The Indianapolis City Council recently approved two significant resolutions aimed at enhancing veterinary services for the city's animal care efforts. During the meeting, the council unanimously voted to allocate $75,000 for licensed veterinary services, which will help ensure that animals in the care of Indianapolis Animal Care Services receive necessary medical attention.

The first resolution, introduced by a council member, received swift approval with no questions raised. This funding is expected to bolster the city's capacity to provide essential veterinary care, addressing a critical need within the community.

Following this, the council approved a second resolution for an additional $75,000 to contract veterinary services. This initiative will bring Dr. Tracy Burchfield on board to provide veterinary care at least once a week, further enhancing the medical support available for animals in the city's shelters.

In addition to these resolutions, the meeting included a budget presentation for 2026 by James Van Lisonbee, the CFO for Animal Care Services. He highlighted the agency's structure, which includes divisions for shelter placement, medical care, and operations. Van Lisonbee noted that the agency currently has 16 open vacancies but has made significant progress in hiring staff this year.

The presentation also showcased the agency's successes, including over 2,000 high-risk animal transfers and a notable increase in adoptions. The foster program has seen a 27.5% increase, and the average live release rate improved from 84% to 91% compared to the previous year. These achievements reflect the city's commitment to improving animal welfare and increasing the number of animals finding homes.

The council's decisions and the budget presentation underscore a proactive approach to animal care in Indianapolis, aiming to enhance services and outcomes for the community's pets and their future families.