Humane Fort Wayne operates entirely on the generosity of animal lovers in our community. Humane Fort Wayne is a no-kill shelter! Humane Fort Wayne is 100% donor-funded.
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Who We Are

Pitbull

OUR VALUES 

Everything we do—from adoption and retention programs to clinic services, community outreach and education—stems from our core value, love. We believe when pets have safe and loving homes, they thrive. And with their loving companionship, so do we.

We’re for people. We’re for pets. We’re for Love, Unleashed.

Dog balancing tennis ball

OUR MISSION

From adoption and pet retention programs, to spay/neuter and wellness services, to community outreach and education, we work tirelessly to prevent the incidence of euthanasia and to promote the happiness, safety, and well-being of pets and the people who love them.

Girl with cat

OUR PHILOSOPHIES

Our organization pushes the boundaries. We never say “good enough, is good enough” and we believe in continual education. We look for the best training so we can care for the animals of northeastern Indiana in the very best ways possible. Below are some of our core philosophies.

Fear Free Shelter 

Our staff is trained in and follows the Fear Free way of caring for every animal who is entrusted to us. We understand the importance of treating both a pet’s physical and mental well-being and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to do so.

Dogs Playing for Life

Fully trained in Dogs Playing for Life, our shelter utilizes proven playtime techniques to strengthen the quality of life of our shelter’s dogs. Many shelters do not have the ability to meet a dog’s physical and emotional needs, especially those dogs viewed as aggressive. At Humane Fort Wayne, we implement a hands-on approach that allows dogs time to play in groups every day! Thus, improving their interaction and communication with both other dogs and humans.

Cat Pawsitive

We’re an approved Jackson Galaxy Cat Pawsitive Pro (CPP) shelter and we are raising pawsitively happier cats! That means we use a training approach that helps shy, scared and overly exuberant cats in shelters become their most lovable selves in order to find forever homes. Our staff is trained in this signature program that uses positive reinforcement, so our cats are happy, loveable and adoptable.

Shelter Receiving

Humane Fort Wayne is working to match pets and owners all across Allen County. In partnership with the ASPCA, we are a receiving shelter for the transport of dogs to Fort Wayne from overpopulated shelters around the country. Because of this program, dogs from all over the United States find their forever homes with our community.

MEET OUR TEAM

Leadership & Coordinators

Jessica Henry-Johnson
Executive Director
260-420-7729 x107
[email protected]

Tanya Gallo
Director of Operations
260-420-7729 x108
[email protected]

Kris Brandt
Adoptions & Foster Manager
260-744-0454 x203
[email protected]

Ashley Kolbasky
Clinic Operations Support Manager
260-420-7729 x111
[email protected]

Melissa Gibson
Community Relations Manager
260 420-7729 x105
[email protected]

Rachel Burkholder
Development Manager
[email protected]

Cody Aldridge
Executive Assistant
260 420-7729 x 115
[email protected]

Brian Bangert
Business Office Manager
260-420-7729 x101
[email protected]

Dani Wagner
Volunteer Programs Manager
260-744-0454 x205
[email protected]

Melissa Osborn
Pet Promises Service Administrator
260 744-0454 x206
[email protected]

Chele Watson
Pet Promises Resource Administrator
260 207-4187 or 260 744-0454 x209
[email protected]

Allison Caley
Animal Care & Intake Manager
260-744-0454 x210
[email protected]

Gabriela Dunn
Content Marketing Specialist
[email protected]

Kristi Felkner
Enrichment Lead
260 744-0454
[email protected]

Dr. Carol Fretz
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
260-420-7729

Dr. Ericka Bates
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
260-420-7729

Dr. Sam Gamble
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
260-420-7729

Dr. Sydney Bobo
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
260-420-7729

Board of Directors

Kathleen Smith
Chair

Melissa McKown
Vice Chair

Lona Pritchard
Secretary

Reneta Thurairatnam
Treasurer

Terah Brogan

Jason Grover

Erika Halliwill

Mike McCartin

Michelle Hipskind

Kathryn Roudebush

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Hours & Locations

SHELTER:
4914 S. Hanna Street
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46806
Phone: 260 744-0454

SHELTER HOURS:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday–Friday: 11AM–6PM
Saturday–Sunday: 11AM–4PM

CLINIC:
1333 Maycrest Drive
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46805
Phone: 260 420-7729

CLINIC BUSINESS HOURS:
Monday–Friday: 8AM-5PM
Saturday–Sunday: CLOSED
Click here for Walk-In Wellness Hours!