MCHA Monthly Newsletter
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August 2025 Newsletter
Back-to-School Pet Safety
As the school year begins, the household routine can shift dramatically—and our pets notice! Whether it’s quieter days at home, busier mornings, or new after-school activities, this transition can bring stress or confusion to our furry companions. We’d like to share some tips to help you help your pets feel more safe, secure, and loved as your family settles into the back-to-school routine.
Prevent Separation Anxiety: Sudden schedule changes can lead to stress, especially for pets used to having family members around all day. Help ease this transition by gradually adjusting their routine in the week or two before school starts. Consider leaving interactive toys or puzzles to keep them occupied during the day, and spend quality time with them when you’re home. A walk or a little energetic playtime in the morning will help expend some excess energy before they spend the day at home. Consider asking a friend, neighbor, or trusted pet sitter to stop in during the day to check on and visit with your pet.
Watch for Open Doors & Backpacks: With the rush of getting out the door in the mornings or returning home in the afternoons, it’s easy for pets to slip outside unnoticed. Make sure all family members know to close doors and gates securely. Remind kids not to leave backpacks on the floor, as they may contain snacks, gum, or school supplies that are unsafe for pets.
To further protect your pets, make sure they’re microchipped and wearing up-to-date ID tags in case they do get out. MCHA offers affordable microchipping and wellness services through our nonprofit clinic and at our monthly Mobile Vaccine Clinics, helping ensure pets stay safe and healthy all year long. Learn more at monroehumane.org/vaccineclinics.
Stick to a Routine: Pets thrive on consistency. Try to keep feeding times, walks, and playtime on a regular schedule, even when life gets busy. A predictable routine helps pets feel more secure and reduces behavior issues that can arise from stress or boredom.
With a little planning, your pets can adjust smoothly and safely to the back-to-school season. Let’s make this fall a happy, healthy one for the whole family, including our furbabies!
MCHA Receives Grant to Expand Spay/Neuter Assistance Program
We’re thrilled to announce MCHA has been awarded a grant from the Lilly Scholars Network to support and expand its Spay/Neuter Assistance Program, allowing MCHA to help even more families access affordable spay and neuter services for their pets.
Under this grant, MCHA’s program, which serves Monroe County residents, will now be available to Greene, Owen, and Lawrence Counties for the first time, helping reduce pet overpopulation and ensuring more animals remain healthy and at home with the families who love them.
Spaying and neutering pets is essential for controlling pet overpopulation and easing the burden on local shelters. Additionally, spayed and neutered pets are less likely to roam, often exhibit fewer behavioral issues, and have a lower risk of certain cancers, leading to longer, healthier lives. Our community’s animal shelter—and shelters across the region—are bursting at the seams, and spaying or neutering your pets is one of the most impactful ways you can help reduce overcrowding.
Through this program, pet owners who receive any form of government assistance are eligible for vouchers to help cover surgery costs—$30 toward a cat spay/neuter and $50 toward a dog spay/neuter. Vouchers can be redeemed at any participating spay/neuter surgery organization or veterinary office, and pet owners are encouraged to confirm participation when scheduling surgery.
“Thanks to the Lilly Scholars Network grant, we can expand our reach beyond Monroe County for the first time, helping even more pets and families in surrounding counties access the care they need,” said Andrew Krebbs, Executive Director of MCHA. “As a 2000 Lilly Scholar alum, I’m especially proud that LSN continues to invest in opportunities like this—making a real impact by keeping families together and preventing hundreds of unwanted litters and those offspring from entering shelters. This expansion supports not just our animals, but the families and communities that love them.”
Those interested in obtaining a voucher can visit monroehumane.org/snap, stop by MCHA’s Animal Care Campus during regular business hours, or email receptionist@monroehumane.org for more information.
MCHA’s spay and neuter program is also supported in part by the City of Bloomington’s Jack Hopkins Social Services grant and Pet Friendly Services.
Donations Needed for MCHA's Annual Community Sale
Have extra pet items to donate to MCHA’s annual community pet supply sale?
We’re currently accepting 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 for the sale may be dropped off at our animal care campus through Thursday, August 28.
Be sure to 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!
All proceeds from this sale benefit MCHA’s programs and services.
Questions? Email ktaylor@monroehumane.org.
MCHA will be at Drool in the Pool on August 7
If you are looking for something fun to do this week, we have the paw-ty for you! Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department is inviting the community and canine friends to attend the 20th Annual Drool in the Pool at Mills Pool this Wednesday and Thursday evening. Beginning at 5 p.m., dogs can dive in, splash around, and enjoy a fun-filled evening with tennis balls, chew toys, and exciting contests!
MCHA’s very own Executive Director, Andrew Krebbs, has the honor of being one of the judges on Thursday evening, so be sure to stop by the MCHA table and say hello!
Run for the Animals to Celebrate 30th Anniversary
Excitement is building for the 30th Annual Run for the Animals 5K taking place on October 5, and this year’s event is shaping up to be our best yet!
New in 2025, we’re thrilled to partner with Perfect Timing Race Management to oversee course management and race timing. Known for their work with major local events like Hoosiers Outrun Cancer and the Hoosier Half Marathon, their expertise will help elevate the runner experience while ensuring accurate and efficient results.
The course will once again start at Karst Farm Park and loop through the Monroe County Fairgrounds, but this year, we’re making it easier for participants and families to celebrate together. The awards ceremony and sponsor booths will now be located near the start/finish line, making for a more centralized, festive atmosphere—and faster results posting!
While Barktoberfest will no longer take place in the field near registration, we’re keeping the fun alive with raffles and fan-favorite contests, including the fastest peanut butter licker and best costume, now happening right after the awards ceremony.
Plus, we’re debuting a brand-new 2-color Run logo and offering multiple t-shirt color options this year! Extras can be purchased through the race store until August 18. View the race store, race day schedule, award categories, and/or register here.
We can’t wait to welcome hundreds of runners, walkers, and four-legged friends to this milestone event! We hope you’ll join us for a tail-wagging good time in support of animal welfare!
Thanks to Our Sponsors
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Run for the Animals is presented by The Dog House, offering cage-free boarding in a cozy, home-like environment. With 24-hour staffing and personalized care, The Dog House strives to be your pet’s home away from home. Learn more at trydoghouse.com. |
MCHA Pet Food & Supply Drive at Menards
We’re happy to share that Bloomington Menards at 1285 Liberty Dr, Bloomington, IN 47403, is holding a pet food and supply donation drive for MCHA from now through September 30! Purchased items may be dropped in the donation bin on your way out of the store. We’re grateful for this wonderful support from Menards and our community!
Upcoming Mobile Vaccine Clinic | Sunday, August 10
Sunday, August 10 | 1–3 p.m.
The Dog House
1999 S Yost Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47403
On Sunday, August 10, 2025, MCHA will host a walk-in mobile vaccine clinic at The Dog House (1999 S Yost Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47403). 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.
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Protect Your Dog & Save $$$ at the August 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 August 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! |
Leash Skills & Reactivity Workshop | August 23
Saturday, August 23, 2025 | 9–10 a.m.
MCHA Animal Care Campus
791 S Fieldstone Blvd, Bloomington, IN 47403
Learn how dogs think, communicate, and respond to stimuli Explore the emotional roots of excited behavior and barrier frustration Receive hands-on guidance using tools such as clickers, treats, gentle leaders, calming touch, leashes, and harnesses Discover how to manage, modify, and train using positive reinforcement techniques Practice leash handling strategies to reduce pulling and frustration on both ends of the leash
Please note: This workshop is not suitable for dogs with a history of aggression or biting.MCHA Dog Walking Club | August 30
Saturday, August 30, 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!
Message From MCHA's Executive Director
Get Involved – Volunteer
We’re currently in need of volunteer support! If you have a bit of time and enjoy staying active, we’d love your help with:
• Weekend animal care
• Foster care
• Light cleaning around the buildings
• Outdoor maintenance and upkeep
• Kennel repair
• Sorting and organizing donations for our store & for the upcoming Community Sale
We could also use some extra helping hands before and during the Community Sale on September 6, if you’re interested in helping us set up or helping at the sale to assist staff and customers.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.