Culture

Adopt a furever friend at these Indianapolis animal shelters

Need a new cuddle buddy or want to give back to animals in need? Here are some shelters + rescues around Indy where you can find pawsitively rewarding adoption or volunteer opportunities.

October 13, 2023 • 
Shea Stapley
INDYtoday: INDY_Shea cats_OCT23

City Editor Shea rescued both of her cats and almost adopted 17 more while browsing shelters for this article.

Photo by INDYtoday team

They say dogs are man’s best friend, but we’re not kitten around when we say we’re pretty sure that phrase was invented before cats came into the picture. Today is Global Cat Day, and in honor of our feline friends, here are a few shelters around town where you can litter-ly adopt a cat (or a dog, we’re not judging) right meow.

Not ready to take in a new fur baby today? You can ask about paw-lunteer or donation opportunities instead. Here are a few more rescues in need of support:

More from INDYtoday
INDYtoday: INDY_Traders Point Creamery factory farm tour_APR26
Tourism and Hospitality
Behind-the-scenes factory and farm tours you can take in Indiana
Want to learn how your favorite local beer, chocolate, perfume, or honey is made? Take one of these cool factory and farm tours in central Indiana and beyond.
April 22, 2026
 · 
Shea Stapley
INDYtoday: INDY_Ble Bistro Croque Monsieur_OCT25
Play
Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in Indy
Dining in Indy is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
April 21, 2026
 · 
Staff
INDY_Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site_election_NOV2022
Elections
How to become a poll worker in Indianapolis
During election season, local voting centers are always in need of poll workers. Here’s how to sign up — and get paid for your service.
April 21, 2026
 · 
Shea Stapley
A heap of tomatoes and vegetation in a dark brown wooden bin outside.
Travel and Outdoors
The beginner’s guide to composting in Indianapolis
Have questions like “What is composting?” and “How do I compost in an apartment?” Here’s everything you need to know to start your composting journey.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Silver in the City storefront on Mass Avenue
Business
Local love: INDYtoday’s guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Staff
INDYtoday: INDY_Sassafras Tea Room Greenwood afternoon tea_APR26
Food
Where to enjoy afternoon tea in Indy
Beleaf it or not, an estimated 30 million Americans drink tea every day. Here are some places you can have a beau-tea-ful afternoon tea experience — or just grab a simple cup.
April 15, 2026
 · 
Staff
INDYtoday: INDY_cardinal state bird_APR26
Travel and Outdoors
Start your birding journey in Indianapolis
Whether you’re a casual cardinal custodian or a lifelong lark lover, here’s where you can start birding, learn more about local species, and catch a glimpse of them crossing the skies.
April 14, 2026
 · 
Shea Stapley
INDYtoday: INDY_James Beard awards Bluebeard_APR24
Food
Which Indy restaurants should get MICHELIN stars?
In honor of the MICHELIN Guide expanding into the Great Lakes region of the U.S. with Indianapolis included, here are a few restaurants we think deserve the prestigious honor.
April 14, 2026
 · 
Shea Stapley
A crowded TCU Amphitheatre in White River State Park
Play
20+ upcoming concerts headed to Indy
Avril Lavigne? Check. Keith Urban? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
April 13, 2026
 · 
Staff
a beautiful shot of the Indianapolis city skyline at sunset
Government
How to join a board or commission in Indianapolis
Love your city? Get engaged by joining a board or commission related to a topic you’re passionate about or have experience in.
April 6, 2026
 · 
Staff