INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — An Indianapolis nonprofit is requesting public feedback to improve animal welfare in Marion County.

Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside (FIDO) is creating a community wide plan to improve animal welfare in Indianapolis and Marion County. The goal is to enhance the support and care for local dogs and cats. The organization is inviting all Marion County residents to participate in a survey to share feedback on the current draft of the plan.

The need for a plan comes as leader say community members are frustrated and unable to get help for animals they need.

The five year plan, created by 16 animal welfare groups, aims to create one hub for residents to turn to with resources for their pets and to create a single place for people with strays or unwanted animals to turn to.

“We plan to create a centralized hub,” FIDO Executive Director Darcie Kurtz said. “So everybody knows where to go to find help, so they’re not going to one place and then they get sent to another place.”

The plan’s writing began about 11 months ago.

The plan additionally addresses the lack of resources owners have to care for their pets.

Dustin Chadwick, a pet owner, works in the pest control business. He says he is witness to this reality every day.

“At least once a day I see it,” Chadwick said. “At least, if not more. It’s bad, like litter boxes not being changed, flies flying around food.”

For animal advocate and volunteer Michelle Mangold, the animal welfare crisis in the city is personal.

“I have cats wondering from everywhere and people know I’m a caretaker,” Mangold said. “I’ve been in the same area for over 20 years, they will dump animals, and to me, that’s not okay. I’m going to feed them. I’m going to reach out to places like FIDO, Indy humane, anywhere I can to help.”

Kurtz said that in addition to the current survey, there will be other opportunities for the public to weigh in on the crisis. That emphasis will continue highlighting the need to leaders around the city.

“I think the only way that we are actually going to make this plan, fully implemented, and really make lasting significant change is to keep the pressure on our officials,” Kurtz said.

The survey closes Sept. 19.