Pet Refuge is a volunteer-run, no-kill animal shelter in South Bend, Indiana, that was established in April 1978. It places unwanted and abandoned pets into permanent homes and operates a low-cost spay/neuter clinic.
Key milestones in history:
- 1978: Formation: Pet Refuge was founded with the mission to place abandoned cats and dogs into responsible, permanent homes.
- 2011: ABC Clinic Opens: In June 2011, Pet Refuge opened Michiana's first high-quality, high-volume, low-cost spay and neuter clinic, the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Clinic, in Granger. The clinic was founded to combat pet overpopulation and is available to all pet owners and rescue groups.
- 2013: New Main Shelter: In October 2013, Pet Refuge completed a 30-year fundraising effort to move into a new, larger building on Burnett Drive in South Bend. The new facility was a major upgrade, featuring indoor/outdoor kennels for dogs and "cat condos".
- 2014: ABC Clinic Relocates: The ABC Clinic moved from Granger to South Bend in October 2014, occupying a larger facility to meet the high demand for its services.
- 2018: 40th Anniversary: Pet Refuge celebrated 40 years of service to the community with a dinner gala.
- 2025: Pet Refuge continues to serve the South Bend area as a volunteer-driven, no-kill shelter dedicated to animal welfare. Its services include adoption, spay/neuter programs, education and community pet food assistance. It maintains its commitment to rescuing animals, including overflow from other local shelters, and running a foster program.
- Today: Continued Operation: In 2026, Pet Refuge will be increasing the size of the cattery to include kittens at the main campus.