Wisconsin Humane Society
Wisconsin's oldest and largest animal welfare organization, founded in 1879, operating six adoption sites and one of the most comprehensive humane society networks in the Upper Midwest.
The Wisconsin Humane Society — WHS — was founded in 1879 and is one of the oldest humane societies in the Upper Midwest. The organization has grown over its 146 years into Wisconsin's largest animal welfare network, with six adoption sites across the state and one of the most operationally complete humane societies in the region.
The main Milwaukee campus on West Wisconsin Avenue serves as the operational headquarters and adoption center. Additional sites include locations in Ozaukee (Saukville), Racine, Door County (Sturgeon Bay), Brown County (Green Bay), and Kenosha. The combined network handles intake and adoption for animals from across most of Wisconsin.
How they work
WHS adoptions begin online or in person at any of the campuses. The application is short, the interview is conversational, and meet-and-greets happen for animals that look like a fit.
Adoption fees vary by animal and time of year. Fees include spay or neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipping, and a starter pack.
The shelter operates as no-kill in current practice. Animals are not euthanized for space, time, or treatable conditions.
Beyond standard adoptions, the organization runs:
- A wildlife rehabilitation program treating native Wisconsin wildlife — birds, reptiles, small mammals — at multiple campuses. The Milwaukee Wildlife Rehabilitation site handles thousands of cases annually.
- A full-service veterinary medical center at the Milwaukee campus.
- Spay/neuter services at reduced cost across multiple sites.
- Pet retention programs including food assistance and surrender prevention.
- Foster networks spanning all six locations.
- Behavior and training programs for animals requiring rehabilitation.
- Humane education programs in Wisconsin schools.
The 146-year arc
The Wisconsin Humane Society has been operating long enough to have shaped much of the state's animal welfare infrastructure. The organization has been involved in Wisconsin animal welfare legislation since the late nineteenth century. The wildlife rehabilitation arm — uncommon among American humane societies at the scale WHS operates it — has been part of the organization for decades.
The Milwaukee campus has, over its many years, become a fixture of the city's near west side. The volunteer dog-walker rotation across the six sites is one of the largest in the Upper Midwest.
You can support WHS in the standard ways:
- Adopt from any of the six campuses.
- Foster — the foster network is one of the largest in Wisconsin.
- Volunteer — dog walking, cat socializing, wildlife rehabilitation, medical clinic support, event work.
- Donate — WHS publishes detailed financials annually.
Field & Era at the Wisconsin Humane Society
The Milwaukee and partner campus coordinates appear in Companion Edition orders shipped throughout Wisconsin and across the Upper Midwest. If you adopted from the Wisconsin Humane Society and want the address set on archival paper, see the Companion Edition. 10% of every Companion order supports a rescue partner.
Last verified May 29, 2026. Facts about hours, intake policies, and adoption fees can change. Confirm with Wisconsin Humane Society directly before visiting.