Visits to the shelter are by appointment only.
The Bluffton-Wells Co. Animal Shelter is a joint venture of the City of Bluffton and Wells County. The shelter has three full time employees and is open Monday through Friday. The mission of the Bluffton-Wells Animal Shelter is to ensure public health and safety, prevent overpopulation, animal neglect and animal cruelty through education, rescue, law enforcement and pet adoption. The Bluffton-Wells Co. Animal Shelter can only accept pets from Wells County.
The Bluffton-Wells Co. Animal Shelter receives pets from:
- animals running at large
- stray and unwanted animals
- relatives when an owner has passed away
- owners who can no longer care for their pets
- pick-up of injured or dead animals within the city limits
The Bluffton-Wells Co. Animal Shelter offers:
- Pet adoptions
- Pick up stray animals in Wells County
- Quarantining of bite cases
- Rental of live animal traps
- Tours
- Volunteer day
Please call the shelter at 260-824-6063 for information or an appointment.
Adoption fees:
- Male Cat $75
- Female Cat $75
- Male Dog $85
- Female Dog $90
Adoption fee includes a free physical exam, FDRP vaccine (for cats) and DHLPP & Corona vaccine (for dogs), de-worming, flea treatment and a certificate to get them altered at 6 months of age at either the Bluffton Animal Clinic or Honegger Animal Clinic.
Already altered dog $20. Already altered cat $10. The fee includes all the above except the altering.
When animals are taken in, they rarely have a medical history. If the history is available that indicates medical aid or veterinary care has been given, this information is passed on to the new owner. The Animal Shelter cannot guarantee the health or temperament of an animal adopted from the Shelter.
Pets sometimes get loose and run away, often ending up in animal shelters. Pet owners may tire of an animal or for whatever reason, can’t house it anymore and they bring it to a shelter. These animals await adoption in cages where they compete for the homes and hearts of potential pet owners. Many homes are without pets and would benefit from the positive effects that an animal brings.
Save an animal’s life while brightening your own: adopt a pet from an animal shelter.
“Friends of the Shelter”
Wells County Friends of the Shelter is a volunteer organization under the direction of the Friends of the Shelter Board of Directors.
The mission of the Friends of the Shelter is to maintain an association of persons interested in animal welfare (including the prevention of animal cruelty and promotion of humane treatment), with primary goals to: promote animal adoptions, reduce pet overpopulation, support various animal care needs for pets residing in the Bluffton-Wells Animal Shelter, and, as funding allows, support animal welfare needs throughout the communities of Wells County.
We conduct fund raising activities such as the citywide Garage Sale and maintain a booth in the industrial tent at the Bluffton Street Fair.
Friends of the Shelter helps the animal shelter by encouraging adoptions. They provide pet food for citizens in need and assist in any other ways to address needs and increase public awareness of animal issues. (The Bluffton Animal Shelter does not have food to give away.)
Bluffton-Wells County Animal Shelter
1613 W Cherry Street
Bluffton, IN 46714
Phone: 260-824-6063
Email the Animal Shelter
Office and adoption hours
9 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Thursday
10 am to 5:30 pm Friday
Donations
We are always in need of CANNED cat and dog food, as wells as treats and toys. We are not allowed to receive any dry food for cats or dogs due to a signed contract with our supplier.
We can also use towels, blankets, brushes, collars, leashes, shampoo, flea treatments such as Advantage or Frontline for both cats & dogs.
All donations are very much appreciated. If donation is in currency, please make check payable to the Bluffton-Wells County Animal Shelter.
F.A.Q.'s
Q: What happens if my pet is brought to the animal shelter?
A: You have 5 working days to reclaim your pet. If it isn’t reclaimed in 5 days it becomes property of the City and we can adopt it or euthanize it.
Q: What does it cost to get my pet out of the shelter?
A: It is $22.00 for the 1st day and $2.00 for every day thereafter.
Q: What if the owner does not reclaim the animal?
A: Then we adopt it or euthanize it depending on the animal. Yes, some we take home.
Q: Am I required to have my pet spayed or neutered?
A: No, unless you adopt it from here then yes.
Q: What can I do about my neighbor’s barking dog?
A: Call us and make a complaint and we will send a warning that they are in violation of the City ordinance. This is only if in the City of Bluffton. There is no barking ordinance in the county.
Q: What can I do about the feral cats in my neighborhood?
A: Come in and get a live trap. …What is feral? A feline that has never had humane touch.
Q: Do you put animals to sleep?
A: Yes, we are not a “no kill” shelter.
Q: Does Wells County have a SPCA?
A: No.
