Bartholomew County Humane Society
Our Mission
The Bartholomew County Humane Society (BCHS) is dedicated to enabling people to become responsible pet owners while providing humane support to abandoned and homeless animals. We envision a community where every animal is well-cared for and none are ever abandoned.
Our Story
For over 50 years, BCHS has served as a cornerstone of compassion in Bartholomew County. What began as a dedicated grassroots effort has blossomed into a vital not-for-profit organization that cares for over 900 animals annually while championing preventative efforts to control pet overpopulation.
How We Care
Our commitment to animal welfare is anchored in the 5 Freedoms, ensuring every animal in our care experiences freedom from hunger, discomfort, pain, fear, and the ability to express normal behaviors. We operate a shelter facility where our compassionate staff and volunteers provide dedicated care, while also utilizing a foster network to help our residents thrive in supportive environments before finding their forever homes.
Finding Your Perfect Match
We take our role in finding the right home for each animal very seriously. Our thoughtful adoption process is designed to set both you and your new furry friend up for lifelong success, ensuring that your pet fits perfectly into your family’s unique lifestyle. Whether you are looking for a playful companion or a gentle soul, we are here to help you navigate this joyful journey.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite you to experience the rewarding world of rescue by visiting us in Columbus to meet our current residents. Whether you are ready to adopt, interested in becoming a volunteer, or want to support our mission as a BCHS Buddy, there are so many ways to get involved. Check out our website to see our adoptable animals, or reach out to us today to start your next adventure together.
Trust Assessment
SilverRated Sep 5, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedPhysical FacilityOperating 50+ years
FinancesOnline Review Highlights
- Passionate and caring staff
- Clean and well-maintained facility
- Undisclosed illness at adoption
Vetted by
How we assessCoverage We Reviewed
WISH-TV
9/16 - 11 Indiana animal shelters join US initiative, will temporarily lower adoption fees
Eleven Indiana animal shelters will lower pet adoption fees to $70 or less through Sept. 30, 2026, to help clear crowded facilities.
101.5 WKKG - Indiana Country 101.5
7/14 - SNOOZE - 101.5 WKKG
This cut lil gray cat was on the move, but let me hold her toward the end. Cute little purr box :) You can adopt her at http://bartholomewhumane.org
Hoodline
4/18 - Cats Coffee And Second Chances Tribal Blend Pounces On Columbus Strip Mall
Columbus’ first cat cafe is open — coffee, cats and adoptions.
Recent Videos
10/10 - 🐾🍻Proudly presented by The Nala Fund- get ready for a paws-itively fun day at our annual Bark-toberfest! 🍻🐾 Join us for an afternoon filled with furry friends, local vendors, delicious food, music, and activities for the whole family! 🗓️ October 17th 1pm-5pm 📍Mill Race Park, Columbus IN Join us for... 🐕 Doggie Dash 🍔 Food trucks 🦇Doggie costume contest 🎨 Sensory & Kiddo Zone 🧶 Unique vendors 🐶 Adoptable dogs 🎶 Music …and MORE! 🐾Bring a friend- human or canine- and join us for an afternoon of tail wags!
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10/7 - Hi, I’m Stefan and I’m the newbie around here! 😃 I love people, walks, and inventing my own toys, like playing with trees. 🌳 I’d love to find a family who will take me on adventures. 🚗 Check out my bio at the link below to learn more about me! 🐾 🐶 Dogs unknown 🐱 Cats unknown 🧸 Kids unknown ⏰ Open T,W,Th,F 12-5pm & Sat 10am-1pm (CLOSED Sundays and Mondays) 📍 4415 E 200 S, Columbus, IN 47201 ☎️ 812-372-6063 📧 info@bartholomewhumane.org www.bartholomewhumane.org/adoptable-dogs
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10/5 - This could be your life with Marla. 🩷 Waking up to that face. Coming home to that tail wag. Having a sweet, goofy, loving girl waiting for you at the end of the day. But right now, Marla is spending those days in a kennel. 😭 Other than a brief stay this summer, Marla has spent over 500 days at the shelter. More than 500 days of waiting for someone to see her, choose her, and give her a place to call home. 🏠 Marla LOVES people. She’s sweet, smart, playful, and full of personality. We think she’d be great with kids, although she hasn’t had the chance to meet many. She may also be okay with another dog, but shelter life has been stressful for her, so she’ll need proper introductions, patience, and time to adjust to a new home and routine. She doesn’t need a perfect person. She just needs someone willing to give her a chance. 🫶🏻 Someone who will be patient while she learns what home feels like. Someone who won’t give up after a few weeks. Someone who will love her for the rest of her life. Because Marla deserves so much more than another day behind kennel doors. Come meet her. Spend a little time with her. We think you’ll see exactly why our hearts break for this girl. 💔 Let’s make 500+ days her last days in a shelter. 🥺 Please share Marla’s story. Her person could be watching this right now. 🐾
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10/2 - Hi, I’m Cedar! 💛 If you’re looking for a puppy, I’m your girl. I’m ready to find a family that will help me learn as I grow. This song is perfect for me because I’m VERY lovey dovey. 🥰 Check out my bio at the link below to learn more about me! 🐾 🐶 Dog friendly 🐱 Cats unknown 🧸 Kid friendly ⏰ Open T,W,Th,F 12-5pm & Sat 10am-1pm (CLOSED Sundays and Mondays) 📍 4415 E 200 S, Columbus, IN 47201 ☎️ 812-372-6063 📧 info@bartholomewhumane.org www.bartholomewhumane.org/adoptable-dogs
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9/30 - Hi, I’m Dolly Parton! 🩷 I’m a sweet, young girl looking for a family to take me on adventures. I LOVE water 💦 and being outdoors! ☀️ Check out my bio at the link below to learn more about me! 🐾 🐶 Dogs unknown 🐱 Cats unknown 🧸 Kids unknown 🚨Bissell Empty the Shelters is back! Come in September 18th-30th and find your new best friend for only $50 thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell. *Some exclusions apply ⏰ Open T,W,Th,F 12-5pm & Sat 10am-1pm (CLOSED Sundays and Mondays) 📍 4415 E 200 S, Columbus, IN 47201 ☎️ 812-372-6063 📧 info@bartholomewhumane.org www.bartholomewhumane.org/adoptable-dogs
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9/29 - Hi, we are Apollo and Zeus! We’re a bonded pair of young boys looking for a family that will welcome us both into our forever home. 💙 People say we are great walkers and so sweet! 🥰Check out our bios at the link below to learn more about us! 🐾 🐶 Dog friendly 🚫🐱 No cats 🧸 Kid friendly 🚨Bissell Empty the Shelters is back! Come in September 18th-30th and find your new best friend for only $50 thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell. *Some exclusions apply ⏰ Open T,W,Th,F 12-5pm & Sat 10am-1pm (CLOSED Sundays and Mondays) 📍 4415 E 200 S, Columbus, IN 47201 ☎️ 812-372-6063 📧 info@bartholomewhumane.org www.bartholomewhumane.org/adoptable-dogs
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9/26 - Hi, I’m Stewart! 🖤 I’m a young boy looking for a home that will give me all the treats and cuddles my heart desires. 🫶🏻 I love walks or running around in a yard and playing with toys. Check out my bio at the link below to learn more about me! 🐾 🐶 Dog friendly 🚫🐱 No cats 🧸 Kids unknown 🚨Bissell Empty the Shelters is back! Come in September 18th-30th and find your new best friend for only $50 thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell. *Some exclusions apply ⏰ Open T,W,Th,F 12-5pm & Sat 10am-1pm (CLOSED Sundays and Mondays) 📍 4415 E 200 S, Columbus, IN 47201 ☎️ 812-372-6063 📧 info@bartholomewhumane.org www.bartholomewhumane.org/adoptable-dogs
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9/25 - Hi, I’m Java! ☕️ Some of my favorite things are treats, toys, and sunshine! 🦴 I’m looking for a family that will make me the center of attention as their only pet. Check out my bio at the link below to learn more about me! 🐾 🚫🐶 No dogs 🚫🐱 No cats 🧸 Older kids only 🚨Bissell Empty the Shelters is back! Come in September 18th-30th and find your new best friend for only $50 thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell. *Some exclusions apply ⏰ Open T,W,Th,F 12-5pm & Sat 10am-1pm (CLOSED Sundays and Mondays) 📍 4415 E 200 S, Columbus, IN 47201 ☎️ 812-372-6063 📧 info@bartholomewhumane.org www.bartholomewhumane.org/adoptable-dogs
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9/24 - Hi, I’m Nicko! 🤎 People say I’m a sweet, smart boy and I’ve learned many new skills since arriving here. I love toys and soaking up the sun. ☀️ I’m looking for a home where I can be the only pet and steal all of your love. 🥰 Check out my bio at the link below to learn more about me! 🐾 🚫🐶 No dogs 🚫🐱 No cats 🧸 Kids unknown 🚨Bissell Empty the Shelters is back! Come in September 18th-30th and find your new best friend for only $50 thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell. *Some exclusions apply ⏰ Open T,W,Th,F 12-5pm & Sat 10am-1pm (CLOSED Sundays and Mondays) 📍 4415 E 200 S, Columbus, IN 47201 ☎️ 812-372-6063 📧 info@bartholomewhumane.org www.bartholomewhumane.org/adoptable-dogs
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9/24 - Hi, I’m Cerberus! 💙 I’m a young, goofy, boy looking for my perfect match. 💘 People say I’m a rare find because I am dog, cat, AND kid friendly! I’d be a great match for any home. Check out my bio at the link below to learn more about me! 🐾 🐶 Dog friendly 🐱 Cat friendly 🧸 Kid friendly 🚨Bissell Empty the Shelters is back! Come in September 18th-30th and find your new best friend for only $50 thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell. *Some exclusions apply ⏰ Open T,W,Th,F 12-5pm & Sat 10am-1pm (CLOSED Sundays and Mondays) 📍 4415 E 200 S, Columbus, IN 47201 ☎️ 812-372-6063 📧 info@bartholomewhumane.org www.bartholomewhumane.org/adoptable-dogs
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9/22 - Hi, I’m Blackberry! 💜 Everyone says that I’m just as sweet as my name. I am a huge fan of toys and wiggles. 😄 I love going on walks and visiting the play yard. Check out my bio at the link below to learn more about me! 🐾 🐶 Dogs unknown 🐱 Cats unknown 🧸 Kids unknown 🚨Bissell Empty the Shelters is back! Come in September 18th-30th and find your new best friend for only $50 thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell. *Some exclusions apply ⏰ Open T,W,Th,F 12-5pm & Sat 10am-1pm (CLOSED Sundays and Mondays) 📍 4415 E 200 S, Columbus, IN 47201 ☎️ 812-372-6063 📧 info@bartholomewhumane.org www.bartholomewhumane.org/adoptable-dogs
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9/21 - Hi, I’m Marla! 🩷 I’m a very sweet, laid back girl who enjoys simple things like belly rubs and cuddling with humans. 🥰 I also love walks, toys, and do well on car rides. The shelter can be overwhelming for me so I’m hoping to find my furever home very soon. 🤞🏻Check out my bio at the link below to learn more about me! 🐾 🐶 Dog selective 🚫🐱 No cats 🧸 Likely kid friendly 🚨Bissell Empty the Shelters is back! Come in September 18th-30th and find your new best friend for only $50 thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell. *Some exclusions apply ⏰ Open T,W,Th,F 12-5pm & Sat 10am-1pm (CLOSED Sundays and Mondays) 📍 4415 E 200 S, Columbus, IN 47201 ☎️ 812-372-6063 📧 info@bartholomewhumane.org www.bartholomewhumane.org/adoptable-dogs
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