In response to recent freezing temperatures, the Monroe County Humane Association is sheltering the pets of people experiencing homelessness.
The Monroe County Humane Association Street outreach team and Bloomington Police social workers visited people experiencing homelessness at an encampment, offering to shelter pets.
The humane association is sheltering six dogs through the effort, which started Jan. 12.
Based on weather forecasting, the pets will remain with the humane association for around 10 days, according to Mercedes Francois, a spokesperson for the humane association. The pets will receive basic veterinary care while with the association.
Once weather improves, Francois said the outreach team will deliver the pets back to their owners.
The pet’s owners signed an agreement with the humane association going over care requirements, the date the pet was picked up, and expected return.
Read more: Warming stations open as Monroe County preps for frigid temperatures
Because of monthly veterinary care outreach, Francois said the association is already familiar with most of the pets they collected.
A release from the association said housing the pets is meant to enable people to stay in shelters that may not allow pets.
If people need resources or are concerned about care for their animal in the cold, they can call the humane association at 812-333-6242.
Read more: As temperatures drop, tents no longer allowed in public parks
The Monroe County Emergency Management Agency has opened warming stations for people at fire stations through Jan. 20.
