$1.6 Million READI Award to Jefferson County Animal Shelter Supports Ivy Tech Madison’s Veterinary Nursing Program

Will serve as both the county’s animal shelter and the future training site for Ivy Tech Community College Madison’s Veterinary Nursing

[MADISON, Ind.] – The Jefferson County Animal Shelter has been awarded $1.6 million in READI (Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative) funding, advancing plans for a new multi-use facility that will serve as both the county’s animal shelter and the future training site for Ivy Tech Community College Madison’s Veterinary Nursing program.

The funding was approved by the Our Southern Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) as part of a competitive reallocation process, where the project ranked among the top proposals across the five-county region.

County Commissioner Bobby Little said the animal shelter has been a matter they have been working to address since he became a commissioner in 2013. “It will be a blessing to get a new building, and not only that but to help the vet education part of it for Ivy Tech Madison.”

“Ivy Tech is forever grateful for how the county welcomed us into this facility project,” said Ivy Tech Madison Chancellor Dr. Amanda Harsin. “I hope the community sees this is really happening now. We are grateful to Jefferson County for their partnership and to the RDA for their support throughout this process. This investment allows us to move forward with a facility that supports both animal care and hands-on student training.”

The new facility will replace the current animal shelter located at 2727 Hannah Drive and create a shared space that supports animal services, veterinary partners, and workforce training. Through this partnership, Ivy Tech Madison students will gain real-world experience while preparing for careers as Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs)—a high-demand field across the region.

The collaboration strengthens Ivy Tech’s ability to deliver its Veterinary Nursing program locally, following changes to previous regional plans for veterinary education facilities. The new space will provide the dedicated, purpose-built environment needed to train students effectively and meet workforce needs.

Ivy Tech Madison is now accepting applications for its Veterinary Nursing program. Students interested in careers in animal health can apply at www.ivytech.edu/apply or learn more at www.ivytech.edu/veterinary-nursing.