E. Susan Bartlett
Crisis Housing ProgramAre you and your pet experiencing one of these crisis situations?
We can help!
Hospitalization • Substance Use Treatment • Domestic Violence • Eviction • Incarceration • House Fire • Natural Disasters • Other Crisis
The E. Susan Bartlett Crisis Housing Program acts as a haven of hope for cats and dogs whose owner is experiencing a crisis. Whether victims of domestic abuse seeking safety, individuals grappling with housing instability, or facing unexpected medical emergencies, our program provides a lifeline when it matters most. The Crisis Housing Center Team works in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, domestic violence shelters, social workers, and community shelters.
We are unable to provide services to people looking for care for their pets because of relocating for work, building a house, moving, traveling, or other situations that are due to personal choice.
Domestic Violence: Tragically, seventy-one percent of domestic violence victims report that their abusers threaten, harm, or even kill their pets and many stay in abusive homes out of this fear. Most shelters are not equipped to accommodate pets, leaving survivors facing an impossible choice. By offering a safe haven for pets, we empower individuals to break free from abusive environments and seek safety without leaving their cherished companions behind.
Housing Instability: In times of housing crisis, many individuals find themselves faced with the heartbreaking choice of surrendering their pets. Our program ensures that temporary housing challenges do not lead to permanent separations, allowing families to stay together during their journey back to stability.
Medical Emergencies: Unexpected medical situations can put immense strain on pet owners. We provide a secure and nurturing environment for pets whose owners are undergoing surgeries, facing debilitating illnesses, or entering rehabilitation programs. For many, knowing their beloved pet is in safe hands is a prerequisite for seeking essential medical or rehabilitative care.
Domestic Violence 24/7 Help Line
If you are a victim of domestic violence, there is help available. Contact Middle Way House’s 24-hour Crisis Line at 812-336-0846 for support and assistance.
How to Apply for Help
While the E. Susan Bartlett Crisis Housing Program is designed to provide a temporary solution for individuals and their animal companions facing urgent challenges, we recognize that it may not be suitable for every situation. The scope and duration of assistance may vary based on individual circumstances and available resources.
Each person in need of temporary care is required to fill out an application, which can be found down below. MCHA provides the pet(s) with short-term housing at MCHA’s animal campus, or in a foster home, routine veterinary care and exams, food, and socialization, and exercise. We also provide spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and microchips when needed.
We encourage those seeking assistance to reach out to our team to discuss their specific needs and explore the best possible solutions for their unique situation. At this time only Monroe County residents are eligible for the Crisis Housing program.
Contact Outreach Coordinator Liz Austin at eaustin@monroehumane.org for more information.
Eligibility & Medical Requirements
Please read the following guidelines before filling out the temporary care application:
The owner of the animal (or their Power of Attorney) must be able to consent to our services. We are unable to provide services to individuals who are unconscious or cannot communicate with us.
All animals must be spayed/neutered or will be spayed/neutered while in our care.
All animals must be current on vaccinations (rabies, distemper/parvo, bordetella, FVRCP) or will be given vaccinations while in our care.
All pet owners must be able to retrieve their pet by the end of their agreement (extensions given on a case-by-case basis).
Pet owners must have exhausted other potential sheltering resources (family, friends, coworkers, etc.) before applying.
Pet owners receiving medical or substance abuse treatment must be willing to sign a Release of Information (ROI) with the treatment provider.
Pet owners must be available for weekly text or email check-ins (exceptions may include incarceration or treatment requirements).
Medical Criteria for Crisis Housing
To ensure the safety and health of all pets in our crisis housing program, we have specific medical requirements. Your dog or cat must be up to date on all requirements below while in our care. If you are unable to afford medical care, we may be able to assist with the cost.
Dogs:
Rabies vaccination
Distemper/Parvo (DHPP) vaccination
Bordatella vaccination
Leptospirosis vaccination
Spay/neuter
Preventative for fleas, ticks, and heartworms
Rabies vaccination
FVRCP vaccination
Spay/neuter
Preventative for fleas, ticks, and heartworms
Become a Crisis Housing Volunteer
The Crisis Housing Program at Monroe County Humane Association provides essential support for pets and their families during challenging times, and you can make a significant impact by getting involved.
Volunteering for animal care offers a hands-on opportunity to make a difference, as your time and dedication help ensure each animal receives the attention and love they deserve.
Additionally, becoming a foster provides a temporary home for animals in transition, giving them a loving environment while their owner works through the crisis. Your involvement in any of these ways helps strengthen the Crisis Housing Program, ultimately supporting pets and their owners when they need it most. Interested in becoming a foster? Check out our fostor information page or contact Whitney Pickett at wpickett@monroehumane.org.
Special Thanks
The Crisis Housing Program exists thanks to a significant bequest from E. Susan Bartlett, a passionate supporter and champion for all animals.
Five kennels at the Crisis Housing Center are sponsored by Virginia Metzger in memory of her loving dogs, Kilt, Mackie, Lucy, Desi, and Niki.
In November 2020, RedRover granted MCHA $20,000 to enhance security and make facility upgrades.
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 1334
Bloomington, IN 47402
ANIMAL CARE CAMPUS
791 S Fieldstone Blvd
Bloomington, IN 47403
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
FOLLOW US
Monroe County Humane Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that relies on donations, sponsorships, and grants to fund all of our programs and services. EIN: 35-6064277
Monroe County Humane Association proudly collaborates, but is distinct from, the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter. For services such as adoption, lost/found pets, shelter hours, and animal control, feel free to reach out to our friends at the City of Bloomington Animal Care & Control at 812-349-3492. Together, we're caring for our community's animals.