Outreach Program
FIDO’s most important work to help outside dogs often takes place in back alleys and on the front porches of families in need. We respond to requests for our help from a variety of sources, including dog owners reaching out to us directly or referrals from Indianapolis Animal Care Services officers. FIDO also proactively drives down alleys in under-resourced neighborhoods to find outside dogs and offer information and assistance to their families. Our outreach work is primarily focused on the dogs we find living outside continuously chained or in a small pen.
Our outreach team first assesses the living conditions of the dogs and how we can best help. Using a non-judgmental approach, we gather information from their families and share information on basic dog care and our local dog care and treatment ordinances. We also offer supplies and services to immediately improve the dog’s care and discuss additional services such as spay/neuter and fencing assistance.
Our case managers work to establish an ongoing relationship with our clients, especially those clients requiring regular follow-up visits to maintain improved living conditions for their dogs. We work to keep dogs happier and healthier when outside while working toward transitioning the dog inside the house to be part of the family. Our work also keeps dogs in their own homes and out of our local overcrowded animal shelters.
Additionally, FIDO’s volunteer veterinarian occasionally teams up with a case manager to provide in-home basic veterinary care for the dogs of clients who are elderly, disabled, or without transportation. These same clients may also have difficulty providing an enriching life for their dogs, so FIDO volunteers offer walks, playtime, and other positive outings for the dogs.
On average, FIDO completes over 1,400 home visits each year
