MCHA Monthly Newsletter

Have an idea for an article? Email us!

July 2025 Newsletter

July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month for Good Reason

 

Summer is peak season for lost pets, and July—especially around the 4th—is one of the riskiest times of year. That’s exactly why National Lost Pet Prevention Month was created: to remind all of us to take proactive steps to keep our pets safe and secure. 

We know how heartbreaking it is when a beloved pet goes missing, but the good news is that most escapes are preventable with a few simple precautions, and there are steps you can take to prepare in case the unthinkable does happen. 

  • Microchip your pet and keep your contact info current.   
  • Use a collar with an ID or QR tag that includes your phone number. 
  • Consider GPS collars or trackers for added peace of mind. 
  • Secure your home and yard—check fences, gates, windows, and screens regularly. 
  • Keep pets leashed during walks and outdoor events. Even well-trained pets can panic from loud noises and bolt when unrestrained 
  • Create a safe indoor space during fireworks or noisy gatherings. Consider using sound barriers, thunder shirts, calming chews, enrichment toys, and engaging your pet in physical activity ahead of celebrations to reduce anxiety.  
  • Train basic commands like “come” and “stay.” Training helps maintain control during tempting situations or in unfamiliar environments. 

Should your pet ever go missing, act quickly.  

  • Start searching right away—check familiar spots and call your pet’s name. 
  • Alert your neighbors and distribute flyers with clear photos & contact info.  
  • Keep a recent photo handy, post photos online via local social media groups, and in neighborhood apps like Nextdoor.   
  • Contact local shelters and veterinarians. 
  • Don’t lose hope—reunions can happen even after a long time!  

 If you find a lost pet: 

  • Approach calmly, secure them safely, and check for tags or a microchip. 
  • Notify shelters and registries (like Petco Love Lost or The Lost Cat Finder)—they can help track their owner. 
  • Post to local social media Lost & Found Pet Groups. 

Let’s work together to keep pets out of shelters and safe at home. For more info on microchipping or pet ID resources, visit monroehumane.org or call our clinic at 812-333-MCHA (6242). 

We Did It! Thank You for Helping Us Reach Our Endowment Matching Goal

 

We are thrilled to share that as of June 30, Monroe County Humane Association has met our goal for the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County’s matching endowment campaign!

Each year, the distribution from this endowment fund will help us provide veterinary care to pets in need through our Guardian Angel Fund, ensuring pets can get the care they need regardless of their family’s financial situation.

We could not have achieved this milestone without the incredible support of John & Sue West, Sonna & Don Merk, Sue Allmon, an anonymous donor, and Doug & Scott Dunham in memory of their mother, Jane. We are also deeply grateful to the fantastic staff at the Community Foundation—CEO Tina Peterson, COO Meagan Niese, Program Director Marcus Whited, and Development Coordinator Emily Herman—for their advocacy and support of animals in our community.

Together, we are building a future where pets in Monroe County can thrive. Thank you for making this possible.

2024 By-the-Numbers: Thousands of Pets Helped

 

We’re excited to share our 2024 Annual Report with you, highlighting the impact of our programs in 2024, marking a year of extraordinary growth in support of pets and the people who love them. 

Fueled by community generosity and strong partnerships, MCHA helped more animals in more ways than ever before—offering veterinary care, shelter, food, and outreach services to thousands of local pets. 

We encourage you to take a moment to review the report and learn more about the impact of your contributions at monroehumane.org/annualreport.

Thank you for standing with us in our commitment to compassionate care and keeping families together. We couldn’t do it without you! 

VIEW THE 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

If you have any questions or feedback about the report, we would love to hear from you! Send us a message at mcha@monroehumane.org. 

Celebrate 30 Years of MCHA's Run for the Animals with Our Summer Sale!

 

We’re celebrating a major milestone—MCHA’s 30th Annual Run for the Animals 5K! Whether you’re a seasoned runner, casual walker, or just want to show your support for animals in need, this delightful community event is the perfect way to get moving for a great cause. Join us this fall for a fun-filled day that helps fund MCHA’s vital programs and services supporting pets and the people who love them. 

Need motivation? We’re offering a limited-time Summer Sale through July 10! Just use promo code Summer20 at checkout to receive 20% off registration. Don’t miss your chance to save while supporting MCHA’s mission. Register today, and get ready to run, walk, or wag your way through 30 years of impact with us this fall! 

REGISTER & SAVE TODAY

Duke Energy Match

  

Every day, MCHA works to keep animals safe, healthy, and, most importantly, home with families who love them. Through our Nonprofit Veterinary Clinic, Crisis Housing Program, Pet Food Pantry, Spay/Neuter Assistance, Mobile Vaccine Clinics, and more, we’re helping thousands of cats and dogs in our community each year.  

But, like so many nonprofits right now, we’re feeling the strain. Lately, we’ve had to stretch every dollar further than ever before because more pets are arriving at our doors, and fewer donations are coming in to meet the need.  

In light of this, we are excited to announce that Duke Energy has generously offered to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $2,500. Right now, your gift can go twice as far.  

Every donation helps a pet in need and strengthens the bond between people and animals in our community. Your support gives pets the essentials they need—food, medical care, and a safe place to stay—while keeping them out of our already overcrowded shelters.  

Click the link below if you’d like to help us meet the Duke Energy match and be a lifeline to the pets who need us most.

 

MAKE MY DONATION COUNT 

June Fundraisers with Lennie's and Crew Carwash a Success

 

We’d like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who showed up and participated in our June fundraisers! You raised over $200 during June’s Crew Carwash fundraiser that will directly benefit MCHA’s programs. Thank you to everyone who shared with family and friends, and to everyone who purchased e-washes.  

Additionally, Lennie’s hosted a dine and donate fundraiser for MCHA each Tuesday evening in June, in which they donated 20% of all purchases made by fundraiser attendees. Guests were invited to bring pets along to enjoy treats on the patio. Owner Operator, Michael Fox, shared, “We love animals at Lennie’s and are proud to support the Humane Association—because every pet deserves a loving home, and nothing makes us happier than welcoming four-legged friends to our patio!”  

Mr. Fox also provided a $50 Lennie’s gift card drawing for anyone who shared a photo during the fundraiser and tagged Lennie’s and MCHA on social media. Our winners, Christina Smith and Miss Pippa (pictured above), understood the assignment. Aren’t they adorable? 

Again, thank you to everyone who participated and supported us in June! It warms our hearts to be part of such a caring community.  

MCHA To Be Featured at July 12 Summer Concert

 

We’re honored to be invited to Bloomington B97 and Hoosier Country 105‘s new Summer Concert Series in partnership with the Town of Ellettsville as the featured local non-profit at the Mellencougar – John Cougar Mellencamp Tribute performance!

The Mellencougar concert will take place at Marci Jane Lewis Park in Ellettsville on Saturday, July 12, from 6–8:30 p.m. Mark your calendar now so you don’t miss out on great live music, food, and fun!   

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets! Admission is free, and food trucks will be on site. Sponsors will be on site with swag and giveaways, and the intermission will feature games & prizes.  

MCHA staff and volunteers will also be there to meet and greet, so be sure to stop by our table and say hello!  

In case of bad weather, concerts will move to the Seven Oaks Classical School gymnasium, announced on-air by WBWB & WHCC, at wbwb.com and whcc105.com, and on social media.

Upcoming Mobile Vaccine Clinic | Sunday, July 13

Sunday, July 13  |  1–3 p.m.
Limestone Crossing Apartments
540 S Basswood Dr, Bloomington, IN 47401

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, MCHA will host a walk-in mobile vaccine clinic at Limestone Crossing Apartments (540 S Basswood Drive). 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 July 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 July 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 | July 26 | 9 a.m.

 

Saturday, July 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!

Save-the-date: MCHA Community Sale – Sept. 6

 

Mark your calendars for MCHA’s Annual Community Sale
  
Save-the-date to come out to MCHA’s Animal Care Campus (791 S Fieldstone Blvd, Bloomington, IN 47403) to browse and shop for new and gently used pet care items from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday, September 6!
 
Have extra pet items to donate to the sale? We can accept new or like-new item donations including beds, toys, water/food bowls, leashes, collars, pet clothes, etc. We ask that items are washed prior to donation. Donations may be dropped off at our animal care campus through Thursday, August 28.
 
All proceeds from this sale benefit MCHA’s programs and services.

Message From MCHA's Executive Director

 

As we step into the heart of summer, I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who supports Monroe County Humane Association. Whether you give your time as a volunteer, support us as a donor, or are part of our incredible staff, you make it possible for us to help thousands of pets and their families every year. Your compassion keeps tails wagging, families together, and pets safe and healthy in our community.
 
As we experience these intense heat days, please remember to never leave your pet in a car, even with the windows cracked. Temperatures can become dangerous in just minutes. Also, please remember that asphalt and concrete can get extremely hot during the summer and can easily burn the paws of our dogs. We have already seen cases this summer of pets coming to us with burns on their paws from being on hot pavement. Please be careful and check the ground before taking your pet for a walk—if it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for theirs.
 
Thank you for continuing to stand with us in our mission to keep pets healthy, fed, and with the families who love them.—Andrew Krebbs, MCHA Executive Director

Get Involved – Volunteer

 

Looking for a way to get involved and give back?
 
We’re currently in need of general volunteer support! If you have a bit of time and enjoy staying active, we’d love your help with:
  • Light cleaning around the buildings
  • Outdoor maintenance and upkeep
  • Sorting and organizing donations for our store

Every task helps us keep things running smoothly for the animals and families we serve. Whether you’re a long-time volunteer or new to our community, we appreciate you being part of our mission!

Interested in helping out? Reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Whitney Pickett, at wpickett@monroehumane.com to get started, or apply online at monroehumane.org/volunteer.

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

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 1334
Bloomington, IN 47402

ANIMAL CARE CAMPUS

791 S Fieldstone Blvd
Bloomington, IN 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.