The City Council Community Affairs Committee of Indianapolis held a meeting on July 23, 2025, focusing on the challenges faced by the Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) and the vital role of volunteers in supporting the shelter.

During the meeting, community members expressed their concerns regarding the current state of the shelter, highlighting the absence of a full-time veterinarian and the overworked staff. Volunteers reported a significant decline in volunteer hours, with a loss of 4,500 hours from January 2024 to January 2025, averaging nearly 30 hours per day. This reduction has severely impacted the shelter's ability to provide necessary care and enrichment for the animals, leading to increased stress among the animals housed there.

Community advocate Monica, a resident of Perry Township, emphasized the importance of restoring volunteer programs and onboarding new volunteers. She noted that the shelter has a diverse pool of volunteers, including medical professionals, lawyers, and experienced animal advocates, all eager to contribute their skills and time. Monica urged the council to foster a collaborative and transparent relationship with volunteers to enhance the shelter's operations and improve the welfare of the animals.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for support and resources to revitalize volunteer efforts at IACS. Community members expressed their readiness to assist and called for mutual respect and cooperation between the shelter staff and volunteers. The discussions highlighted the potential for a fresh start in addressing the challenges faced by the shelter and ensuring the well-being of its animals.