The City Council of Indianapolis convened on September 9, 2025, to discuss the 2026 budget presentation for the Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS). This marked a significant moment as it was the first budget presentation for the new director, who expressed gratitude for the council's support and outlined the agency's goals and achievements.

During the meeting, the director highlighted IACS as Indiana's largest open admission municipal shelter, providing essential services such as animal control, sheltering, and rescue operations. The agency has made notable progress, including a reduction in employee vacancy rates from 38% to 19% over the past year, attributed to improved staff retention and training programs. The agency currently employs 67.5 staff members, with a strong emphasis on internal promotions.

Key successes for IACS included a 10% increase in animal adoptions and the transfer of over 2,000 high-risk animals to rescue partners in 2024. The agency reported a live release rate of 91%, up from 84% the previous year, indicating effective efforts in animal welfare.

Looking ahead, IACS is preparing for the opening of a new shelter facility in early 2026, which will significantly enhance its capacity and services. The new building will feature 234 dog kennels, improved public visitation areas, and state-of-the-art veterinary care space. The director emphasized the importance of community engagement and plans to expand programs that support underserved areas.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue improving animal care services and a focus on data-driven decision-making to guide future policies. The new shelter is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026, with hopes of moving in by May.