The Humane Society of Clinton County has earned designation as a no-kill shelter, and staff say community support and a Purdue University veterinary partnership made it possible.
Humane Society Executive Director Cheyenne Taylor and Animal Control Officer Cammi Fadness appeared as guests Monday on WILO and Boone 102.7 FM’s Party Line talk show, where they discussed the shelter’s recent milestones, its growing list of adoptable animals, and how residents can help as the holidays approach.
No-kill status and a 296th adoption
Taylor said the shelter was recently recognized as no-kill based on its live release rate, a designation measured by national animal welfare statistics. The milestone comes even during a year with an unusually high number of stray cats injured by vehicles, she noted, since animals that die in the shelter’s care before reaching a veterinarian still count against the release rate.
The shelter also marked a symbolic benchmark last week, when the number of animals adopted this year reached exactly the number of days elapsed in 2026 — 296 adoptions on day 296, achieved by a facility that is only open about half the week.
Purdue partnership keeps medical costs down
A key to the shelter’s finances is Priority for Paws, an organization founded by Purdue University veterinary graduates that provides free services to a small number of Indiana shelters. Working with Purdue veterinarians Dr. Hill and Dr. Curry, the shelter recently completed three sterilization clinic days in one week, including 16 animals in a single day.
Taylor estimated that in nearly 10 years at the shelter, fewer than 20 animals have had to be sent to a private vet for spay or neuter procedures at the shelter’s expense. The partnership also provides free vaccines, medications, and even major procedures such as amputations and mass removals.
The shelter also relies on local veterinary support, primarily Wayside Veterinary Clinic in Rossville, along with Thorntown Vet Clinic and Wildcat Valley Animal Clinic.
Paw Pals, fundraising, and upcoming events
Taylor credited Paw Pals of Clinton County, a volunteer fundraising organization that has supported the shelter for roughly 20 years, with much of the shelter’s success. Donations through Paw Pals go directly to animal medical needs, she said, and the group’s social media reach far exceeds the shelter’s own.
The shelter’s holiday season includes:
Rockin’ for Rescue — Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Frankfort Eagles. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the band starting at 7. Tickets are $25 and are available at the shelter. Organizers note that Eagles members will also need a ticket for this event. The evening features a gift basket raffle, including a tackle box set with custom fishing lures donated by Pollard and Sons Tackle.
Pictures with Santa — Sunday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the shelter, hosted by Paw Pals.
Holiday T-shirts — new shirts featuring shelter animals are on sale.
This week is National Animal Shelter Week, which the shelter is recognizing with a photo with the mayor.
Winter pet care and local ordinances
With cold weather approaching, the animal control officer offered several reminders for pet owners. Outdoor shelters should be bedded with straw rather than blankets or towels, which trap moisture and freeze. Fresh water should be available at all times, ideally through a heated bowl, and outdoor animals burn more calories in cold weather and may need increased food intake.
Owners who must keep a dog on a chain should note that Frankfort’s ordinance requires a chain at least six feet long that allows the dog to move 360 degrees without tangling, while the county requirement is 10 feet. The shelter currently has straw on hand for residents who need it.
Staff also urged residents to contact the shelter for help before surrendering a pet, noting that surrender requests typically spike just before Thanksgiving. The shelter can often assist with food and other needs.
Looking for homes
The shelter’s longest current residents include Sparrow, a roughly 1½-year-old dog described as well-trained after seven months in foster care, and Helga, a black-and-white cat who has been at the shelter for years and is known for her independent, sassy personality.
The shelter also has four puppies available — two male and two female — and Paw Pals is running a contest on its Facebook page with a $25 gift card for whoever most closely guesses the two dominant breeds in the litter once DNA test results arrive.
How to help
The shelter is currently in need of Purina dog chow (chicken flavor), large wishbone-style Nylabone chews, peanut butter for frozen Kongs, and cleaning supplies. Volunteers are welcome, with applications available at the shelter, and the staff is especially seeking participants for “doggy day outs,” in which dogs are taken on outings of just a few hours and returned by 4 p.m. Camp Cullom is a favorite destination for ‘doggy day outs’.
The Humane Society of Clinton County is located at 825 Isaac Walton Drive in Frankfort, behind the TPA park. It is open Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 4 p.m., Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
The shelter can be reached at 765-670-7924.
Clinton County Humane Society was featured on WILO and Boone 102.7 FM’s Party Line Radio talk show with Melissa and Cindy LIVE Monday morning, November 2, 2026.
