09/14/2026
Member Monday: Humane Indiana 🐾
When most people hear “Humane Indiana,” they probably immediately think of dogs and cats looking for their forever homes.
But Humane Indiana is a lot more than an animal shelter.
A big part of their work is actually focused on keeping animals out of the shelter in the first place.
Their Shelter Diversion Program helps families going through difficult times with pet food, supplies, medical services and behavioral resources. Their Pet Food Pantry distributes thousands of pounds of food each year, helping families throughout Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland while also supporting local animal control facilities.
They also offer an Emergency Crisis Foster program. When someone is dealing with homelessness, a house fire, illness, relocation or escaping domestic violence, Humane Indiana can help temporarily place their pet with a foster family—with the goal of eventually reuniting the pet with its owner.
And then there’s an entire other side of Humane Indiana that many people may not know exists.
Their Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Valparaiso cares for injured and orphaned native wildlife from 26 Indiana counties, everything from hummingbirds and chipmunks to foxes, coyotes and eagles with rehabilitation and release as the ultimate goal.
They also bring wildlife education directly into schools and the community, offering hands-on programs that teach kids about Indiana wildlife and conservation.
Another cool opportunity: property owners can even volunteer their land as an approved wildlife release site for rehabilitated animals when the habitat is appropriate.
So yes, Humane Indiana helps dogs and cats find homes, but behind the scenes they’re also helping families keep their pets, supporting people during some of the hardest moments of their lives, rehabilitating Indiana wildlife and educating the next generation.
