Like you, HSHC is working to transition back to business as usual as safely as possible. We are returning to our normal hours and building occupancy will open up with social distancing guidelines still in place. We know the last few months have made it more difficult than normal to find a furry companion and we can’t wait to help you complete your family.
Beginning Monday, July 6, 2020, we will implement new procedures as outlined by Stage 4.5 of the Governor’s Indiana Reopening Plan. These procedures include managing building occupancy, continuing to require face coverings/masks, and returning to our normal procedures and business hours for adoptions, fosters and intakes.

Building Occupancy

We will no longer have a maximum number of people allowed in the building. However, we do ask that all guests continue to practice social distancing. If our lobby and facility becomes full to the point where social distancing is not possible, we will ask people to wait outside. While this may result in a short wait, we appreciate your patience as we work to continue to keep everyone safe.

Required Face Masks/Coverings

The public spaces in our facility are extremely small and congested. Therefore, we will be requiring that everyone wear some type of face mask (scarf, actual mask, bandana, etc.) If you do not have an item like this available, we will provide you a mask for a $1 donation.

Hours of Operation

Good news! Trends for Tails Resale Boutique will be OPEN to serve you in a limited capacity beginning tomorrow!

We will be following Governor Holcomb’s plan for 50% capacity, allowing up to three customers to shop at a time, with social distancing. Our door will remain locked, with one of our team members allowing shoppers to enter as capacity allows. Should a line form along the sidewalk, please keep socially distant at least six feet from one another.

Dear HSHC Supporters, 

As the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow, our top priority is the health and safety of our community while keeping our lifesaving commitment to the animals depending on us. 

In response to the increasing concern regarding COVID-19, the Humane Society for Hamilton County is closing to the public and ceasing adoptions effective immediately. These proactive measures are being taken in an effort to keep our staff, volunteers, and customers safe, follow the recommendations of public health officials, and focus our team and resources to maximize our lifesaving impact.

We will continue accepting Hamilton County’s lost, stray, and unwanted animals with updated hours. If you are surrendering an animal, bringing in a stray or looking for a lost pet, please call (317) 773-4974 ahead. Our hours for intake and looking for a lost pet will be 8-11am and 3-5pm. 

The Humane Society for Hamilton County, just like most organizations, is having to do extra work in response to this virus and is already feeling the financial impact. As with all healthcare institutions and first responders, the care for these animals must continue. The animals depend on us 365 days a year–no matter what. Our staff, volunteers and fosters will continue to care for the animals during these difficult times.  So please remember as we all work through this that we need the continued support of our community partners, sponsors, and YOU, to provide the care each animal deserves.

Please help us with our greatest, most urgent needs.

• -Donate: During this crucial time, funds are more critical than ever to help us keep operations flowing and to get needed supplies. Please consider making a donation in support of the animals in our care.
• -Contribute Supplies:  To help with needed supplies, please visit our wish list. 

We are closely monitoring the situation and making real-time adjustments as needed. Stay updated by visiting our COVID-19 page . 

And lastly, if you don’t already have one, please create an emergency plan for your pet. Make sure pets are wearing identification, have crates and extra supplies and food. Also, identify a caregiver who can help take care of your pet in case you become ill. 

Stay safe and well, 

Rebecca Stevens
President and CEO
Humane Society for Hamilton County

updated March 20, 2020

Dear HSHC Supporters, 

As the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow, our top priority is the health and safety of our community while keeping our lifesaving commitment to the animals depending on us. 

In response to the increasing concern regarding COVID-19, the Humane Society for Hamilton County is temporarily making changes to some of our services as noted below. These proactive measures are being taken in an effort to keep our staff, volunteers, and customers safe, follow the recommendations of public health officials, and focus our team and resources to maximize our lifesaving impact.

Effective immediately, we are limiting public traffic in our building to no more than 10 customers at a time. This means you may experience longer than normal wait times and may be asked to wait in your car. We ask that you please be patient with our staff and volunteers as we try to accommodate as many people as we can while keeping the safety of our staff, volunteers and the public a top priority. 

Pet Adoptions & Foster Placements

As an open admission facility, we do not, and will not, limit our animal intake during times of crisis.  This is why pet adoptions and foster placements remain critical to ensure we continue to have enough space to accommodate new arrivals who are still coming in. 

This is an ideal time for you to introduce a pet to your family and infuse what is a very difficult time with some joy and purpose.  

To better facilitate this process to ensure social distancing, your entire family will not be required to come into the shelter to meet a prospective pet (some exceptions may apply and will simply require a longer hold period until restrictions are lifted).

See all of our available pets here. To help the flow of traffic during your visit, please fill out an online adoption application.

Animal Intake

We will continue accepting Hamilton County’s lost, stray, and unwanted animals according to standard procedure. WE WILL NOT TURN THEM AWAY.

Please help us with our greatest, most urgent needs.

• -Donate: During this crucial time, funds are more critical than ever to help us keep operations flowing and to get needed supplies. Please consider making a donation in support of the animals in our care.
• -Contribute Supplies: To help with needed supplies, please visit our wish list. 

We are closely monitoring the situation and making real-time adjustments as needed. Stay updated by visiting our COVID-19 page or sign up for email to receive updates in your inbox.

Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this unprecedented situation. For additional information and updates on the impact of COVID-19 on our shelter and immediate needs please visit us on line here. 

And lastly, if you don’t already have one, please create an emergency plan for your pet.  Make sure pets are wearing identification, have crates and extra supplies and food.  Also, identify a caregiver who can help take care of your pet in case you become ill. 

Stay safe and well, 

Rebecca Stevens
President and CEO
Humane Society for Hamilton County

The staff at Trends for Tails feels it is best at this time to join other responsible businesses in our city by promoting social distancing as much as possible. As of Monday 3/16/2020, we will be closed until further notice. The safety of our staff, volunteers and customers is our top priority. This is a strange and difficult time for the world, and many businesses are suffering, but we are seeing communities step up in a huge way to keep their local businesses alive. We still need your support to help care for the animals at the Humane Society for Hamilton County (Indiana). Please shop at our online Poshmark store and anything you order will be shipped to you.

Visit us here: https://poshmark.com/closet/trendsfortails

The leadership of the Humane Society for Hamilton County has been closely monitoring the current COVID -19/Novel-Coronavirus situation. At this time, and for the foreseeable future, the animal shelter and Trends for Tails Resale Boutique will remain open and fully operational. We will operate under our normal business hours.

The decision as to whether or not the Humane Society and/or Trends for Tails Resale Boutique will be closed to the public will be assessed in real time on a day-by-day basis. The leadership of The Humane Society for Hamilton County has established clear and realistic guidelines for if or when this decision faces us. Please keep in mind that it is our standard protocol for staff and volunteers to ensure our building is as clean and sanitary as possible on a daily basis to curb the spread of infectious disease in animals and humans. To date, there is no evidence that companion animals or pets can spread COVID-19 (per CDC guidance). For the latest information about coronavirus and pets, we encourage you to visit the links below:

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#animals
• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

In an effort to reduce the potential for COVID-19/Novel-Coronavirus to spread to more people through large gatherings, the Humane Society for Hamilton County is also following the guidance of the CDC and Hamilton County Health Department. To assist in accomplishing this, The Humane Society for Hamilton County will be postponing all outreach events scheduled through the end of March 2020. Hopefully, these will be rescheduled in April or at a later date to be determined.

It is very important to us, that our staff, volunteers, supporters, partners and customers understand that the Humane Society for Hamilton County cares deeply about their safety and well-being. We appreciate your understanding while we work to ensure not only the public’s safety, but also provide staff and volunteers with the opportunity to focus on their own health and personal care as we continue to serve the animals who are depending on us.

The Humane Society for Hamilton County, just like most organizations, is having to do extra work in response to this virus and is already feeling the financial impact. As with all healthcare institutions and first responders, our operations must continue. The animals depend on us 365 days a year–no matter what. Please remember we still need the continued support of our community partners, sponsors, and YOU to help us provide the care each animal deserves.

Here is some additional information regarding COVID-19/Novel-Coronavirus:

• CDC | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• Hamilton County Health Department | https://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/254/Health-Department

Rebecca Stevens
President and CEO
Humane Society for Hamilton County

updated March 12, 2020

Yes! Many adoptable cats and dogs are still looking for their forever home. Follow these recommended preventative actions from the CDC to help prevent the spread of the virus.

-Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

-Stay home if you are sick.

-Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash.

-Wash your hands before and after handling or petting animals.

While this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person in China. There is no reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals. For more information on the many benefits of pet ownership, as well as staying safe and healthy around animals including pets, livestock, and wildlife, visit CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html