Happy Tails Animal Care Center
Our Mission
At Happy Tails Animal Care Center, our mission is to ensure as many animals as possible find their way into loving, caring forever homes. We believe every animal deserves a second chance at a happy life, and we are dedicated to saving as many wonderful lives as we can.
Why We Do It
We are a community-focused animal shelter serving White County, Indiana. We believe pets are more than just animals; they are vital companions that provide stress relief, joy for the elderly, and valuable lessons in empathy and responsibility for children.
How We Operate
Happy Tails partners closely with local city and county animal control to provide a safe transition for stray animals. After being picked up and assessed by veterinarians, those deemed adoptable come to our facility to await their new families. Our dedicated team and volunteers work tirelessly to care for these animals while they prepare for their next chapter.
Your New Best Friend
Our shelter animals are known for being loving, easy-going, and eager for human connection. Whether they enjoy being petted, talked to, or simply playing, each one is ready to bring joy into a home. We take great care to ensure the right match, including meet-and-greets for families who already have dogs at home.
Connect With Us
Are you ready to welcome a new member into your family? We invite you to view our currently available pets on our website or contact us at (574) 278-7102 to schedule an appointment. We are always looking for passionate volunteers to join our mission, so please reach out via email at happytails@urhere.net if you would like to help us make a difference.
Trust Assessment
BronzeRated Sep 5, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedMunicipal PartnerOperating 10+ years
FinancesOnline Review Highlights
- Friendly and lovely staff
Recent Videos
10/14 - FIVE YEARS. That's how long Coco has been waiting for someone to choose her and never let her go. ❤️🩹 This is just one day in her life, but maybe it's the day that finally changes everything. Coco is available for adoption through @billies_buddies in Charlotte, NC. Click our link in bio to meet this incredibly deserving girl today! #adoptapet #adoptdontshop #rescuedog #doglover
Watch on Instagram
10/13 - PLEASE SHARE! Some stories are difficult to read. This is one of them. 💔 Meet Esteban, a 3.5-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix who’s endured more in his short life than any dog ever should. Initially adopted from another rescue, Esteban was hit by a car and left to suffer without medical care for an entire week before being dumped at a high-kill shelter by the very people he trusted to keep him safe. Terrified and severely injured, Esteban was just hours away from euthanasia when the incredible team at @amaanimalrescue in Brooklyn, NY stepped in to save his life. He faced months of intense recovery, but somehow, through all the pain, this brave boy never lost his will to keep going. And today, his transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. Esteban is the definition of a lovable goofball. He’s playful, energetic, and has an irresistible charm that instantly wins over anyone lucky enough to meet him. Yet, over two years have passed since his rescue, and this incredible boy is still waiting for someone to see just how special he truly is. Esteban is looking for a quiet forever home where he can be your one and only pet and finally experience the unconditional love he’s always deserved. His journey has been anything but easy, but we know the most beautiful part of Esteban’s story is still waiting to be written. Could his next chapter begin with you? Click our link in bio to adopt this sweet soul today! #adoptapet #adoptdontshop #rescuedog #doglover
Watch on Instagram
10/12 - PLEASE SHARE! This beautiful girl is ready to leave her painful past behind. 💗 Meet Flicka (aka Lenny), a 1-year-old mixed breed currently in foster through @teammemphisrescuesupport in Cordova, TN. Found running through traffic on a cold winter night, Flicka was emaciated, injured, and covered in severe mange when rescuers finally brought her to safety. Despite the cruelty life had shown her, this remarkably resilient girl was trusting, affectionate, and gentle from the very beginning—a true testament to her extraordinary spirit. Today, Flicka is a happy, loving pup who wants nothing more than to be close to her people. Her absolute favorite things are food and cuddles (preferably at the same time!), and she’s always ready to soak up every bit of attention she can get. Flicka is super high energy and would thrive with an active adopter who could keep both her mind and body busy with plenty of playtime and enrichment activities. She’s also quite the social butterfly who loves romping around with other dogs, gets along great with cats, and never misses an opportunity to make a new friend. Flicka has come so far. All she needs now is someone to give her the forever home she’s always deserved. Could you be the happily ever after she’s been waiting for? Click our link in bio to adopt this incredible girl today! #adoptapet #adoptdontshop #rescuedog #doglover
Watch on Instagram
10/11 - PLEASE SHARE! This fun-loving lab is ready to join you on all life’s adventures. ✨ Meet Maggie, a 2.5-year-old Labrador Retriever mix currently in foster through @amlabrescue in Granbury, TX. Once a beloved member of a family, Maggie found herself at the shelter after a devastating house fire left them unable to care for her. Despite losing the only life she ever knew, this sweet girl has remained gentle, affectionate, and incredibly grateful for every moment she gets to spend by someone’s side. Maggie is a true social butterfly who loves people, is great with kids, and absolutely adores other dogs, making her a wonderful fit for so many families. She's a quick learner who genuinely enjoys mastering new commands and is very eager to please. With her big heart and playful personality, Maggie is ready to bring a whole lot of happiness into someone’s world. Could you be the person she’s been waiting for? Click our link in bio to adopt this beautiful girl today! #adoptapet #adoptdontshop #rescuedog #doglover
Watch on Instagram
10/9 - So many little hearts just waiting for someone to love. ❤️🩹 These incredible cats are available for adoption at @puppykittynycity in New York, NY. Click our link in bio to meet them today!
Watch on Instagram
10/9 - PLEASE SHARE! This big-hearted girl has a whole lot of love to give. 💕 Meet Siena, a 1.5-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier/English Bulldog mix currently in the care of @chicago.pet.rescue in Chicago, IL. Endlessly sweet and a cuddle bug extraordinaire, Siena can turn a complete stranger into a best friend in record time, effortlessly winning over everyone she meets. When she’s not busy handing out kisses and soaking up affection, she’s showing off just how smart she is. Siena has already mastered several commands and is eager to learn more (as long as there’s a treat in it for her, of course!). She’s incredibly loyal and bonds deeply with those she trusts, making her a perfect match for a family who’s ready to bring her along for all of life’s adventures. Siena is working on staying calm around other dogs and making great progress every day. But because she prefers having all the attention to herself (she is the queen bee, after all!), she’ll need to be your one and only pet. If you’re looking for fun-loving, charming, and deeply devoted companion, Sierra is waiting to meet you. Click our link in bio to adopt this gorgeous girl today! #adoptapet #adoptdontshop #rescuedog #doglover
Watch on Instagram
10/7 - PLEASE SHARE! This shy sweetheart deserves to be loved for exactly who she is. 💗 Meet Fiddler, a 5-year-old Domestic Shorthair currently in the care of @puppykittynycity in New York, NY. Found stranded on a roof in a terrible thunderstorm, Fiddler was cold, scared, and completely helpless when rescuers arrived to save her. Once at the shelter, she was understandably shut down, preferring to keep her distance and quietly observe the people around her from the safety of her own space. But with each gentle interaction, something began to change. Fiddler slowly started seeking out affection as she discovered that people can be good and the world can be kind. Now, this beautiful girl’s sweet, playful personality is shining through more and more each day (especially when wand toys, feathers, and bouncy balls are involved!). Fiddler is searching for a calm home with a patient adopter who understands that building trust takes time, but the love that follows is truly something special. Could you be the happily ever after she’s been waiting for? Click our link in bio to adopt Fiddler today! #adoptapet #adoptdontshop #rescuecat #catlover
Watch on Instagram
10/6 - PLEASE SHARE! This big-hearted boy is ready to find where he belongs. ♥️ Meet Chili, a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix currently in the care of @cvacf in Chula Vista, CA. After arriving at the shelter as a puppy, Chili was adopted into what everyone believed was his forever family. Then, just a few months later, he was returned when his adopter faced medical issues. But sadly, that wouldn’t be Chili’s last heartbreak. All that instability took a toll, and when he finally found another home, he was returned again because being left alone was simply too difficult for him. Despite all the setbacks he’s endured, Chili remains incredibly sweet, gentle, and ready to give his whole heart to someone. He absolutely loves to play, and if you’ve got a ball, a squeaky toy, or just five minutes to spare, you’re instantly his new best friend. Whether you’re hitting the trails for a day of adventure or cuddling on the couch, Chili is all in as long as he gets to do it by your side. Personal space? This big lovebug has never heard of it. Chili loves people, gets along great with other dogs, and is an overall joy to be around. This beautiful boy has waited long enough for someone to finally see just how special he is. Could you be the person who finally changes his story? Click our link in bio to adopt Chili today! #adoptapet #adoptdontshop #rescuedog #doglover
Watch on Instagram
10/6 - we love being a part of your adoption prep 🥹💙 Find your love for life at @adoptapet and feed the good by shopping PEDIGREE products at your favorite retailer #PEDIGREEAdopt
Watch on Instagram
10/5 - PLEASE SHARE! This special girl is searching for her forever all over again. 💔 Meet Riley, a 3-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix who’s already endured more in her short life than any dog ever should. After being repeatedly used for breeding, Riley was discarded at a high-kill shelter, where she ended up on the euthanasia list with time running out. Since then, Riley has been adopted and returned through no fault of her own, and now finds herself once again searching for a place to call home. Currently in foster in Sanford, North Carolina, Riley remains the happiest, goofiest girl who refuses to let her past dim her spirit. She loves romping around, soaking up attention, and settling in for some serious cuddles. Riley would do best as the only pet in a home without young children, with someone who’s ready to embrace her big heart, big personality, and of course, big feelings! If you’re looking for an endlessly sweet companion who will keep you laughing with her hilarious antics and love you with everything she has, Riley is waiting to meet you. She is available for adoption through @caroscaninesrescue. Click our link in bio to adopt this beautiful girl today! #adoptapet #adoptdontshop #rescuedog #doglover
Watch on Instagram
10/4 - PLEASE SHARE! This sweet soul was abandoned by the people she trusted most. 🥺 Meet Emila, a 5-year-old Domestic Shorthair currently in the care of @puppykittynycity in New York, NY. Adopted as a kitten, Emila once believed she had found her happily ever after. But everything changed when someone new moved into the home and decided they no longer wanted her to be a part of it. Now back at the shelter, this gentle girl is searching for a forever family who will show her what it truly means to be loved unconditionally. Given all the heartbreak she’s endured, Emila would do best with a patient adopter who’s willing to give her the time and reassurance she needs to feel safe again. Emila’s story may have taken an unexpected turn, but there are still so many beautiful chapters left to be written. All she needs now is someone to share them with. Could you be the person she's been waiting for? Click our link in bio to adopt this deserving girl today! #adoptapet #adoptdontshop #rescuecat #catlover
Watch on Instagram
10/1 - PLEASE SHARE! Nearly 1,000 days have passed, and this beautiful boy is still waiting for someone to choose him. 💔 Meet Sam, a 4-year-old Terrier mix who’s spent far too long without a forever family to call his own. Currently in the care of @tohanimalshelter in Wantagh, New York, Sam is a playful young pup with so much love to give. He absolutely loves being active and will never turn down an opportunity to show off his fetch skills, get out and explore on a long walk, or conquer any enrichment activity you throw his way. Sam can be a little shy around new people, but give him some time to trust you, and you’ll be rewarded with a loyal best friend for life. With the right person by his side, we know Sam will continue blossoming into the amazing dog he was always destined to be. All he needs now is someone to finally give him that chance. Could you be the person Sam has been waiting? Click our link in bio to adopt this deserving boy today! #adoptapet #adoptdontshop #rescuedog #doglover
Watch on Instagram
9/30 - PLEASE SHARE! This sweet boy is the longest-stay resident at the shelter. 💔 Meet Bronson, a 5-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix currently in the care of @ahsnewark in Newark, NJ. For months, Bronson has watched the world pass him by from behind kennel doors, waiting for a family to finally see just how special he truly is. But despite the chaos of the shelter environment, this bright-eyed boy has remained happy, hopeful, and so grateful for every moment he gets to spend by someone’s side. Bronson loves going for sniff-filled walks, playing with toys, and snacking on tasty treats. Seriously, trust us when we say the way to this goofy guy’s heart is definitely through his stomach! He’s already mastered several commands and is eager to keep learning more (as long as there’s something yummy in it for him!). If you’re looking for an active, playful, and endlessly loving sidekick to join you on all of life’s adventures, Bronson is waiting to meet you. Click our link in bio to adopt this deserving boy today! #adoptapet #adoptdontshop #rescuedog #doglover
Watch on Instagram
9/29 - Adopting a cat with FIV? Don’t let the diagnosis fool you. Here’s what everyone should really know about these incredible felines. ♥️
Watch on Instagram
9/29 - PLEASE SHARE! This beautiful girl is ready to leave her painful past behind. ❤️🩹 Meet Cocoa, a 6-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix currently in foster through @halfway_there_rescue in Rock Hill, SC. Saved from an overcrowded shelter with time quickly running out, Cocoa came heartbreakingly close to losing her life before it had the chance to truly begin. But despite the tough hand she’s been dealt, this sweet, affectionate girl approaches each day with an open heart and nothing but love to give. Cocoa absolutely adores people and firmly believes everyone exists just to be her best friend (and they do, obviously). She’s incredibly dog-friendly, patient with children, and an overall wonderful companion. She’s also great at matching your energy, whether that means heading out for a long walk around the neighborhood or curling up for a snuggle session on the couch. No matter what the day brings, Cocoa is happy just spending it by your side. After everything she’s endured, Cocoa deserves a forever family who will love her unconditionally through every chapter still to come. Could you be the person who finally changes Cocoa’s story? Click our link in bio to adopt this amazing girl today! #adoptapet #adoptdontshop #rescuedog #doglover
Watch on Instagram
9/28 - PLEASE SHARE! This big-hearted boy hasn’t received a single adoption application. 💔 Meet Rolly, a 3-year-old Boxer mix currently in the care of @adoptmiamipets in Doral, FL. Found wandering the streets as a stray, Rolly has now spent 10 long months in the shelter, waiting for someone to finally see just how special he is. Rolly is a fun-loving, adventurous pup who is happiest when he’s out exploring with his favorite people. He’s incredibly playful, walks great on leash, and never misses an opportunity to make a new friend. But when the day is done, there’s nothing this handsome boy loves more than curling up beside you for some well deserved relaxation. Rolly has spent far too long watching the world pass him by from behind kennel doors. It’s time for someone to finally show him just how beautiful life can be on the other side. Could you be the person this sweet soul has been waiting for? Click our link in bio to adopt Rolly today! #adoptapet #adoptdontshop #rescuedog #doglover
Watch on InstagramVisit Us At
Filters
