The Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) is urgently seeking the community’s help after a heating system failure left 11 kennels without warmth during dangerously cold weather.

“This is a dire situation,” said Lily Darling, Community Engagement Manager. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of the dogs in our care. By fostering a dog, even for just a couple of nights, you’re not only helping that animal but also making room for us to move dogs into warm, safe spaces.”

The shelter is home to over 130 dogs, and with only a limited number of heated kennels available, the need for foster homes has never been more critical. Fostering provides a temporary safe haven for dogs, helping HSHC manage its resources and ensure every animal is protected during the cold snap.

HSHC is calling on individuals and families to step up and offer a warm home for a dog in need. Fostering requires a completed application, available at hamiltonhumane.com/foster-application, and potential fosters are asked to bring all family members, any current dogs for a meet-and-greet, and proof of their landlord’s pet policy if applicable.

As temperatures in Central Indiana remain dangerously low, HSHC staff are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the dogs. However, without additional community support, the situation remains critical.

Not all dogs are eligible for fostering, as some require specialized care or are unaltered or too young. Still, the organization hopes that those who can help will act quickly to ease the strain on their facilities.