Report Animal Neglect & Ordinance Violations

FIDO does not have animal ordinance enforcement authority. If you observe animal treatment or ordinance violations, please contact Indianapolis Animal Care Services.

Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS), an Indianapolis city government agency, is the only organization in the city with animal law enforcement authority.

If you believe an animal protection law is being violated or there is a dog-related emergency (such as a dog hit by a car, abandoned, neglected, or stray and aggressive) the best action is to report it to Indianapolis Animal Care Services. Reports are sent directly to the field officer’s inbox.

Chained dog standing on straw next to a tree in a cluttered area with scattered debris.
A brown dog with a red collar is sitting on muddy ground with its leash lying beneath it.
Grey pit bull with a chain standing on dirt with grass in the background

How to File a Report

Online

Request Indy: https://request.indy.gov/citizen/

*This is the fastest and preferred method for reporting animal concerns. Please file your report online with RequestIndy if possible

Phone

Mayor’s Action Center: 317-327-4622 

Only available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

If there is an animal attack taking place, or if you feel threatened by a loose animal, call 911. A Police Officer or Animal Care Officer will be sent to your location to investigate.

PLEASE NOTE: IACS IS INUNDATED WITH CALLS FOR SERVICE EVERY DAY. 

In cases of dogs observed tethered/chained outside or dogs outside with no shelter, PLEASE verify that this dog is not actually a house dog that is temporarily outside for a limited period of time. This will allow IACS to focus its resources on dogs that need help.
Check back later in the day to confirm that the dog is continually left outside.
Please make note of the length of time the dog is outside to support your complaint.
A chained and frightened dog in need of rescue, highlighting the critical work FIDO does to protect vulnerable animals.