Evansville commission backs foster-to-adopt pilot to free shelter space

The Evansville City Animal Control and Education Commission voted to support a foster-to-adopt program that would allow adopted animals to leave the shelter before they are sterilized, provided adopters complete required follow-up procedures.

Commissioners and staff said the program is intended to free kennel space at the city shelter by permitting animals to go home with adopters while staff schedule and monitor spay/neuter appointments. Alisa, an Animal Control staff member who presented the proposal, said the city will require adopters to sign adoption paperwork and that the city retains ownership of the animal until the procedure is completed. “The animal stays the property of the city of Evansville until after the spay neater is done,” Alisa said.

The proposal, which staff said will also go before the Board of Public Works for final approval, includes notification and enforcement steps if adopters do not comply. Alisa described a stepwise enforcement process that begins with letters — including registered mail — and a 10‑day deadline to contact shelter staff. She said partner group Best Friends reported a 1–2% noncompliance rate at other sites. Commission members asked about financial responsibility for medical care while an animal is out on a foster-to-adopt placement; staff said the shelter would cover medical costs if an animal was still under the shelter’s ownership.

Missy Mosby, the city-council liaison to the commission, spoke in favor of the program and described the shelter as “busting at the seams,” saying the approach would let families take adopted animals home the same day and free kennel space for other animals. Commissioners moved and seconded the motion to approve and support the foster-to-adopt program; the motion carried by voice vote.

Commissioners asked staff to provide program materials — including the foster-to-adopt handbook — and to coordinate with the Board of Public Works. Staff said they will prepare any required release language and adoption paperwork to address liability and safety questions raised during the discussion, including potential bite or injury incidents while an animal remains technically the property of the city.

The commission’s support is advisory: staff and the council liaison said the formal program documents will be finalized by staff and legal counsel before the Board of Public Works and City Council consider the measures at upcoming meetings.

The commission recorded its support by motion; staff will present the finalized program materials to the Board of Public Works next Thursday and notify commissioners of those meeting dates.

The vote to approve support for the foster-to-adopt program was unanimous among commissioners present.

The commission also received a brief enforcement and case update from Animal Control staff, who described recent prosecutions and closed investigations involving animal neglect and poisoning.