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April 2025 Newsletter

It's Time for Tails on the Town—Get Your Tickets Now!

Tails on the Town is back and better than ever! 

Join us on Friday, May 2 at the beautiful Woolery Mill (2250 W. Sunstone Dr, Bloomington, IN) for an unforgettable evening where revelry meets philanthropy! 

Tails on the Town is our biggest fundraiser of the year—and this year’s carnival party is packed with even more fun! 

Whether you’re coming for the food, the fun, or to support MCHA’s mission, this is a night you won’t want to miss! 

Tickets are selling fast—get yours today! 

LEARN MORE

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Thank you to our 2025 sponsors:

Dog Bite Prevention: Staying Safe and Strengthening the Bond

Each year, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States, and more than half of those victims are children. That’s why every April, organizations across the country observe Dog Bite Prevention Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness about how to prevent dog bites and promote safe interactions between people and pets.

Most dog bites are preventable. Whether you’re a lifelong dog owner or meeting a new pup for the first time, understanding dog behavior and respecting their boundaries are key. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind:

  • Avoid unfamiliar dogs – Do not approach or pet dogs you do not know.
  • Ask before petting – Always ask the owner for permission before approaching or petting a dog.
  • Watch the body language – A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a dog is friendly. Look for signs of fear or stress like tucked tails, stiff bodies, growling, barking, or showing teeth.
  • Never bother a dog that’s eating or sleeping – Even the most well-behaved dogs may react if startled or protecting something valuable.
  • Supervise children around dogs – Teach kids how to interact gently and respectfully with dogs, and never leave them unsupervised with any dog.

For Owners:

  • Keep dogs leashed and under control – Ensure your dog is always on a leash in public areas and follow local leash laws.
  • Properly socialize and train your dog – Socialize your dog from a young age and provide obedience training to teach them appropriate behavior.
  • Use a muzzle if necessary – If your dog exhibits aggressive behavior, use a muzzle to prevent bites.
  • Provide a safe environment – Create a designated area in your home for your dog to relax and avoid conflicts.
  • Neuter or spay your dog – This can reduce hormonal aggression.

Education is one of the most powerful tools in preventing dog bites. Shelters, veterinarians, and trainers often offer resources or classes to help families understand safe practices. Remember, dogs communicate with us in their own ways—and learning their language helps create a safer, happier world for both humans and animals and it’s a great way to strengthen the bond.

Visit the American Veterinary Medical Association’s page for more information on Dog Bite Prevention. Kids may also enjoy and benefit from another AVMA resource,  Jimmy the Dog: Videos to Help Prevent Dog Bites.

Volunteer Spotlight: Powered by Passion (and Coffee)—Brianna's Big Heart for Animals and Community

 
Brianna, a recent graduate of Bloomington High School North, is a force of positivity and dedication at the Monroe County Humane Association (MCHA). “I love dogs, because I’m a dog person,” she says, but she also has a heart for cats, especially her mom’s cat, “Bobby”—named after legendary IU coach Bobby Knight. She also has furry friends at her dad’s house—two dogs called “Buddy” and “Harley May.”
 
In her downtime, Brianna enjoys relaxing with her phone and iPad and watching Happy Place with her mom, but otherwise, she keeps a packed schedule. In addition to MCHA, she volunteers at WonderLab and Hoosier Hills Food Bank, and she’s an athlete participating in track, basketball, and bowling. She credits coffee—especially a good Starbucks Frappuccino—as her fuel of choice. “Powered by coffee,” she laughs.
 
She spends most of her volunteer hours at MCHA helping feed hundreds of hungry pets in our community by helping out in our pet food pantry and doing whatever she can to help animals and the people who love them. “I like to help with dog food and cat litter,” she says, but it’s also a perk that MCHA is close to home.
 
Her love of animals and desire to care for them has made volunteering at MCHA feel like a natural fit. “I love it,” Brianna says. “It makes me feel good helping out the community.” Her commitment is evident—week after week, she shows up ready to work, always with a can-do attitude. One staff member noted, “I wish we could calculate how many hundreds of pounds of pet food Bri has helped prepare for our Pet Food Pantry. She has helped so many families.”
Brianna’s involvement at MCHA is part of a larger program through Community Transitions (CT), a specialized program designed for young adults who need extra support after exiting high school. Emphasis is placed on functional skills, community involvement, and employment. (For more information about Community Transitions, click here.)
 
Max, a CT staff member that accompanies and supports Brianna on their regular trips to MCHA, shared his appreciation for her: “I love working with Bri(anna) and all of our other students at CT. It’s a program designed to help young adults with disabilities develop essential life and job skills after high school, preparing them for independence and success in the community, and that’s something we exercise very much here.”
 
Max added, “We give students opportunities to grow and contribute and be recognized for their abilities… Seeing students like Bri thrive and make a difference in the community—that’s why I, and all of the CT staff, do what we do. It helps me every day just thinking about the change and the effect that we’re having on the community—it’s just so powerful and I really enjoy it.”
 
“Bri has expressed so much love and passion for caring for animals,” he continued. “It was a beautiful thing that we got this opportunity to have her work here. She’s really found that passion and niche that she’s really enjoying.”
 
Brianna has big dreams of working in animal care, and possibly in a front office setting at a shelter or clinic—combining her love of animals with her interest in people and community support.
 
It’s clear that Brianna brings positive energy, warmth, and dedication to everything she does. Whether it’s lifting heavy bags of kibble for the Pet Food Pantry or lifting the spirits of those around her, Bri is making a meaningful difference—one volunteer shift at a time. We are proud of her and grateful for her (and Max’s) continued hard work.
 
If you’re interested in learning more about MCHA’s volunteer program, reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Whitney Pickett, at wpickett@monroehumane.org for more information or visit monroehumane.org/volunteer.

Positive Change—Positive Outcome

 

We are thrilled to announce that MCHA has received a generous donation of $9,736 through the Bloomingfoods Positive Change Program! This incredible contribution was made possible by the compassionate shoppers who chose to round up their purchases at both Bloomingfoods locations throughout the month of March. This is perfect evidence that every cent adds up, and this donation will go a long way in supporting MCHA’s mission to improve the lives of pets and families in our community. 

These funds will help provide critical resources like pet food for the emergency pet food and supply pantry, crisis housing, veterinary care assistance, spay/neuter assistance, and more.

From all of us at MCHA, we are deeply grateful to Bloomingfoods and everyone who participated! Together, we’re creating a more humane community—one act of kindness at a time. 

Upcoming Mobile Vaccine Clinic | April 13

Sunday, April 13  |  1–3 p.m.
Bloomington Housing Authority, Crestmont Community Center
1007 N Summit St, Bloomington, IN 47404

On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Bloomington Housing Authority (BHA) will host MCHA’s pop-up mobile vaccine clinic at the BHA Crestmont Community Center, 1007 N Summit St, Bloomington, IN 47404. MCHA’s dedicated veterinary team of volunteers and staff will be available from 1-3 p.m. with no appointment needed; all are welcome!

Our Mobile Vaccine Clinics offer a range of services, including legally mandated rabies vaccines for pets aged 12 weeks and older. Additionally, we provide nail trims, anal gland expressions, microchips, and preventive measures for fleas, ticks, and heartworm. While these clinics are intended for healthy dogs and cats, they are not a substitute for your pet’s annual wellness check-up with your primary veterinarian.

Subsidized pricing is available for clients who present proof of a government subsidy program, or other proof of financial hardship.

LEARN MORE

Protect Your Dog & Save $$$ at the April Mobile Vaccine Clinic!

Leptospirosis is now considered a core vaccine for dogs, and there’s never been a better time to protect your pet! When you choose to vaccinate your dog against Leptospirosis at our April Mobile Vaccine Clinic, you’ll receive a FREE Distemper/Parvo (DAPP) vaccine—a savings of $18–$22!

Leptospirosis is a serious, life-threatening disease that can spread to humans, so keeping your dog protected is essential. Take advantage of this special offer and safeguard your pet’s health while saving money!

MCHA Dog Walking Club | April 26 | 9 a.m.

Saturday, April 26, 2025  |  9 a.m.
Meet at the MCHA Animal Care Campus
791 S Fieldstone Blvd, Bloomington, IN 47403

Are you interested in joining a walking club with other dog lovers to learn how to walk trails with your dog? This will teach your dog healthy interactions, good leash-walking habits, and safe trail walking! Join us promptly at 9 a.m. on the last Saturday of each month, weather permitting. Just bring your dog, a leash, and good walking shoes for a fun walk on our walking trails through the woods surrounding the clinic.

Registration is not required; this is an open and free event!

Donation Drives at Menard's and Shadday Realty

We have two local donation drives happening this month!  

Shadday Realty Group at Century 21 Scheetz is holding a two-week Earth Day Donation Drive and Celebration Event, and they’ll be collecting wish-list items for MCHA and our friends at Middleway House. You may drop off your donations in the donation bins at the Century 21 Scheetz Office off of College Mall Rd. during their office hours between April 11th and April 26th.

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Bloomington Menards at 1285 Liberty Dr, Bloomington, IN 47403 is also holding a donation drive for MCHA through May 31! Purchased items may be dropped in the donation bin on your way out of the store!

VIEW MCHA’S WISHLIST

Dine & Donate at Bucceto's | Wednesday, May 14

What easier way to support MCHA’s mission than by attending a Dine & Donate event and enjoying a delicious meal in the process?

Take a night off from cooking and enjoy pizza and pasta with personality! On Wednesday, May 14, both Bloomington Bucceto’s locations will donate to MCHA 20% of food and beverage purchases from all guests who bring in the event flyer between 4–9 p.m. Funds raised will directly support MCHA’s programs.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | 4–9 p.m.

WHERE:

Bucceto’s East
115 E State Rd 46 Bypass, Suite B
Bloomington, IN 47408
(off E 3rd Near College Mall next to Starbucks)

Bucceto’s West
350 Liberty Dr
Bloomington, IN 47403
(W 3rd & Liberty in front of Kroger)

DOWNLOAD THE FLYER

Message From MCHA's Executive Director

 

As we move into spring, we’re feeling the impact of a new year that’s already bringing increased demand for our services at Monroe County Humane Association. Every day, more families are turning to MCHA for help—whether it’s veterinary care, food support, spay/neuter assistance, or housing for beloved pets in times of crisis. And we’re proud to be here for them. But to keep up, we need your help now more than ever.

That’s why I hope you’ll join us for Tails on the Town—an unforgettable evening in support of a cause that means so much to all of us. This event is more than just a night out; it’s a celebration of the thousands of animals we serve every year. We’ve taken your feedback from last year to heart and smoothed out a few of the wrinkles, so this year promises to be better than ever—more fun, more food, more heart.
And we’re thrilled to share that thanks to a generous anonymous donor, every dollar raised for our Crisis Housing Program during Tails on the Town will be matched up to $20,000. That means your impact can go twice as far to keep pets safe and families together during life’s hardest moments.
Thank you for being part of our community. We can’t do this without you—and we wouldn’t want to.—Andrew Krebbs, MCHA Executive Director

Get Involved – Volunteer

Foster Parents Wanted
Our Crisis Housing Program provides temporary care for pets in need, and we’re actively looking for new foster families! If you have room in your home and heart to help an animal in transition, now is the perfect time to apply.

If you’re interested in helping with animal care, fostering, or other areas, reach out to Whitney Pickett at wpickett@monroehumane.com to get started or apply online monroehumane.org/volunteer.

Interested in sponsoring our newsletter? Email mcha@monroehumane.org for details.

September 2026 Newsletter

Year-Round Flea & Tick Prevention

As temperatures drop, it’s easy to assume that fleas and ticks are no longer a concern for your pets. Unfortunately, that’s not true! Flea and tick prevention is important year-round, even during the colder months.

Fleas can survive comfortably indoors, where warm temperatures allow them to live and multiply throughout the winter. They can also hide in carpets, underneath furniture, and in other areas of the home. Outdoors, fleas and ticks can survive in protected areas such as leaf piles, wooded spaces, tall grass, decks, and garages. Ticks can remain active when temperatures reach around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that even in cooler weather there are still opportunities for your dog to encounter them.

Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance. Fleas can cause intense itching, skin infections, and flea allergy dermatitis, and they can transmit tapeworms. Ticks can transmit serious diseases, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Some of these diseases can also affect people, making parasite prevention an important part of protecting the entire family.

There are many flea and tick prevention options available, including collars, topical treatments, and oral medications. Different products work in different ways. Some repel ticks and prevent them from attaching, while others kill ticks after they attach. Your veterinarian can help you choose a product that is safe, effective, and appropriate for your pet and your budget.

This is the best way to protect your pet is to keep their parasite prevention going year-round. In addition to year-round flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention is equally important, with options ranging from separate preventatives to convenient all-in-one products that protect against fleas, ticks, and heartworms.

National Pet Remembrance Month

by Andrew Krebbs

September is National Pet Remembrance Month. This observance feels especially personal to me this year. A few weeks ago, I lost Suki, my beloved 16-year-old Chihuahua-Yorkie. She was part of my life for 16 years, and I feel her absence deeply.

Our pets shape our routines, fill our homes with companionship, and stay beside us through some of life’s hardest moments. Losing them can leave an enormous emptiness. Every pet owner has experienced this loss or will face it someday. The pain and grief are real, deep, and deserving of care.

When that time comes, please be kind to yourself. There is no right way or timeline for grieving. Support is available if you need it. MCHA’s cremation partner, Pet Angels, provides MCHA clients with free access to a 24/7 pet-loss grief support line at 844-472-9588.

Finding a meaningful way to remember your pet can also bring comfort and healing. You might create a photo album, plant something in their honor, make a donation, or choose another tribute that reflects the life you shared. I will memorialize Suki on MCHA’s Remembrance Tree, where her name will join those of other beloved pets who left a lasting place in the hearts of their families.

Sharing photos and stories about a pet you have lost can also be therapeutic. It gives you a chance to remember the moments that made your relationship so special and to share those memories with people who understand.

I am always here and would gladly receive your favorite pet photos and stories. They may bring you comfort, and I know they will bring joy to me and the rest of the MCHA team. You can share them with us at mcha@monroehumane.org.

MCHA's 31st Annual Run for the Animals

Run for the Animals Returns!

Sunday, October 4

Registration Opens at 8 a.m. | Race Begins at 9:30 a.m.

Karst Farm Park

2450 S Endwright Rd, Bloomington, IN 47403

The 31st Annual Run for the Animals is in a month, and we are hoping to see you there! Run for the Animals is presented by The Dog House.

We’re excited to welcome Perfect Timing Race Management back to the Run for the Animals this year! Their team will once again handle course management and race timing, bringing their experience from events like Hoosiers Outrun Cancer and the Hoosier Half Marathon to help make race day run smoothly and provide participants with reliable, accurate results.

And the fun doesn’t stop when you cross the finish line! Following the awards ceremony, stick around for raffles and our beloved canine contests, including the fastest peanut butter licker and best costume. We also want to make sure you register early if you’d like one of this year’s Run for the Animals t-shirts. Last year, we ran out of shirts before the race even began, so advance registration is the best way to guarantee you receive one! Check out this year's shirt design below!

Whether you’re joining us to run, walk, cheer on participants, or spend the day with your four-legged friends, we can’t wait to see you at the 31st Annual Run for the Animals! Every dollar raised helps support MCHA’s programs and services for pets and people throughout our local community.

Learn more and register today at monroehumane.org/5k.

Remembrance Tree

Honor a Pet with MCHA's Remembrance Tree

Our pets may not be with us forever, but the love and memories they leave behind last a lifetime. This September, National Pet Remembrance Month is an opportunity to pause and remember the special animals who have been part of our families and made such a lasting impact on our lives.

At MCHA, the Pet Remembrance Tree provides a meaningful place to celebrate those memories. Honor a beloved pet, or recognize the pet of someone special to you, by adding a personalized “leaf” to the tree. Each leaf represents a cherished life and the unique bond between pets and the people who love them.

When you make a remembrance gift, you’re honoring a pet while helping other animals in our community. Your support makes MCHA’s lifesaving programs possible, ensuring that pets and families can continue to find the care, resources, and support they need.

Give a leaf in memory of a beloved companion and help keep their memory growing within our community.

Learn more about our Remembrace Tree at monroehumane.org/donate-remembrance-tree.

Pet CPR & First Aid Class

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Noon–5 p.m.

Location: Scout’s Honor, 611 W. 11th St., Bloomington

$100 per person

Limited to 10 participants

Scout’s Honor and Train Loyal Companions are hosting a Pet CPR and First Aid Class, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Monroe County Humane Association.

This five-hour class teaches CPR techniques, basic first aid, and health and wellness information for dogs and cats through instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on practice. It is ideal for pet owners, pet care professionals, volunteers, and anyone who regularly works with animals.

Each participant will receive a 40-page PetSaver® handbook and a two-year certification upon successful completion. The course does not include dental or senior pet care.

Pet Tech is an international training organization dedicated to CPR, first aid, and care for dogs and cats. Since 1997, Pet Tech has taught pet owners and professionals lifesaving skills that support pet safety and responsible care.

Early registration is encouraged. Register online now!

Upcoming Mobile Vaccine Clinic | Sunday, September 13

Sunday, September 13

1-3 p.m.

Monroe Fire Station 24

7606 E State Rd 45, Bloomington, IN 47408

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, MCHA will host a walk-in mobile vaccine clinic at Monroe Fire Station 24 (7606 E State Rd 45, Bloomington, IN 47408). MCHA’s dedicated veterinary team of volunteers and staff will be available from 1-3 p.m. with no appointment needed; all are welcome!

Our Mobile Vaccine Clinics offer a range of services, including legally mandated rabies vaccines for pets aged 12 weeks and older. Additionally, we provide nail trims, anal gland expressions, microchips, and preventive measures for fleas, ticks, and heartworm. While these clinics are intended for healthy dogs and cats, they are not a substitute for your pet’s annual wellness check-up with your primary veterinarian.

Subsidized pricing is available for clients who present proof of a government subsidy program or other proof of financial hardship.

MCHA Dog Walking Club | Saturday, September 26

Saturday, September 26

9 a.m.

Sample Gates

Join MCHA Dog Walking Club for a relaxed morning walk with fellow dog lovers and their pups. A local dog trainer will guide the group on a 30 to 60-minute walk and offer opportunities to practice leash manners and build your dog’s social skills.

MCHA Dog Walking Club is a welcoming, community-focused group for friendly dogs and their humans to get moving, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors together. Walks are held on the last Saturday of each month, with locations and trainers rotating throughout the season.

Friendly dogs and people of all experience levels are welcome. Please bring a leash, waste bags, and water for you and your dog.

Come for the walk. Stay for the community.

Registration is not required; this is an open and free event!

Message From MCHA's Executive Director

It feels good to finally be on the other side of the tornado repairs. After months of work, we have completed the major repairs across MCHA’s campus, and our new play yards are now in place for the animals in our care.

At the same time, we are looking ahead. We are actively working through the next steps for a new outreach and pet food pantry space that would give us more room to serve families and pets in our community. There is still plenty to work through, but we are excited about the possibilities and look forward to sharing more as those plans come together.

We are also excited to welcome Dalton Kehrt-Clouse as MCHA’s new Marketing & Development Coordinator. Dalton will help us strengthen how we share MCHA’s work, connect with supporters, and grow the resources that make our programs possible.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support MCHA by volunteering, donating, attending our events, sharing our work, and connecting others to our mission. Having so many people in our corner makes a real difference.

Reach Out to Andrew!

Get Involved – Volunteer

We need a few extra hands for this year’s Run for the Animals!

Volunteers can help with setup, tear down, check-in, the water station, and along the course to help direct and cheer on runners and walkers.

It takes a lot of people to make the event run smoothly, and every volunteer helps make the day better for everyone who comes out to support MCHA. If you’d like to be part of it, we’d love to have you join us.

Volunteering with us is not just about helping animals; it’s about creating a better community for all. Sign up today and be a part of the change you wish to see!

Learn More!

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 1334
Bloomington, Indiana 47402

ANIMAL CARE CAMPUS

791 S Fieldstone Blvd
Bloomington, Indiana 47403

Sunday: Closed
Monday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed

CONTACT US

mcha@monroehumane.org

812-333-MCHA (6242)

Fax: 812-825-2247

FOLLOW US

Monroe County Humane Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that relies on donations, sponsorships, and grants to fund all of our programs and services. EIN: 35-6064277 

Monroe County Humane Association proudly collaborates, but is distinct from, the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter. For services such as adoption, lost/found pets, shelter hours, and animal control, feel free to reach out to our friends at the City of Bloomington Animal Care & Control at 812-349-3492. Together, we're caring for our community's animals.