Who We Are
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.
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.
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
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]
Kimi Eckman
Executive Assistant
260 420-7729 x115
[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]
Christopher Gagnon
Community Cat Coordinator
260 744-0454 x208
[email protected]
Dani Wagner
Volunteer Development Coordinator
260 744-0454 x205
[email protected]
Rachel Burkholder
Development Manager
[email protected]
Brian Bangert
Business Office Manager
260 420-7729 x101
[email protected]
Kristi Felkner
Behavior & Intake Manager
260 744-0454 x210
[email protected]
Whitley Walton
Animal Care Specialist & Behavior Attendant
260 744-0454 x210
[email protected]
Shawna Blauvelt
Kennel Supervisor
260 744-0454 x210
[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
Terah Brogan
Erika Halliwill
Kathryn Roudebush
Melissa McKown
Vice Chair
Patrick Buesching
Michelle Hipskind
Lona Pritchard
Secretary
Julie Chao, MD
Mike McCartin
Reneta Thurairatnam
Treasurer
Jason Grover
Karen Potter
