We are the Humane Society of St. Joseph County Indiana.. Incorporated in 1886, we are one of Indiana's oldest service organizations and still the areas largest animal care facility. Servicing the greater St. Joseph County region and multiple municipalities, the HSSJC sees over 5,065 animals each year. Providing a vast array of community services and educational programs the Humane Society of St. Joseph County truly looks to embody it's motto of "WE CARE" on many levels.
Operating the Department of Animal Welfare, the Humane Society of St. Joseph County's Humane Officers respond to over 14,000 cruelty, neglect, and abuse calls each year. Comprising a team of highly trained officers with specialized study in everything from equine science to criminal justice, the Department of Animal Welfare is dedicated to ensuring the humane treatment of all animals within our community!
Our mission is to instill reverence for all life and to enhance the human/animal bond through the compassionate care of animals and community education.
Humane Society of St. Joseph County FAQ
Q: How do you adopt animals from the Humane Society?
A: First you choose an animal that you would like to have join your family. Then you meet the dog/cat and play with it. This can be done over a period of time. You fill out an application to see if you qualify for the adoption. A thorough check is done of
Q: How long does it take to get an animal?
A: It can take a few days or even weeks. We spay neuter all animals before they leave the shelter which saves much money. Since only few veterinarians do the surgery it may take a while for the animal to be released.
Q: How much do animals cost?
A: We charge $135.00 for all dogs (purebreds, puppies and older dogs. They are all spayed or neutered, heartworm tested and vaccinated. Cats are usually $80.00 and take two for the $80.00 as an adopt a buddy program. Now for February and March we are adoptin
Q: Do we pick up dead animals?
A: No the street department does that.
Q: Do you catch stray dogs and cats?
A: Yes we go out on aggressive or injured animals all the time. During day time we will go out on strays also.
Q: Do you euthanize animals; is your facility a no-kill shelter?
A: We do request for the public daily. We euthanize injured, aggressive and very unadoptable animals. There is no such thing as a totally no kill shelter.
Q: Do you take in animals, how much is it?
A: Do you take them from all over? We take in animals from our community first, if the animal is owned then there is a $50.00 fee. We usually do not take animals in from other areas unless there is a disaster (Katrina) or floods (Southern Indiana) or unless
Q: Do you treat animals for the public? Do you give Veterinary advice to the public?
A: We do not have an open veterinary practice here. Dr. Ecker takes care of the 500 plus animals that we have here. We give limited advice to the public referring them to their own veterinarian.
Q: Do we go into houses and retrieve wild animals, bats, raccoons or other animals?
A: We do go into homes to help remove animals especially bats since they carry rabies.
Q: Do we adopt out of our county?
A: Yes we do.
Q: What to do when you pet dies or you have to put it down?
A: We will dispose of your pet’s body, but we have other resources. Palmer Funeral Home will also bury your pet in their cemetery, or cremate it and return the ashes. It is sad when you have to say goodbye to your pet but sometimes it is the kindest thing to
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