Humane Indiana Reschedules Clear the Shelters Event for September 12 Following Severe Storm Damage

MUNSTER, IN — August 19, 2026: Following devastating storms that caused significant damage and disruption across Northwest Indiana, Humane Indiana has rescheduled its participation in NBC’s Clear the Shelters campaign to Saturday, September 12.

The organization had originally planned to participate in the nationwide adoption campaign on an earlier date in August, but the severe storms that swept through the region forced Humane Indiana to postpone the event as teams focused on the immediate needs of animals, staff and facilities.

The storms significantly impacted Humane Indiana’s operations; the Shelter & Adoption Center, Estelle Marcus Animal Clinic and PAWS Resale Shop experienced power outages and operational disruptions.

Despite the challenges, Humane Indiana’s shelter team continues working every day to care for dogs and cats waiting for homes.

“While the storms changed our plans, they did not change the needs of the animals in our care,” said Jessica Greer, Senior Director of Shelter & Clinic Operations at Humane Indiana. “Our dogs and cats are still waiting for their families, and they still deserve the opportunity to find loving homes. We are incredibly grateful to our community for continuing to show up for these animals, and we’re excited to have another opportunity through Clear the Shelters to help more pets find their people.”

Clear the Shelters Returns September 12

As part of Humane Indiana’s Clear the Shelters event on Saturday, September 12, adoption fees will be reduced or waived on select pets, helping make adoption more accessible to families while creating space for additional animals in need.

Every adoption provides a second chance for a homeless pet and allows Humane Indiana to continue its lifesaving work. Before heading home, shelter pets receive comprehensive care, including:

· Spay or neuter surgery

· Age-appropriate vaccinations

· Microchipping

· Preventative care

· Medical treatment needed before adoption

· Nutritious food

· Enrichment and daily care

· Plenty of love and attention while waiting for their families

While reduced and waived adoption fees help remove financial barriers for adopters, the cost of caring for each animal continues even after an adoption fee is collected, and Humane Indiana is currently facing additional financial challenges because of the storm.

“Adoption fees, even when they are not waived or reduced, do not cover the full cost of caring for the animals who come through our doors,” said Brian Fitzpatrick, CEO of Humane Indiana. “The storms have created unexpected expenses and interrupted important sources of revenue for our organization at a time when animals still need food, medical care, shelter and daily support. This September 12 event is an opportunity not only to find loving homes for our shelter pets, but also to remind our community that Humane Indiana needs their support now more than ever.”

Community members can help Humane Indiana continue caring for animals and preparing them for adoption by donating. Gifts can help provide essential medical care, food and other necessities for animals in the shelter.

Examples of what a donation can provide include:

$25: A rabies vaccine for one pet $50: Food for 12 dogs for three days $100: Food for 21 cats for 10 days $150: Spay/neuter surgery for a pet

Humane Indiana is encouraging anyone considering adding a pet to their family to visit the Shelter & Adoption Center on September 12 from 11 am to 4 pm and help give a dog or cat the second chance they have been waiting for.

The organization also continues to welcome community support as it works to recover from the storms and restore its operations.

“Humane Indiana has been part of this community for nearly 85 years,” Fitzpatrick said. “We have seen difficult times before, and we know that we will get through this one together. The storms may have changed our plans, but they have not changed our commitment to animals and the people who love them.”

For more information about Clear the Shelters, available pets or ways to support Humane Indiana, visit www.humaneindiana.org.