About Us

FIDO was founded in 2005 as a field-based 501(c)3 animal welfare non-profit organization focused on improving the lives of outside dogs, especially those living continuously chained or penned. Over the years, FIDO has expanded our services to also provide support to income-qualified homes with inside dogs and cats. FIDO is staffed with a mix of full-time and part-time staff supplemented by a team of volunteers. FIDO is governed by a board of directors.

Our Impact

Annually, FIDO assists approximately 900 households and 5,000 dogs and cats through our programs and services. We help keep families and pets together by increasing access to secure and humane fencing solutions, providing affordable pet food and supplies, and removing barriers to spay and neuter services. Overall, our work helps improve the quality of life for Indianapolis dogs and cats, strengthen the bond between people and their pets, and reduce overpopulation in our local animal shelters.

Annual Reports
Three small dogs posing on and near outdoor stairs next to a seated person, with greenery and garden decoration nearby.

Our Team

Me and Raisenete

Darcie Kurtz

Founder and Executive Director
Ariana Fite - Volunteer and Pet Food Pantry Coordinator

Ariana Fite

Volunteer & Pet Food Pantry/Open Hours Coordinator
Brett Kruger - Fence Program Coordinator

Brett Kruger

Fence Program Coordinator
Lynn Miles - Fence Project Leader

Lynn Miles

Fence Project Leader
Fence Project Leader Steve Roebling

Steve Roebling

Fence Project Assistant
Dean Samuelson - Fence Program Assistant

Dean Samuelson

Fence Project Assistant
Heidi VanZee - Case Manager

Heidi VanZee

Case Manager
NIck Clark - Case Manager

Nick Clark

Case Manager
Laura Thompson - Case Manager

Laura Thompson

Case Manager
Terri Johnson

Terri Johnson

Spay/Neuter Program Coordinator

Our Board

Jessica Suhre - Board President

Jessica Suhre

Board President
Melissa Albano-Barth Board Vice-President

Melissa Albano-Barth

Board Vice-President
Kim Mettler Board Secretary

Kim Mettler

Board Secretary
Jon Black

Jon Black

Board Treasurer
Lynn Klus Board Member

Lynn Klus

Board Member
Kaisa Lozada

Kaisa Lozada Longoria

Board Member
Richard Hahn Board Member

Rich Hahn

Board Member
Patty Hines

Patty Hines

Board Member
Mindy Stephens

Mindy Stephens

Board Member

Our Partners

FIDO partners with many animal welfare organizations throughout Central Indiana to achieve its mission. Partners include our municipal animal agency, community outreach organizations, spay/neuter clinics, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and rescues.