Agency - Independent Cat Society

Our mission is to promote the welfare of all animals, especially cats through the reduction of pet population, the education of the public, the prevention of cruelties to animals, promotion of responsible pet ownership and by working for more humane legislation.

Description:
We are a non-profit, cageless, no-kill cat shelter.

History:
Cat lovers in Beverly Shores, Indiana, met in late 1976 to discuss opening a no-kill cat shelter to help combat the problem of abandoned and homeless cats. The Independent Cat Society was established March 15, 1977. Initially, all rescued cats were placed in and adopted from foster homes.

In June 1979, the Independent Cat Society leased its first shelter in Michigan City, Indiana, and housed 35 cats. Five area veterinarians provided low-cost spay/neuter and discounted medical care. Over the next 12 years, the shelter changed locations six times for various reasons beyond its control. Each time, volunteers moved the shelter's cats to a new location or successfully adopted them into permanent homes.

In 1983, the society initiated a Building Fund to eventually purchase property and build a shelter. In 1989, members found the three-acre property on which the shelter now stands. After successful zoning hearings and the completion of a 2,500 square foot pole barn building in early 1991, volunteers moved the cats there in the spring of 1991. Volunteers completed most of the interior work on the shelter.

The Independent Cat Society shelter is on three acres of wooded property at the northeast corner of U.S. Rt. 6 and the Porter/Laporte County Road in New Durham Township, Westville, Indiana. This is approximately one hour east of Chicago and 45 minutes west of South Bend, Indiana.

The Independent Cat Society shelter is open for adoptions Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Other adoption hours are by appointment.

Contact person: Deborah Walsh, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

PO Box 735 Westville, IN 46391

Web Site: http://www.catsociety.org

Directions:

Located on the Northeast corner of Hwy 6 and LaPorte/Porter County Line Rd. On Hwy 6 approximately 7 miles east of Hwy 49.

Last updated on April 9, 2013