I'm willing to bet you have never met a cat named Mort before. I am very familiar with the HSHC because I first arrived as a stray in 2023. I was adopted in December 2023, surrendered back to the shelter in 2025, and adopted again 23 days later. But I was finally returned to HSHC in October 2025. Whew! That is way too many changes for my peace of mind. I am now 8-years-old, neutered, and weigh 13.2 pounds. When I first met the interviewer lady (IL), she was mesmerized by the rusty stripes running down my orange-and-white body. She opened my door, stayed quiet, and let me approach first. Soon, I was pushing my head into her hand and accepting her pets. She rubbed my neck and ears for a while. Then I began to eat my breakfast. We hit it off just fine! I have now lived with two families. During that time, I was playful, friendly, and affectionate, but easily overstimulated. If someone tried to pick me up or put a harness on me, I quickly let them know that wasn't happening. I have lived with two dogs: a four-year-old female Anatolian Shepherd and a nine-month-old unaltered male Presa Canario, and an 8-year-old daughter. I tried my level best to avoid them, as well as the adult father in the home. I felt most comfortable with my adult female owner, as she was skilled at reading the signals I gave to show I was overstimulated. For example, I enjoy being petted, but if the petting session goes on too long, my ears go flat like an airplane, my tail thrashes, and my pupils get really big. If these signs are ignored, I may overreact by swatting or nipping. Therefore, everyone I live with must be 16 or older. I will need a lengthy introductory period in my new home. I should start with a small place to stay while I adjust. I have much to offer my new family, but understanding my non-verbal language will be the key to my success. Because I've been returned to HSHC three times, you won't be able to take me home after just one visit. I'll need to meet you more than once. This way, HSHC can ensure we're the right fit. If you'd like to meet me, just ask for Mort! 3-24-26
Important Notice: A “meet and greet” with any existing dogs in your home is required, supervised by our team in our play areas. We encourage bringing your family and current dogs, especially if traveling from afar. Cats are not required for a meet and greet.
Adoption Hours: Daily 12-5PM, closed Wednesdays. No appointment needed, unless the dog or cat is in foster! Apply and then call us at 317-773-4974 to set up a meet and greet with an pet in foster care.
Dog Adoption Fees:
- Under 1 year: $200
- 1-4 years: $100
- 5-9 years: $55
- 10+ years: $35
*The non-refundable hold fee is $40.
Included with Dog Adoptions:
- Heartworm Test (age appropriate)
- At least one round of age appropriate vaccinations
- At least one round of flea/tick preventative
- Complimentary Bag of Food
- Complimentary Wellness Exam & Rabies Vaccine
Cat Adoption Fees:
- Under 1 year: $100
- 1-4 years: $65
- 5-9 years: $35
- 10+ years: $25
Included with Cat Adoptions:
- Feline Leukemia/FIV Test (age appropriate)
- At least one round of age appropriate vaccinations
- At least one round of flea/tick preventative
- Complimentary Bag of Food
- Complimentary Wellness Exam & Rabies Vaccine
Adoption Process
Understand the process and what to know before applying to adopt an animal at HSHC.
Adoption Policies
Get answers to all of your FAQs about pet adoption at HSHC and understand our policies.
Not Quite Ready To Adopt?
You can make an immeasurable impact by opening your home and your heart to an animal in need. Fostering is a great opportunity to introduce a pet into your home without making a lifelong commitment. Many of our foster humans end up adopting their fostered animals, but many also choose to just provide the temporary shelter and love our animals need to get through a trying time.
