Community Programs & Resources

Adoption & Rescue Placement Program

Our adoption & rescue placement program finds placement for an average of 2,000 annually. Our dedicated team does its best to find caring forever homes or other no-kill rescue placements for our pets.  We are always looking for great adopters, fosters, and volunteers to help provide humane and compassionate care to our animals on their journey to their forever home.

Volunteer Program

We are currently building on our volunteer base and increasing participation by offering an online orientation & hands-on training. Ongoing training and specialized training are then provided for volunteers based on their needs and interests. Many citizens, children, their families, and local students from the University of Notre Dame, St. Mary’s Bethel, IUSB, and Purdue colleges join our family of volunteers to make the lives of our animals healthy, happy, and adoptable along with raising funds and awareness about shelter programs.

Community Education & Outreach

Our staff, volunteers and pets visit local K-12 grade schools in the area and present information about the prevention of abuse and the humane care of animals. One such program is Paws For Pages. This literacy program is open to children passionate about animals. Children take turns reading to the adoptable pets and then participate in crafts and animal presentations.  Programs are also available for area service club visits. The use of public service announcements, television and newspaper exposure, and free literature are other ways that we reach out to the community. During the summer, the Junior Humane Society Day Camp teaches our youth who are interested in the humane treatment of animals.

Pet Safe Program

Emergency shelter is provided free for up to two weeks when owners are forced into temporary shelters because of domestic violence, fires, or other emergencies. Animals also receive a basic medical exam, are vaccinated, and are provided flea prevention during their temporary stay. This is a program that has helped many animals in dire need of housing and tender loving care.

Food Bank Program

This program provides free pet food for pet owners in need of assistance. Unfortunately, we do not have a large supply of pet food to give out on a routine basis, so this program should only be utilized for emergencies. To participate, please call ahead and be prepared to provide a photo ID and brief survey about the pets in your home.

Spay/Neuter Program

Ending pet homelessness starts with spaying and neutering. At our Humane Society, a part-time veterinarian performs spay/neuter surgeries in our surgical center, along with other life-saving procedures for our adoptable pets. However, due to the high number of animals in need, our in-shelter capacity is limited. To ensure every pet receives the necessary care, we partner with local veterinary clinics to complete additional spay/neuter surgeries.

Since 2010, we have successfully spayed and neutered over 16,500 shelter pets! At this time, our spay/neuter services are exclusively for shelter animals, and we do not offer veterinary services to the public.

Animal Control

Our dedicated team of trained Humane Officers provides 24/7 emergency services, ensuring the safety and well-being of animals and residents every day of the year. We proudly serve the unincorporated areas of St. Joseph County, as well as the cities and towns of Mishawaka, Osceola, Lakeville, North Liberty, Walkerton, and Roseland, along with the University of Notre Dame and St. Mary’s communities.

Humane Officers are responsible for enforcing animal welfare laws, responding to reports of cruelty, neglect, and abuse, and ensuring that animals receive proper care. They investigate cases of mistreatment, rescue animals from unsafe conditions, and work closely with law enforcement when necessary. Our officers also handle wildlife concerns, assist with lost and stray animals, and respond to dangerous animal situations, including bite cases.

Beyond enforcement, our Humane Officers play an active role in community education, helping residents understand responsible pet ownership, proper animal care, and the importance of spaying and neutering. To further support public safety and pet well-being, the Humane Society offers free or low-cost microchip and vaccination clinics throughout the year, ensuring pets stay healthy and can be easily identified if lost.

Licenses and Permits

Pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats within St. Joseph County, Indiana. Licensing plays a crucial role in responsible pet ownership by ensuring pets are properly identified and up to date on their rabies vaccinations.

Why Pet Licensing is Important:

  • Proof of Rabies Vaccination – Licensing verifies that pets have received a rabies vaccination, helping to prevent the spread of this deadly disease and ensuring public safety.
  • Pet Identification & Recovery – A pet license provides a unique identification number linked to the owner’s contact information, making it easier for lost pets to be returned home quickly.
  • Legal Compliance – Licensing is required by law in St. Joseph County to promote responsible pet ownership.
  • Public Safety & Animal Control Support – Funds from pet licensing help support local animal control services, including responding to stray or dangerous animals and investigating neglect or cruelty cases.

St. Joseph County residents (excluding those within South Bend city limits) can purchase pet licenses for their dogs and cats at the shelter during business hours or conveniently online HERE. Additionally, kennel, breeder, pet shop, county chicken, and other animal-related permits are available for purchase at the shelter. Mishawaka city residents can also obtain their pet’s license at Mishawaka City Hall.

Lost and Found Pets

ur organization offers a lost and found service to help reunite lost pets with their owners. If your pet is missing, visit our Lost & Found Pets page to file a lost pet report and access helpful tips for bringing them home safely.

There’s no place like home—microchipping your pet is one of the best ways to ensure they can be identified and returned to you if lost. If you’ve found a stray pet, you can also submit a found pet report on our Lost & Found Pets page to help reconnect them with their rightful owner.

For more information and resources, visit our Lost & Found Pets page today!

Other Community Resources & Organizations

Budget Friendly Veterinary Services

  • Preventative Health of Michiana: Low-cost vaccinations, microchips, and preventative care. Phone: (574) 355-3444. Email: [email protected]. Website: preventativepethealth.com
  • VIP Pet Care: Pop-up clinic that provides low-cost vaccinations, microchips, and preventative care. Visit their website for locations/times at VIPpetcare.com or call 1-800-427-973. They usually visit Tractor Supply Co in Mishawaka and Pet Supplies Plus in South Bend on Sundays.
  • VETCO: Pop-up clinic that provides low-cost vaccinations, microchips, and preventative care. Visit their website for locations/times at vetcoclinics.com or call 1-877-838-7468. They usually visit Petco in Granger on Saturdays.
  • ABC Clinic: Low-cost spay/neuter services, vaccinations, and microchips. Best to schedule online at petrefugeabcclinic.com/how-to-schedule-an-appointment . Phone: (574) 291-7729
  • Pet Friendly Services of Indiana: Offers support to owners and shelters needing to get pets spayed/neutered. Through voucher programs at participating vets: https://petfriendlyservices.org/
  • Public Vet: Offers low-cost spay/neuter services for cats. Travels around Indiana. Website: https://pub.vet/

Outdoor Community Cats

Local Financial Resources & Aid for Pets

  • Frantz L. Dantzler Friends for Life Fund: Provides assistance for veterinary clients who cannot afford to pay for basic pet care. In order to qualify, clients must be able to show proof at the participating veterinary clinics that they are eligible for government assistance for low income individuals or families. Visit their website for details frantzfund.com.
  • Fido Fund of Michiana: Facebook.com/thefidofundofmichiana They help assist needy pet owners. You must visit their Facebook page and message them for assistance. Qualifications may apply.

Other Financial Resources

  • Financial & Veterinary resource guide for pet owners: https://www.banfieldfoundation.org/Banfield-Foundation-Resources-for-pet-owners
  • Care Credit: Credit card for medical expenses. CareCredit.com
  • Brown Dog Foundation: For those who have no money immediately available for the care of cats and dogs that are sick or injured and would respond to treatment. Website BrownDogFoundation.org
  • The Shakespeare Animal Fund: Small grants of between $50 and $100 typically to people on a fixed income or with annual incomes below the Federal poverty guidelines. Website: ShakespeareAnimalFund.org
  • Banfield Pet Hospital: Hope Funds treatment and application through Banfield Pet Hospital banfieldfoundation.org/banfield-foundation-grant-programs

Emergency & Urgent Veterinary Care

  • Night Owls Wellness & Urgent Care: Provides service to those clients that have a pet in crisis with no regular veterinarian or whose regular practice is unable to see the pet in a timely manner. Located at 2324 Grape Rd., Mishawaka. Phone: (574) 259-8387 Website: nowpeturgentcare.com
  • Emergency Veterinary Care Centers (EVCC) (Mishawaka): Phone (574) 544-6200
  • Emergency Veterinary Care Centers (EVCC) (Westville): Phone (219) 785-7300
  • Northeast Indiana Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (Fort Wayne): Phone (260) 426-1062
  • VCA Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Care Centre (Kalamazoo): Phone (269) 381-5228