It seems like wherever one looks, be it Facebook, Nextdoor or Paw Boost, more and more dogs are lost or abandoned. Several have been taken to the HMP Pocket Park and intentionally abandoned. Resources to help these animals are tight. Animal Service Advisory Board Member and HMP resident Chris Roberson has some advice for good hearted people who find and abandoned or lost animal.
- Chris suggests that people should post on Indy Lost Pet Alert, report it through Request Indy, and then also post on local Facebook and Nextdoor apps (those are most likely to reunite the dog with its owner).
- If people are able to temporarily foster the dog while it’s trying to be reunited with its owner(s), that would be amazing too. Chris states that having fostered abandoned dogs a few times, he knows how much work it can be, especially for people who may feel comfortable with their family pets, but might not be familiar with scared dog behavior, etc. If the dog doesn’t get reunited with its owner, they can make an appointment to surrender it to the shelter, but those appointments are months out right now.
- As of January 1, 2025, microchipping is mandatory in Marion County and unaltered animals are required to be registered with Indianapolis Animal Control Services. Details are available in the image below.
- If anyone find themselves rescuing a lost or abandoned dog and needs help fostering it, Chris is willing to assist with supplies such as crates and other items needed to foster a pet. He is also willing to help understanding and feeling comfortable with the pet while looking for the owner or the furever home. Contact any board member for Chris’s contact information.
