Humane Society of St. Joseph County
Our Mission
The Humane Society of St. Joseph County is dedicated to instilling a reverence for all life. We strive to enhance the special bond between humans and animals through compassionate care and community education.
A Legacy of Care
Since our founding in 1886, we have grown into one of Indiana's oldest service organizations and the largest animal care facility in our region. We serve as the primary animal control and shelter agency for our community, welcoming over 2,700 animals through our doors annually.
Our Commitment to Every Animal
Operating from our modern facility in Mishawaka, we believe every pet deserves a second chance at a happy life. Our dedicated team and extensive foster network work tirelessly to provide medical care, behavioral support, and enrichment to ensure our animals are healthy and ready for their forever homes. We take great pride in our no time-limit policy for adoption animals, ensuring they stay with us until they find the right family.
Finding Your Perfect Companion
Adoption is a joyful partnership, and we are here to help you make the perfect match. We encourage potential adopters to browse our available pets online and complete an application 48 business hours before visiting. This proactive approach helps our staff facilitate a smoother transition, often allowing your new companion to head home with you the very same day.
Join Our Mission
Whether you are looking to adopt, volunteer, or support our life-saving work, there are many ways to get involved. We invite you to view our adoptable dogs, cats, and pocket pets on our website or visit us at our Grape Road facility to meet your new best friend. Together, we can create a more compassionate community for every animal in our care.
- Knowledgeable and supportive staff
- Patient adoption counseling
- Restrictive adoption/intake policies
10/10 - Is this gray cat the perfect companion for you?
Grayson is a 4–5-year-old gray cat with green eyes waiting for a forever home. Grayson is available through Pet Refuge in South Bend.
10/5 - 2nd Chance Pet: Rikky
This week’s 2nd Chance Pet is big couch potato who wants to be loved!
10/1 - Meet Sparky the energetic dog ready for adoption
Sparky is a two year old dog at the South Bend Animal Resource Center looking for an active family to adopt him.
9/26 - Need a dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle? Scout can!
Meet Scout, a playful two-year-old shepherd mix looking for an active family to call his own. He has a fun-loving personality and sweet disposition.
9/21 - 2nd Chance Pet: Uvogin
Uvogin has been at the Humane Society of St. Joseph County for nearly a year.
9/17 - Adopt Lacy, the shy Pomeranian, seeking a loving home
Lacy is a 6-year-old Pomeranian looking for a patient family to help her blossom in a loving home environment.
9/11 - Meet Mae, Humane Society of St. Joseph County's featured adoptable pet
Mae, 6, has a playful, goofy personality that will keep you smiling. She is available at Humane Society of St. Joseph County.
8/24 - 2nd Chance Pets: Cricket, Cymbal and Dandelion
Three 2-month-old kittens are looking for their "furever" homes!
8/13 - St. Joseph County shelter urgently seeks adopters and fosters for dogs
The Humane Society of St. Joseph County needs temporary homes for 36 dogs by Aug. 18 for facility upgrades.
8/13 - This merle miniature poodle mix is looking to live life to its fullest
Jasper is a 6-year-old poodle mix looking for a loving home. He is crate trained and ready for adoption soon. Call Second Chance to set up a meeting.
8/7 - Meet the cat with the longest name in the shelter
Cooperstown has been at the Humane Society of St. Joseph County since October. She has lots of love to give. Can you offer her a quiet home?
7/27 - 2nd Chance Pet: Stud Muffin
Stud Muffin has spent nearly 500 days under the care of the Humane Society of St. Joseph County.
7/9 - Baby Girl, sweet 1-year-old mix, is ready to call your family her own
Baby Girl is a sweet one year old Rottweiler mix looking for a forever home after her owner was no longer able to care for her.
7/3 - Meet Mookie the playful dog seeking a new family
Mookie has been at the shelter for 10 months. She will win your heart with her affectionate personality. Can you provide the loving home she needs?
7/1 - Humane Society of St. Joseph County gives heat reminders for Dog Owners
During a Heat Advisory, a St. Joseph County ordinance requires that all dogs be brought indoors unless a responsible adult is outside with them and they remain
7/1 - Here’s how you can keep your pets safe from Fourth of July fireworks and extreme heat
Fireworks and extreme heat can put pets at risk — here are simple steps to prevent them from running off or overheating.
6/6 - Can you foster these two retired Cocker Spaniels?
Second Chance Small Dog Rescue is seeking foster homes for two retired Cocker Spaniels in need of care.
6/1 - 2nd Chance Pet: Nova
Matt Russell from the Humane Society of St. Joseph County joined us on 16 News Now at Noon to introduce us to Nova!
5/28 - Why this shy shelter cat is worth the wait
This shy, orange cat named (Coffee's For Closers) is looking for a patient family and a feline companion.
5/21 - Meet Heath Bar and Hershey Bar, two cats for adoption
Meet Heath Bar and Hershey Bar, two 'candy bar' cat brothers with sweet personalities looking for a forever home together.
5/4 - 2nd Chance Pet: Mud Flap
The 2-year-old dog at the Humane Society of St. Joseph County is looking for his "furever" home.
5/2 - Pearl and CoCo, senior dogs, seek a loving home
Meet Pearl and CoCo, two 11-year-old Poodle/Yorkie mixes seeking a new home after their owners lost theirs.
4/26 - Meet Mood Ring: A loyal companion still waiting for his moment
Mood Ring is available for adoption through the Humane Society in Mishawaka. He's a happy, friendly pup ready to share his love and affection.
4/21 - How you can help Humane Society of St. Joseph County feed kittens
A warm day in January means the Humane Society of St. Joseph County can bet on kittens two months later. The shelter prepares for kitten season.
4/18 - Sheriff is ready to move to your town and arrest everyone's heart
Big boy Sheriff is quite the handsome charmer. He is 1 1/2 years old and ready for exciting adventures in a new town.
