outside your home, BCHS may conduct a home visitation to ensure that the adopted will have a suitable shelter. 

Volunteering

If you want to volunteer at the shelter, you must be 15 years old and above. Dog walkers must be 18 years old and above. 

There are also out-of-the-shelter volunteering opportunities for you. You can try to volunteer at off-site adoption, fundraising events, and other special projects of BCHS. 

Social media presence:

You can also sign up for their e-letters here.