Wisconsin Humane Society News

Thanks to the Racine Community Foundation

We are so grateful for the generous support of the Racine Community Foundation for supporting the operations, staffing, and supplies needed at the Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus, our newly constructed shelter in Mount Pleasant.

We’re both proud and honored to serve animals and families in the Racine community, and we are deeply grateful to the Racine Community Foundation for their support.

www.racinecommunityfoundation.org

Where did breed go?

JULY 14 , 2016 -- If you’ve visited our website today, you may have noticed that the dog breed identification field is missing. It’s just gone. Poof! No, it’s not an error. Or a website glitch. It’s part of an exciting pilot program we’ve launched that intentionally removes breed labels for shelter dogs.

Why on earth would WHS do that? Well, we know breeds exist, of course. But the reality is that the majority of dogs entering our shelter are mixed breed dogs. And no one can accurately assign a breed label based solely on appearance.

You often find shelter staff cocking their heads to the side, squinting their eyes and uttering something like, “…ummm, maybe a Shepherd? Tail looks kind of Lab but feel her coat. Coloring is almost Husky/Shepherd mix. Weird. And maybe her ears just aren’t erect yet because she’s so young…”

Here’s some fun trivia for you: the dog genome consists of approximately 20,000 genes, but only 50 of those genes (in various combinations) define a dog’s appearance. So when we’re assigning breed labels based on what a dog looks like, we’re basing that guess on less than 1% of their genetic makeup.

This is a fact worth repeating – less than 1% of a dog’s genes determine physical appearance. Looks don’t equal behavior. Appearance is only one tiny piece of the genetic puzzle.

But our software and other processes have long demanded that we enter breed. So given what we see, we assign a breed and usually two. And sometimes we’re right. But most times we’re probably wrong. But most importantly, when we assign a breed, we set expectations about size, behavior, personality, and the appearance of the dog.

Because breed is often wrong, expectations are often wrong. Sometimes that “Jack Russell” gets adopted and wants nothing more than to nap all day with his cat friends. The “Chow Chow” prefers a 5K run after his morning swim, much to the dismay of his adopter. When a label is inaccurately applied, breed expectations can feel misleading and frustrating for our clients.

The most honest answer we can provide when we are asked, “What breed is she?” is “I don’t know.” Breed labels are often well-intended guesses, but can lead to false expectations, and we prefer to focus on the individual attributes and personality of the dog.

So, what if the dog is purebred? Will a breed label still be omitted? If the dog arrives at WHS with papers indicating that he is from a purebred lineage, we will certainly share that information. If the dog just looks purebred, we won’t assign a label because we don’t know for certain. But we do know that looks can be deceiving. (Check out the images below to be convinced, if you aren’t already.)

Remember, this is a pilot program. A few shelters across the country have tried it, with great success. We are also learning along with you over the next few weeks, and appreciate the community support that allows us to do this. Being able to try new approaches and experiment with innovative ideas makes us better, improves the lives of animals and enriches the community. Thanks for allowing us to do that, and we welcome your feedback and questions!

To learn even more, check out these fantastic resources:

And, just for fun:

90 dogs discovered inside single home; WHS now caring for several of the dogs

MILWAUKEE - After firefighters extinguished a fire at a home in South Fulton County in Georgia on Sunday, December 3, they discovered a horrific scene inside: more than 90 terrified dogs were huddled in masses inside the home.

The owner surrendered the dogs to Fulton County Animal Services in Atlanta. The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) regularly works with Fulton County to transfer dogs out of their overcrowded facility to Wisconsin, and immediately offered help.

At 2:00 a.m. early Thursday morning, 17 dogs arrived at WHS from the shelter in Atlanta; 13 of them are from the hoarding situation. Initial assessments revealed that the dogs are incredibly shy and fearful; nearly all of them are sick with respiratory ailments.

“Dogs from hoarding situations don’t receive proper socialization, training or veterinary care,” said Angela Speed, vice president of communications at WHS. “They typically need a lot of medical support, and loving guidance to build their confidence in a patient environment.”

WHS plans to allow the dogs to settle in through the holiday weekend before deciding who can go through to adoption next week, and who needs further medical and behavioral support, potentially in foster homes.

WHS is asking for the public’s support in helping the new arrivals.

“We are in high need of foster homes for not only these dogs, but also other pups currently at the shelter,” said Speed, “And if you can’t foster or adopt right now, donations of any size would be deeply appreciated. It’s community support that makes it possible to provide the medical care these dogs desperately need.”

Interested in fostering dogs or making a contribution? Visit www.wihumane.org or call 414-431-6119 (donations) or 414-431-6126 (foster).

PEDIGREE Foundation Awards Second Grant to Wisconsin Humane Society for its “Benchwarmer” Program for Dogs

MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) announced that it has received a $10,000 grant from the PEDIGREE Foundation. The grant will help support WHS’s “Benchwarmer” program for dogs, which is designed to help dogs who have been in the shelter the longest.

“Our Benchwarmer program targets the neediest dogs in our care, as most Benchwarmers are seniors or dogs with medical or behavioral challenges,” said Angela Speed, vice president of communications.

Adoption fees for dogs at the Wisconsin Humane Society typically range from $79 to $349. Once a dog is declared a “Benchwarmer” though, his or her fee is dropped to just $25. They benefit from additional marketing exposure on the WHS website and Facebook page.

“PEDIGREE Foundation’s generous support of this lifesaving program, will help dogs who have been with us for more than 10 days be part of our Benchwarmer program; in the past it’s been 14 days,” said Speed. “This will help about 200 dogs get adopted faster, protecting their health, wellbeing and providing them an opportunity to find their forever home.”

For more information about the Wisconsin Humane Society or the PEDIGREE Foundation, visit www.wihumane.org or www.pedigreefoundation.org.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin. It was founded in 1879 and operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Brown and Door Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, educational programming, veterinary resources for animals from low-income households, retail stores, volunteer programs and dog training classes. The Milwaukee shelter also houses the state’s largest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. For more information, please call (414) 264-6257 or visit wihumane.org.

About PEDIGREE Foundation

Formed in 2008 by Mars Petcare, the makers of PEDIGREE® food for dogs, PEDIGREE Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping dogs in need find loving homes by supporting the good work of shelters and dog rescue organizations throughout the country. Through no fault of their own, more than four million dogs end up in shelters and rescue organizations every year, and nearly half of them never find a place to call home. For more information on how you can support the foundation visit www.pedigreefoundation.org.

Dog burn victim recovers at Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus

Racine, WI – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Racine Campus is caring for a stray dog who arrived at the shelter with terrible burns down her back. According to WHS officials, Annette is an incredibly sweet dog whose bright eyes and always-wiggly tail defy her painful past. The two-year-old dog was found by a Good Samaritan last month in Racine and brought to WHS.

When she arrived, veterinary staff immediately provided medication to alleviate her pain, and she’s been on a treatment plan for several weeks. The cause of the burns is unknown, but due to the type of wound, veterinary staff suspect it was caused by a hot liquid. Despite the excruciating pain she endured, Annette remains a happy goofball who loves every person she meets. She prefers cuddling over toys and melts hearts every single day with her affectionate antics.

Annette is making slow but steady progress, but still needs time to recover. The Wisconsin Humane Society is asking for donations to help support her medical treatment, as they don’t receive government funding and rely on the community to provide lifesaving care for dogs like Annette. To learn more or to make a donation, visit wihumane.org or call 414-431-6119.

Bay Area Humane Society and Door County Humane Society to change names after becoming part of Wisconsin Humane Society

Media Contacts:
Door County & Milwaukee: Angela Speed | (414) 431-6104 | aspeed@wihumane.org
Green Bay: Lori Nachtwey | (920) 469-3110 x119 | lnachtwey@wihumane.org

GREEN BAY, DOOR COUNTY, MILWAUKEE — Earlier this year, it was announced that the Bay Area Humane Society and Door County Humane Society would become part of the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS), and that transaction is complete as of January 1, 2018. As part of the acquisition, the names of both organizations are changing.

After seeking input from staff and other stakeholders, WHS is shifting the names used at the Green Bay and Door County locations to “Wisconsin Humane Society Green Bay Campus” and “Wisconsin Humane Society Door County Campus” to be consistent with their shelters in Ozaukee, Milwaukee, and Racine Counties.

“A consistent name is necessary to brand recognition,” said Anne Reed, WHS president and CEO. “The more people recognize that WHS is the organization responsible for improving the welfare of animals in their community and in Wisconsin, the more they will support our work. And we need that support to continue lifesaving services for animals and the people who love them.”

It will take weeks to update marketing collateral, the websites, signage and forms, as WHS plans to only re-order merchandise and marketing materials once needed, in an effort to save on expenses.

“We are beyond excited to now be working in Green Bay and Door County, and so grateful for all the words of welcome and support,” said Reed. “I’ve personally been so impressed by the current staff and volunteers, and how they’ve embraced this change – and others – with open hearts and minds.”

For more information about the two shelters becoming part of WHS, visit http://www.wihumane.org/news/the-wisconsin-humane-society-to-acquire-bay-area-humane-society-and-door-county-humane-society./

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

Puppy beaten with pipe recovering at Wisconsin Humane Society

RACINE – Rocky, a 10-month-old puppy beaten by his owner on multiple occasions, is recovering at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Racine Campus after his owner was arrested last week.

Rocky had been repeatedly abused. According to the criminal complaint, the owner admitted to beating his puppy. Wounds on Rocky’s head are believed to be caused by the pup being whipped by a belt.

Several witnesses reportedly saw the owner beating Rocky with a pipe and punching the puppy, as Rocky cried out in pain. According to the criminal complaint, children who witnessed the incident asked adults to call the police, which resulted in the arrest of the owner on June 7.

“Blatant animal cruelty is horrible to witness, and we applaud the bystanders, especially the kids, who stood up against this violence and reached out to the police,” said Angela Speed, vice president of communications.

“Violence against animals is strongly linked to domestic abuse and other violent crimes,” Speed explained, “so by stepping up to report animal abuse, the witnesses may have prevented more than one act of violence.”

Research from the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys found that 76% of animal abusers also abuse a member of their family. Studies also indicate that abusers of animals are five times as likely to harm humans.

“Rocky is a young dog with a forgiving personality,” Speed said. “Despite the pain and cruelty inflicted upon the poor guy, he still looks to us with hope in his eyes, and we tell him every day that we won’t let that happen to him again. With every ear scratch and belly rub, he trusts us a little bit more.”

Rocky is currently being assessed by WHS veterinary and behavior staff and will receive the treatment he needs to recover from his trauma.

Donations for Rocky are being encouraged to cover the cost of his care, and can be made here or by calling 414-431-6119.

Letter to Delta Air Lines

Open letter from Wisconsin Humane Society President & CEO Anne Reed to Delta Air Lines CEO Edward Bastian:

I write from Wisconsin’s oldest and largest animal welfare organization to urge you to reconsider your newly-announced policy banning “pit-bull-type dogs” as service and support animals. We fully understand that the topic of support animals in shared spaces must be handled with attention and care, and that aggressive animals cannot be permitted service animals. But using breed as a proxy for aggression is ineffective and harmful. With this policy you will exclude wonderful dogs and your customers who depend on them. And you will fail to screen out dogs who do not fit in your breed category but are in fact dangerous.

I can say from extensive professional and personal experience that pit-bull-type dogs are not aggressive as a group. Here at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS), we care for hundreds of pit-bull-type dogs every year. Their big smiles are consistently adored by our staff and volunteers. (I say “pit-bull-type” because studies show that identification by appearance is a very inaccurate way of determining breed, https://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/ineffective-policies/visual-breed-identification. This is one of the many problems with enforcing breed-specific policies like the one you have announced.) Among the more than 11,000 animals we place annually are more than 800 dogs who could be called “pit-bull-type.” While we occasionally learn that a dog we adopted has behavior problems in the home, breed is never a causal factor in these incidents.

Our experience is not unique. In 2017 data from the American Temperament Test Society, pit bulls have a better temperament test pass rate than most other breeds (http://atts.org/breed-%20statistics/statistics-page1/ ). And a 2013 paper in the journal Animals and Public Policy concludes, “To date, there has not been a single peer-reviewed journal or study that has proven that one breed or mixed breed of dog is inherently more dangerous, or that Breed Specific laws reduce dog bites,” https://animalstudiesrepository.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=anippol.

Further, breed exclusion policies like yours are not only ineffective, they are harmful – not only to the animals and people you are directly excluding, but to all animals in need. In our efforts at WHS to save the lives of homeless animals, breed exclusion policies are a serious impediment. They feed the false notion that these dogs are naturally dangerous, and thus it is more difficult for us to find homes for them than it should be. And on any day we can’t adopt one animal out, our shelters are that much more crowded for all animals in our care.

We stand ready to be a resource for you in identifying concrete, direct indicators of aggression that you can use to keep your employees and clients safe. We hope your final policy will be based specifically on aggression risk itself, and not on breed as an inaccurate and ineffective substitute.

Sincerely,

Anne Reed
President & CEO
Wisconsin Humane Society

WHS caring for 31 dogs and other animals seized from Pittsfield home

GREEN BAY – On July 5, staff from the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) responded to a request from Animal Control from the Town of Pittsfield and the Brown County Sheriff’s Department to assist in the removal of nearly 40 animals from a Pittsfield residence after it was condemned by the health department. The conditions inside were deplorable; floors were covered in garbage and feces. The animals had no access to food or water and they were all in obvious need of veterinary care.

WHS staff members acted quickly to help remove the animals and get them back to the WHS Green Bay Campus, where they could receive the proper care they so desperately needed. The animals rescued include: 31 dogs, one snake, a cat, bearded dragon, guinea pig, rooster, mouse, and a quail. Unfortunately, another snake was deceased upon arrival. To make room for the new arrivals, other animals were transported to the WHS Door County Campus in Sturgeon Bay and moved into volunteer foster homes.

The WHS veterinary team found that the dogs were infested with fleas and were suffering from various infections, malnutrition and other medical issues. Some were limping or missing limbs, and many were trembling with fear. More treatment lies ahead, but with medical care, good nutrition, patience and lots of love, these sweet companions can soon be leading happy, healthier lives.

WHS is currently asking for donations to help with the costs of their medical care. Donations can be made at any Wisconsin Humane Society location, or online by clicking here.

The Wisconsin Humane Society receives no general government funding and is not a part of any national group. It is an independent non-profit working locally to serve people and animals in the communities they serve, and depends on community support to fund lifesaving services for animals and the people who love them.

If you are interested in adopting one of the dogs, WHS advises to keep an eye on their website at www.wihumane.org/greenbay. Although they are still considered “seized” and not able to be adopted immediately, WHS is hopeful that it will soon be able to place the animals in new loving homes.

If you believe someone is struggling with animal hoarding, it’s important to reach out for help. It’s a serious mental health problem that can quickly spiral out of control, affecting not only the animals, but the owners, their families and community. Call your local law enforcement, animal welfare organization, health department or mental health agency for supportive resources.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin. It was founded in 1879 and operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Brown, Door and Racine Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, educational programming, veterinary resources for animals from low-income households, retail stores, volunteer programs and dog training classes. The Milwaukee shelter also houses the state’s largest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. For more information, please call (414) 264-6257 or visit wihumane.org.

WHS Door County Campus hosting Grand Re-Opening on September 22

Sturgeon Bay, WI - The Wisconsin Humane Society Door County Campus is hosting a Grand Re-Opening celebration on Saturday, September 22 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Enjoy a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:15 p.m., behind-the-scenes tours, complimentary refreshments, and an opportunity to meet four-legged guests! Staff and volunteers will be on-hand to answer questions, and the shelter will be open for adoptions.

To RSVP for this free event, please contact Amber Landre at alandre@wihumane.org or 920-469-3110 ext.125 or visit the event calendar at www.wihumane.org/doorcounty.

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WHS announces effort to increase pet licensing and vaccination in Racine

EXTENDED THROUGH 2020! City of Racine pet licenses provided at no cost to new WHS Racine Campus adopters

RACINE – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Racine Campus has announced a collaborative effort with the City of Racine Public Health Department that provides 2019 pet licenses at no cost to City of Racine residents who adopt a pet from the WHS Racine Campus in 2019. Since pet licenses require animals to be current on their rabies vaccination, the vaccine will be provided to all dogs or cats over the age of 4 months adopted by City of Racine residents.

Local ordinances require domesticated animals to be vaccinated and licensed, and this initiative aims to protect animal health through increasing the number of licensed animals in the community. Increased compliance with the rabies vaccination requirement improves public safety, while licensing helps to identify lost pets and make more reunifications possible.

“This program eliminates financial barriers for new pet owners in the City of Racine to license their new family member,” said Anne Reed, president & CEO of WHS. “We hope this opportunity also brings more people to our Racine Campus to adopt a new companion.”

All licenses and tags will be issued by the City of Racine and mailed to adopters within one month of adoption. The cost of a City of Racine cat or dog license is $12 for neutered/spayed animals or $37 for unsterilized animals (cats and dogs from WHS are spayed/neutered prior to adoption). Through this program, those fees will be waived for all City of Racine residents who newly adopt a cat or dog from the WHS Racine Campus in 2019. The program officially begins on January 7, 2019.

To see available animals at the WHS Racine Campus at 8900 16th Street in Mount Pleasant, visit www.wihumane.org/adopt.

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The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, serving 40,000 animals and their families every year. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. The organization depends on donations from individuals, foundations, and businesses for all its lifesaving programs. WHS operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Brown and Door Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, training classes and more. To learn more, visit wihumane.org.

WHS ANNOUNCES $500,000 MATCHING GIFT CHALLENGE FOR NEW RACINE COUNTY SHELTER

RACINE – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) has announced a $500,000 matching gift challenge to help complete fundraising efforts for the organization’s new animal shelter planned for Racine County.

With incredible support from the community, WHS has secured $4.9 million toward the project goal of $5.9 million. This includes public funds raised of $2.9 million and a commitment by the WHS board of directors that allows up to $2 million of WHS invested funds to be used toward the project.

With $1 million remaining to raise, an anonymous donor has committed to matching all monetary donations and pledges dollar-for-dollar, up to $500,000, made through October 31, 2019.

The matching gift challenge will ultimately help WHS build a new animal shelter at the northeast corner of 16th and 90th streets in Mount Pleasant, where they purchased land in 2016. The building will feature expanded animal housing, community space for training, youth programs and community events, and a modern veterinary clinic for shelter animals, all ensuring that the organization will be able to meet the needs of animals and the people who love them — now and in the future.

“We need to get the animals out of our Chicory Road facility,” said Anne Reed, President and CEO of WHS. “The building is too small and simply inadequate for the needs of both the animals and people we serve in Racine County.”

WHS acquired the Countryside Humane Society in Racine County in 2013. The building was originally a potato barn and despite renovations to improve the facility, the building does not meet WHS standards for animal care or public service, and is too small for the volume of local animals coming into the facility. To uphold their promise that every animal in adoption has as long as it takes to find a new home, WHS had to add an outdoor trailer to properly isolate contagious illness among cats.

“We are grateful for the tremendous support of this project, and the finish line is now in sight,” said Reed. “But we need help to close the campaign. Whether you can donate $20 or $20,000, every gift will be doubled, making an even bigger impact.”

For more information about the project or to make a gift, please contact Vice President of Development Jenny Mueller at 414-431-6128 or jmueller@wihumane.org. To find more information or donate online, please visit www.unleashthepotential.net.

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31 Dogs Rescued From Brown County Residence

Wednesday evening, the Wisconsin Humane Society assisted law enforcement in the removal of 31 dogs and one parrot from a single residence in Brown County. WHS staff from our Green Bay and Door County Campuses were heartbroken to find dozens of scared pups in a single home; the conditions were deplorable. They are now recovering at the WHS Green Bay Campus, where they can receive the care they desperately need.

Most of the pups are smaller dogs resembling Australian Shepherds, although there are also a few larger dogs; the majority of them are adults. Today we are focused on making sure they receive initial exams, a safe and comfortable place to relax, and any emergency care they need. None of them are available for adoption at this time; we cannot pursue adoption until they are surrendered by the owner, or the case works itself through the legal process. We're not sure how long they will be with us, but if you can help with a donation of any size toward their food, medical care, and supplies, it would be deeply appreciated. To give, visit https://bit.ly/2twpbQ0.

36 seized dogs surrendered after 1 year 9 months

Sheboygan, Wis. – After one year and nine months in the care of the Humane Society of Sheboygan County (HSSC) and the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS), 36 Golden Retrievers and Burnese Mountain Dogs are getting the chance to be officially adopted.

In June of 2017, the 36 dogs were seized from Kinship Companions, a kennel in Sheboygan County, after complaints of animal mistreatment and abuse. The case received national attention after law enforcement shared that dozens of deceased dogs were found decaying in broken freezers on the property.

As the case worked its way through the legal system for more than a year, HSSC cared for 24 of the dogs, and WHS had 12 dogs in their care. Nearly all the dogs have been in various foster homes since 2017. Because the dogs were considered former owner Christy Tuchel’s property throughout the legal process, the humane societies were not the legal owners and could not adopt them out.

“We are beyond thrilled to announce that the former owner, Christy Tuchel, has surrendered all of the dogs over to our care,” said Andrew Viglietti, executive director of HSSC. “We’re so grateful to the community for supporting us along this long road, as well as to WHS for extending their help in caring for 12 of the dogs.”

The majority of the dogs are expected to be adopted by their foster families, who have put endless amounts of love, patience, and work into socializing and training the dogs. Many of the dogs suffered from anxiety and fear, and hadn’t been properly socialized or cared for. A handful of the dogs in the Milwaukee area not being adopted by foster families will be available for general adoption through WHS, likely before the end of the month.

“It’s wonderful to finally have resolution on this case and be able to provide loving homes for these deserving dogs,” said Angela Speed, vice president of communications. “They’ve been through so much and we’re glad we could assist HSSC in caring for them.”

Those interested in adopting should keep an eye on www.wihumane.org, as adoptions at WHS are first-come, first-served, as long as it’s a good fit - with the exception of foster parents, who always get first dibs on the animals they foster.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving 40,000 animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. WHS operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Brown and Door Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, training classes and more. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.

About the Humane Society of Sheboygan County

Since 1964, the Humane Society of Sheboygan County, an independent nonprofit, has been dedicated to its mission: prevent cruelty to animals, relieve suffering among animals, and extend humane education. It is Sheboygan County’s only open admissions shelter and depends on public support for its programming. The Humane Society of Sheboygan County focuses on accessible spay and neuter programs in an effort to beat animal population at its core. Creative adoption efforts and dozens of programs provide support for overlooked animals and work to place homeless animals into loving families. To learn more, visit https://adoptsheboygancounty.org/.

Brucellosis Response

Your voice is urgently needed!

Newly proposed Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) regulations will have a devasting effect on homeless dogs and Wisconsin families, and we need your help! The regulations would require negative brucellosis (Brucella canis) and heartworm tests before homeless dogs can be transported into Wisconsin. The testing requirement may sound reasonable on the surface, but it could eliminate our state’s ability to save puppies and dogs from overcrowded shelters or natural disaster zones. Learn more here.

Before Wed, Aug 7, please voice your concerns about DATCP 10.80(2m) and (2n) to Angela Fisher at angela.fisher1@wisconsin.gov. (She is out of office but her email is being monitored for public comments).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is canine brucellosis?
Canine brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium, Brucella canis (B. canis). It does not affect lifespan or long-term quality of life for dogs, but it can cause an infection of the reproductive system (i.e. sexually transmitted disease).Different species of Brucella infect sheep, goats, cattle, deer, elk, pigs, and other animals. Cats are not affected. Although brucellosis is considered zoonotic, there is a very low risk of transmission from dogs to humans. Because brucellosis is primarily transmitted via birthing tissues and during breeding, it is most commonly a concern in poorly managed commercial breeding operations in the US.
What are the signs of brucellosis?
Brucellosis in dogs typically causes reproductive problems such as infertility and abortions, with few other signs of clinical illness. It does not typically affect lifespan or long-term quality of life. The disease is most common in sexually intact adult dogs. A female dog infected with brucellosis may develop an infection of the uterus; causing her to be infertile, have difficulty getting pregnant, or she may abort in the late stages of pregnancy. Male dogs can develop infections in the testicles causing swelling or atropy and ulceration of the skin on the scrotum. During the early stages of brucellosis, enlarged lymph nodes are common. Occasionally, B. canis will infect the intervertebral discs, eyes, kidneys, or brain. If the bacteria infect these other tissues, the signs will be related to the bodily system that is infected.
How is canine brucellosis spread?
B. canis bacteria are typically shed in the genital secretions (semen or vaginal discharges) of an infected dog. Smaller amounts of bacteria may also be shed in the dog's urine or saliva. Dogs are exposed to the disease via contact with infected bodily fluids. Although the most common route of infection is oral (i.e., from licking contaminated urine or discharges from the reproductive tract or licking or chewing placental material or aborted fetuses), dogs can also pick up an infection through sexual transmission or through other mucous membranes such as the eyes.
How is canine brucellosis diagnosed?
The infection is usually diagnosed by a blood test. The most common blood test is called a rapid slide agglutination test or RSAT, and it can detect infections after three to four weeks. This test is used for screening of breeding dogs, and negative tests are reliable unless the dog has been recently exposed to the disease. False-positive tests are relatively common, and any dog that tests positive with the RAST test should have the disease confirmed with an advanced test called an agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID), which will identify infected animals between 12 weeks and 1 year post-infection. Blood cultures or cultures of infected fluids/tissue may also be done to confirm the diagnosis.
What is the treatment for canine brucellosis?
Although antibiotics can be used to help control the infection and most dogs recover from their clinical signs, no treatment is completely effective at eliminating the bacteria. Any dog that has been infected with B. canis should be considered to be infected for life and could possibly shed bacteria intermittently for the rest of its life.
Am I at risk of developing brucellosis from an infected dog?
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease, or a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans, but transmission is rare. Although people can become infected by coming in contact with infected animals, it is rare for a person to get a brucellosis infection from a dog. When human transmission does occur, it is most likely to breeders and veterinarians exposed to the tissues, blood or other secretions of infected animals, or laboratory workers. Pet owners are at very low risk for infection because they are less likely to come in contact with blood, semen, or uterine discharges from an infected dog. However, people with compromised immune systems should avoid contact with a dog that is diagnosed with brucellosis.
Can my dog safely enter a shelter where Brucellosis has been diagnosed?
Yes. B. canis is easily removed from the environment in normal shelter cleaning and is not transmitted through the air.
Should shelters be testing dogs routinely for Brucellosis?
According to the Shelter Medicine Program at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, because the infection is rare, not easily transmitted in a shelter environment, and incredibly uncommon for dogs to pass the infection to humans, routine testing for Brucellosis is not recommended for shelters. The most typical test also has a 50-60% false positive rate, making initial testing unreliable, as well. When a veterinarian has reason to suspect Brucellosis or there are legal requirements, there is absolutely an indication to test. Outside of these situations, the Shelter Medicine Program at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary School does not recommend routine screening of shelter dogs for Brucellosis.

The information above partially obtained from:

VCA Animal Hospitals. Original contributors: Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH | © Copyright 2018 LifeLearn Inc.
University of Wisconsin Madison Shelter Medicine Program (https://www.uwsheltermedicine.com/library/resources/should-shelters-be-testing-dogs-routinely-for-brucellosis)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC), www.cdc.gov

Wisconsin Humane Society lending shelter for brucellosis response

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

For Immediate Release

Wisconsin Humane Society lending shelter for brucellosis response

Door County Campus to welcome nearly 30 dogs this week

Sturgeon Bay, Wis. – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) announced today that it is assisting area shelters by providing safe holding space at its Door County Campus for nearly 30 dogs, pending approval from state officials.

Last week it was shared that several Wisconsin shelters need to isolate shelter dogs as a precautionary measure after a transport of Korean dogs in which two dogs tested positive for brucellosis. WHS did not receive any dogs from the transport from Korea.

WHS began working with affected shelters last week and accepting animals at their various locations diverted because of animal intake restrictions. Now, WHS is making its Door County Campus shelter available as the safe holding facility for up to 30 “secondary” dogs affected by this situation.

Because of the unique design of the Door County Campus shelter, WHS can separately and safely isolate animals while still maintaining intake and most adoption services in Door County. By transferring these “secondary” dogs to WHS, the affected shelters can return to providing normal services to their communities.

“It was clear to us that our Door County Campus, with its ample space, proper licensing, and fantastic staff, was the best facility available to quickly address the need to safely monitor and care for dozens of dogs from multiple shelters,” said Anne Reed, president and CEO of WHS. “We’re proud to be able to help our colleagues in this effort.”

There is no indication that any of the dogs to be housed in Door County have brucellosis. None of the dogs to be housed in Door County come from Korea. Instead, they are dogs from U.S. locations who were in the affected shelters at the same time as dogs from the Korean transfer. These dogs are at low risk because brucellosis is not easily transmitted in a shelter setting. State officials have instructed that these dogs should be isolated out of an abundance of caution, pending complete test results from the Korean transfer.

Canine brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium, Brucella canis (B. canis). Because brucellosis is primarily transmitted via birthing fluids/tissue and during breeding, it is most commonly a concern in poorly managed commercial breeding operations in the US. The type of interaction that transmits B. canis is very rare in shelter settings. Likewise, although humans can become infected with B. canis, the risk is very low.

“Brucellosis does not spread easily, but because so many different shelters have been affected, the plan to address it has been logistically complicated,” said Sandra Newbury, director of the Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. “I’ve been floored by how well all these Wisconsin shelters have worked together to find safe solutions in the best interests of the animals and people they all serve.”

The WHS Door County Campus will be welcoming “secondary” dogs from Humane Society of Sheboygan County and the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) in Waukesha upon formal approval by state officials. The Washington County Humane Society is isolating dogs in another location near their shelter. The other affected organizations, Elmbrook Humane Society, Green Lake Area Animal Shelter, and Underdog Pet Rescue are isolating and holding dogs at their own facilities or in foster care.

According to Lynn Olenik, executive director at HAWS, “With the number of dogs and other animals coming into our shelter this time of year, HAWS was pleased to receive this offer from WHS. This is a way HAWS can ensure business as usual during a busy spring season and is an excellent way to continue to meet the needs of our community.”

The WHS Door County Campus will be open for regular intake throughout this effort, including for stray and surrendered animals, as new animals will be entirely isolated from the “secondary” dogs. The Door County Campus will be closed for adoptions for the next few days to help the new arrivals settle in. During this brief transition, any dogs and cats available for adoption from Door County will be transferred to other WHS locations for placement.

The affected shelters are working with the UW Shelter Medicine Program and national partners to secure resources needed to support this effort. For those interested in helping, WHS is in high need of dog toys, soft dog treats, Weiss Walkie leashes and baby wipes. Donations can be dropped off at any WHS location.

To learn more, please visit www.wihumane.org/news/brucellosis. To learn more about Humane Society International’s transport program of dogs from Korea, please visit: https://hsi.org/issues/dog-meat-trade/.

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ABOUT THE WISCONSIN HUMANE SOCIETY
The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, serving 40,000 animals and their families every year. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. The organization depends on donations from individuals, foundations, and businesses for all its lifesaving programs. WHS operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Brown and Door Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, training classes and more. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.

PetSmart Charities® Awards $20,000 Grant to Wisconsin Humane Society to Support Safe Haven Program for Survivors of Domestic Violence

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) announced that it has received a $20,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, to support the Safe Haven program. The program offers up to 60 days of shelter for animals of domestic violence survivors, in coordination with the Sojourner Family Peace Center.

”For nearly 20 years, PetSmart Charities has worked with Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) to help local pets in need,” said Kelly Balthazor, regional relationship manager at PetSmart Charities. “We are proud to support WHS’s Safe Haven program which works to help not only pets in crisis – but also to keep pets and the people who love them together.”

Research finds that 71 percent of women with animals seeking shelter reported that their partner had threatened, hurt or killed their animal. Abusers often use animals as pawns to manipulate and control, taking advantage of the victim’s concern for his or her animal. Abusers may threaten, harm, or kill animals to intimidate victims, demand silence about the abuse, or prevent them from leaving.

Many people are hesitant to leave a dangerous situation because they fear for their animal’s safety. The Safe Haven program makes it possible for domestic violence survivors to leave an abusive relationship without losing their beloved companion animal. Since its inception in 2014, the program has helped more than 200 animals.

WHS was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving 40,000 animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. WHS operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Brown and Door Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, training classes and more. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.

PetSmart Charities, Inc. is committed to finding lifelong, loving homes for all pets by supporting programs and thought leadership that bring people and pets together. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps to find forever homes and families for more than 500,000 shelter pets each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to nonprofits aligned with its mission. Each year, millions of generous PetSmart shoppers help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $390 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart Inc., PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, a third-party organization that reports on the effectiveness, accountability and transparency of nonprofits, for the past 16 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of charities rated by this organization. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.

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Wisconsin Humane Society receives $200,000 from The Rachael Ray Foundation™ to support foster program

Milwaukee, Wis. – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) has announced that it has received a $200,000 grant from The Rachael Ray Foundation™ to support its foster program.

“We are absolutely floored by the generosity of our friends at The Rachael Ray Foundation,” said Anne Reed, president and CEO at WHS. “This incredible gift will truly save the lives of thousands of animals this year and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

In 2018, more than 3,500 animals were cared for by WHS foster parents. Foster parents provide temporary care for animals until they are ready to move into the WHS adoption program. Most foster animals are in recovery from an illness or injury, or are simply too young for adoption. The goal of foster care is to better support the physical and behavioral health of animals in a home environment by reducing stress and minimizing in-shelter length of stay.

In anticipation of a busy summer, WHS is currently looking for new foster parents for both dogs and cats. To become a foster parent for the Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® Foster Program at the Wisconsin Humane Society, simply visit wihumane.org/foster to get started.

The Rachael Ray Foundation™ is funded by a portion of proceeds from each sale of Rachael's pet food, Nutrish®. Through March 2019, more than $35 million dollars has been donated to animal charities and other organizations that do good for animals through The Rachael Ray Foundation and its predecessor entity. The funds are used for food, medical supplies, treatments, and more.

I Cat Believe It

WISCONSIN – For the fourth year in a row, a group of animal shelters in Wisconsin is entirely waiving adoption fees for all adult cats in July. In 2018, the combined organizations performed 1,555 cat adoptions in July, compared to 1,301 the prior year. It’s been such a success that they are doing it again, and with a record number of Wisconsin shelters participating.

The 4th annual “I Cat Believe It!” joint cat adoption promotion aims to save the lives of more than 1,500 homeless cats in July. Fifteen shelters in Wisconsin – the Wisconsin Humane Society’s five shelters in Milwaukee, Racine, Saukville, Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay, Coulee Region Humane Society, Elmbrook Humane Society, the Fox Valley Humane Association, Humane Animal Welfare Society in Waukesha, Humane Society of Marathon County, Lakeshore Humane Society, Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission, Oconto Area Humane Society, Oshkosh Area Humane Society, and Washington County Humane Society are all waiving adoption fees for adult cats (1 year or older) in July.

The initiative is in response to the dramatic peak of cat intake in the summer months. The Wisconsin Humane Society alone reports that they are currently caring for 900 cats, in comparison to about 200 cats in late January.

“Cat population dips sharply in winter and rises fast in the summer months due to breeding cycles. Our colleagues throughout Wisconsin report similar trends, and we’re hoping this promotion will inspire more cat adoptions throughout the state,” said Anne Reed, President & CEO of the Wisconsin Humane Society.

Interested in adopting? Visit the shelters’ websites to view available cats and learn more about the adoption process. The participating shelters include:

•Coulee Region Humane Society, www.couleehumane.com

•Elmbrook Humane Society, www.ebhs.org

•Fox Valley Humane Association, www.foxvalleypets.org

•Humane Animal Welfare Society, www.hawspets.org

•Humane Society of Marathon County, www.catsndogs.org

•Lakeshore Humane Society, www.lakeshorehumane.org

•Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission, www.madacc.org

•Oconto Area Humane Society, www.ocontoareahumane.org

•Oshkosh Area Humane Society, www.oahs.org

•Washington County Humane Society, www.wchspets.org

•Wisconsin Humane Society (Milwaukee, Racine, Ozaukee, Green Bay, Door County), www.wihumane.org

Media Contacts

Coulee Region Humane Society, Taylor Bates, 608-781-4014 ext. 230, taylor.bates@couleehumane.com

Elmbrook Humane Society, Heather Gehrke, 262-782-9261, heather@ebhs.org

Fox Valley Humane Association, Vicki Prey, 920-733-1717 ext. 113, director@foxvalleypets.org

Humane Animal Welfare Society, Jennifer Smieja, 262-542-8851, jennifer@hawspets.org

Humane Society of Marathon County, Lisa Leitermann, 715-845-2810, lisa@catsndogs.org

Lakeshore Humane Society, Tina Nichols 920-684-5401 ext. 2, tina@lakeshorehumane.org

Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission, Kathy Shillinglaw, 414-649-8640, kshillinglaw@madacc.org

Oconto Area Humane Society, Lexi Woodworth, 920-835-1738, oahsdirector@gmail.com

Oshkosh Area Humane Society, Cheryl Rosenthal, 920-303-3166, cheryl@oahs.org

Washington County Humane Society, Debbie Block, 262-677-4388, pr@wchspets.org

Wisconsin Humane Society (Green Bay/Door County), Shaina Allen, 920-469-3110 ext 2125, sallen@wihumane.org

Wisconsin Humane Society (Milwaukee/Racine/Ozaukee), Angela Speed, 414-431-6104, aspeed@wihumane.org

Wisconsin Humane Society rescues 23 cats from hoarding situation

GREEN BAY - Last Wednesday, July 17, Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) staff responded to a request from the Brown County Health Department to remove cats from squalid conditions at a residence in the county. WHS staff were heartbroken to find two nursing mothers struggling to care for their kittens, living in filth with no running water. The Brown County Health Department was concerned the rising temperatures would create additional complications.

The WHS team worked swiftly and successfully removed 17 adult cats and 6 kittens from the property. Every cat needed medical attention and most are suffering from upper respiratory, skin, and eye infections. Many of the cats are shy and fearful of people, having been deprived of proper care for so long. They are safe now, but have long recoveries ahead.

WHS is asking for the public’s help to help cover the extra medical expenses incurred by this case. Donations can be made at wihumane.org/donate or by calling (414) 431-6119.

If you believe someone is struggling with animal hoarding, it’s important to reach out for help. It’s a serious mental health problem that can quickly spiral out of control, affecting not only the animals, but the owners, their families, and the community. Call your local law enforcement, animal welfare organization, health department or mental health agency for supportive resources.

Donations to Wisconsin Humane Society being matched up to $200,000 in August

WISCONSIN – In August, every single dollar donated to the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) will be matched up to $200,000!

Donations made to the WHS Green Bay and Door County Campuses will be generously matched up to $100,000 thanks to the George Kress Family Foundation; donations made to the Milwaukee, Ozaukee, and Racine Campuses will be matched by the Nicholas Family Foundation, Joyce Madsen & pups, Jude Ford, the Robertson Family, Nancy Behrens, Todd & Kim James, Kathleen Ryan, and other friends of the Wisconsin Humane Society.

You can double your impact for animals now with this dollar-for-dollar match! That means...

· $30 will become $60 to provide training for dogs with special behavior needs.

· $50 will become $100 to help spay or neuter animals so they can be adopted and given the second chance they deserve.

· $100 will become $200 to help rescued animals receive emergency surgery, medical treatment, and behavioral support.

“We are in the middle of our busiest season, caring for about 900 animals a day, all at a time when donations traditionally slow down,” said Angela Speed, vice president of communications at WHS. “This opportunity couldn’t come at a better time and we’re so grateful to those donors who will undoubtedly inspire others with their generosity.”

As WHS doesn’t receive general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group, the local nonprofit depends the generosity of the community to annually serve 40,000 animals and their families.

If you’d like to make a gift and double your impact for animals in need, simply go to www.wihumane.org/summermatch.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

Newly proposed DATCP rules put thousands of dogs and puppies at risk

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) and other shelters statewide are voicing strong opposition to newly proposed Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) regulations that they believe will have a devasting effect on homeless dogs and Wisconsin families.

WHS is asking supporters to email Angela Fisher (angela.fisher1@wisconsin.gov) at DATCP with any concerns or feedback about DATCP 10.80(2m) and (2n) before August 7.

The regulations would require negative brucellosis (Brucella canis) and heartworm tests before homeless dogs can be transported into Wisconsin. Canine brucellosis is a bacterial infection which does not affect lifespan or long-term quality of life, but causes an infection of the reproductive system (i.e. sexually transmitted disease). It is rare in shelters, the transmission risk is very low, and it is not a fatal disease like rabies.

“The testing requirement may sound reasonable on the surface,” said Anne Reed, President & CEO of WHS, “but it could eliminate our state’s ability to save puppies and dogs from overcrowded shelters or natural disaster zones outside state lines.”

Because Brucella canis testing has a high false-positive rate and requires additional time and money, source shelters with already limited funding would likely have to euthanize dogs or transfer them to other states rather than test.

Last year alone, Wisconsin families adopted nearly 2,900 dogs transferred to WHS from other states; this regulation would deprive thousands more from finding loving homes here in Wisconsin.

“We would welcome the opportunity to work with the state to create common sense regulations that protect Wisconsin animals,” said Reed. “The minimal risk of brucellosis transmission does not justify the impact of these broad proposed regulations.”

The Wisconsin Humane Society anticipates these consequences if the rules are approved:

Derailed lifesaving pathway for dogs in need. Because most transported dogs come from shelters with few resources, the testing will be a barrier to dogs finding lifesaving transport to Wisconsin. Source shelters will likely have to euthanize otherwise healthy puppies and dogs if they are unable to find placement elsewhere.
Inaccurate test results. Screening tests for brucellosis produce a false positive at a rate as high as 60%, so testing does not give an accurate picture of a dog’s health status and will block healthy dogs from lifesaving transport to Wisconsin. In addition, many states require dogs who test positive for Brucella canis to be euthanized, so some of these dogs will not actually have the disease and will be needlessly euthanized.
Overreaction to very little transmission risk. Brucella canis is largely transmitted through sexual contact between dogs and through giving birth. It’s possible for a human to contract it, most often through handling reproductive tissues, but it’s exceedingly rare. WHS and coalition shelters spay/neuter dogs prior to adoption, significantly reducing the risk of transmission. Heartworm does not pose a risk to people, and published guidelines by the American Heartworm Society recognize transporting dogs with heartworms as a lifesaving activity and provides guidelines for how to transport heartworm positive dogs to control its spread.
Impact to Wisconsin’s families. Thousands of Wisconsin families adopt southern puppies and dogs from Wisconsin shelters every year. These dogs enrich their lives every day, and these rules will impact our ability to meet Wisconsin families’ desire for animal companionship, which will drive them to puppy mills and disreputable sources. Wisconsin should not be choosing regulations that have the unintended consequence of supporting these operations and putting dogs and consumers at greater risk.
Diverting transport to substandard organizations. Irresponsible groups already ignore rules for dog transport across state lines, and these groups are less likely to have practices in place to control disease and to spay/neuter animals prior to placement, which is one of the best tools to prevent the spread of Brucella canis. The new rules will drive transport further underground to substandard organizations, increasing health risks for Wisconsin’s animals.

To voice concerns about DATCP 10.80(2m) and (2n) before August 7, 2019, email Angela Fisher, Program and Policy Analyst, Division of Animal Health - Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection at angela.fisher1@wisconsin.gov.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

Shelter Officials Remind Dog Owners to Vaccinate Against Deadly Parvovirus

RACINE – Officials with the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) are urging dog owners to have their dogs and puppies vaccinated against the deadly parvovirus after a handful of parvovirus cases in the past two weeks. Four puppies coming into WHS from the Racine community have had the deadly virus; two recovered from the virus after extensive treatment and will be available for adoption soon; unfortunately, the other two passed away.

The virus is not spreading at the shelter, nor is there an outbreak within the shelter, but the rise in parvo-positive dogs being brought to WHS has officials concerned.

“Parvo is a highly contagious and deadly virus,” explained veterinarian Dr. Nadine Langston with the Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus. “The virus is usually passed in stools and can last in the environment for years. Parvo affects both young dogs and unvaccinated adult dogs; for both, it is often fatal.”

Symptoms of the parvovirus include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), lethargy, pain, dehydration, sepsis, and death. Because parvo is a viral disease, there is no cure. Treatment is aimed at maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, and preventing secondary bacterial infection.

“It is life-threatening to take your unvaccinated puppy outdoors in places where dogs frequent, such as dog parks,” said Dr. Langston. “It is a preventable illness, but several booster vaccines are necessary before your dog is fully protected, so young puppies are especially susceptible to contracting the illness.”

The parvo vaccine is part of routine veterinary vaccinations recommended for all puppies and dogs. The vaccine is generally administered around six weeks and is re-administered three to four additional times before a dog is a year old, and annually after that. All dogs who enter WHS are vaccinated immediately against parvovirus as a preventative measure.

If you suspect your dog or puppy has parvovirus, please see a veterinarian immediately.

You can get your dog vaccinated at the Wisconsin Humane Society at low-cost vaccine clinics, which are open to the public and no appointments are necessary.Pricing for dogs & cats is as follows: DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvo) $18; Rabies only $18; Both DHPP & Rabies $30; Bordetella $20; Microchip $25. Other services may be available. The next clinics are:

Thursday, August 29 (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.), WHS Racine Campus, 2706 Chicory Road, Racine
Thursday, September 12 (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.), WHS Racine Campus, 2706 Chicory Road, Racine
Thursday, September 26 (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.), WHS Racine Campus, 2706 Chicory Road, Racine

For more information about vaccine clinics and pricing, please visit wihumane.org/veterinary/vaccine-clinics.

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Wisconsin Humane Society rescues 65 cats from hoarding situation

GREEN BAY - Yesterday, October 8, Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) staff responded to a request from the Green Bay Police Department to remove cats from deplorable conditions at a residence in Green Bay. What was originally reported to be 20-30 cats, turned out to be 65 in a single household.

The WHS team worked swiftly and successfully removed all 65 cats and kittens from the property. Feces and urine permeated nearly every surface of the home, making living conditions for humans and felines alike unbearable. All the cats will be seen by veterinary staff to be treated for any ailments; most are young adults and appear to be Siamese mixes. They are safe now, but have a long road ahead. With their arrival, WHS is now caring for more than 1,000 cats across our campuses.

WHS is asking for the public’s assistance to help cover the extra expenses incurred by this case. Donations can be made at wihumane.org/donate or by calling (414) 431-6119.

With more than 200 cats and kittens available for adoption, and more than 1,000 in care, WHS is asking for the community’s help to make space for the newest arrivals. Through October 31, WHS is offering 50% off all kitten adoption fees, plus you get to name your own adoption fee for all cats 1 year of age and up! View available cats online at www.wihumane.org/adopt.

Those not in a position to adopt but want to help are being asked to consider a shorter-term commitment: fostering! If you are interested in becoming a dog or cat foster parent, please visit wihumane.org/foster, watch a short video orientation, and complete the online application; the WHS foster team will follow up with you as soon as possible.

If you believe someone is struggling with animal hoarding, it’s important to reach out for help. It’s a serious mental health challenge that can quickly spiral out of control, affecting not only the animals, but the owners, their families, and the community. Call your local law enforcement, animal welfare organization, health department, or mental health agency for supportive resources.

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Wisconsin Humane Society Pet Walks Going Virtual!

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) announced today that their annual Pet Walks in Milwaukee and Green Bay are going virtual due to COVID-19 health and safety concerns. With uncertainty surrounding mass gatherings in the coming months, the organization determined it was best to shift to an online format. Pet Walk Green Bay is Saturday, June 7 and Pet Walk Milwaukee is Saturday, June 20. The fundraisers annually raise about $300,000 for animals in need.

Instead of gathering in a park, WHS is waiving all Pet Walk registration fees and inviting participants to join them for a digital kickoff online, followed by a run or walk through your own neighborhood -- or on a treadmill. Their “vendor village,” which is traditionally represented by area businesses with event booth space, is being replaced by an online marketplace of all the businesses that support the event.

“While we don’t know what the future holds for all community events this summer,” said Anne Reed, President & CEO of WHS, “we know one thing for sure: love for our pets will always endure, and support of our work means that we’ll be able to continue to meet the ongoing needs of animals in our community.”

To register for Pet Walk Green Bay on June 7, please visit www.petwalkgb.com.
To register for Pet Walk Milwaukee on June 20, please visit www.petwalkmke.com.

Generous sponsors make WHS’s 2020 Pet Walks possible. Those include:

Milwaukee sponsors: Petco Foundation, WISN TV, Energy 106.9, VCA Animal Hospitals, FIS, Fromm Family Foods, Andrew Automotive Group, Glaisner Family Foundation, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Holz Motors, Inc., IBEW Local 494, Elanco, Foley & Lardner LLP, Von Briesen & Roper, WVRC (Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Center), Hupy & Abraham, and Summerfest.

Green Bay sponsors: Capital Credit Union, WFRV, Star 98, Carnivore Meat Company, Petco Foundation, Green Bay Packers, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Krueger International, Inc, Community First Credit Union, and Fromm Family Foods.

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Petco Foundation to Match All Donations up to $25,000 to Wisconsin Humane Society’s Virtual Pet Walk

Milwaukee, WI (May 18, 2020) – From May 18 to June 30, all donations to the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Virtual Pet Walk will be matched up to $25,000 by the Petco Foundation to help save twice as many pet lives.

“The Petco Foundation’s support during this crisis is critical, as our work for animals and families is more important than ever,” said Anne Reed, president and CEO of WHS. “By matching donations to our Virtual Pet Walk up to $25,000, the Petco Foundation will be making a wonderful impact on our ability to help animals.”

Instead of gathering in Veterans Park for WHS’s annual Pet Walk on June 20, WHS is waiving all Pet Walk registration fees and inviting people to join them for a digital kickoff online, followed by a run or walk through their own neighborhood or on their treadmill. To register, or to make a donation to the Wisconsin Humane Society’s Virtual Pet Walk with twice the impact, please visit www.petwalkmke.com. Sign up for the virtual walk and join WHS on June 20, 2020 to help save the lives of animals in need.

This grant is part of the Petco Foundation’s Pledge to Save Pet Lives during this COVID-19 crisis by distributing $1M in product and cash donations and putting out a national call to implore animal lovers to take action to help save animal lives. This commitment follows the Petco Foundation’s recent distribution of more than $13M to animal welfare ¬organizations nationwide.

“Animal welfare organizations are facing the business impacts of COVID-19, just like many other businesses during this crisis. But when your business is saving animal lives, the consequences of a business failure are devastating,” said Petco Foundation President, Susanne Kogut. “At the Petco Foundation, we will support our partner’s most critical needs during this time and help mobilize the public to take action to help save animal lives. We hope this matching grant support will help Wisconsin Humane Society do just that.”

The Petco Foundation is committed to supporting their animal welfare partners’ most critical needs as they face the dual responsibilities of protecting human health and saving animal lives through the COVID-19 crisis to ensure that every pets gets the chance to live their best life. To learn more about the Petco Foundation’s relief efforts, visit petcofoundation.org/relief.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society
WHS was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving 40,000 animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. WHS operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Brown and Door Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, training classes and more. WHS is ranked 4 stars by Charity Navigator, the premier independent charity watchdog group. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.

About the Petco Foundation
At the Petco Foundation, we believe that every animal deserves to live its best life. Since 1999, we’ve invested more than $260 million in lifesaving animal welfare work to make that happen. With our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners, we inspire and empower communities to make a difference by investing in adoption and medical care programs, spay and neuter services, pet cancer research, service and therapy animals, and numerous other lifesaving initiatives. Through our Think Adoption First program, we partner with Petco stores and animal welfare organizations across the country to increase pet adoptions. So far, we’ve helped more than 6.5 million pets find their new loving families, and we’re just getting started. Visit petcofoundation.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

Ruud Family Foundation and Ted Sokoly Matching Donations up to $100K for WHS Racine Campus

RACINE - The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is excited to announce that the Ruud Family Foundation and Ted Sokoly are matching all donations up to $100,000 made to its Racine Campus through December 31, 2020.

Inspired by their love for animals and the construction of the new shelter in Mount Pleasant, the Ruud Family Foundation and Ted Sokoly have committed to match dollar-for-dollar any contributions made to either the building project or general operations at the Racine shelter.

“We would love to do something special to honor the love we have for our animals, for the Racine community, and the Wisconsin Humane Society,” said Alan and Patty Ruud, “we hope you’ll be inspired to join us by supporting the WHS Racine Campus.”

The WHS Racine Campus officially moved into their new shelter in Mount Pleasant in March, earlier than planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic. WHS staff knew that if at any point the shelter experienced reduced staffing or a lockdown due to the COVID-19 response, the new building was far better equipped to support both people and animals.

The new facility is double the size of the former Chicory Road location, and includes state-of-the-art veterinary space, expanded dog and cat housing, a community room, and outdoor walking paths on its five acres. The shelter also includes separate entrances for people seeking adoption services versus those in need of surrender services, care for lost animals, or end-of-life euthanasia services.

The cost of the campaign to build the new facility is $6.8 million, and WHS needs to raise $250,000 from the community to close the fundraising gap.

“We have been blown away by the generosity of donors who have supported this incredible project,” said Anne Reed, president and CEO. “And Patty, Alan, and Ted have just stepped up to help in such a big way – we are so grateful for them cheering us on during this last stretch of the campaign. With the community’s help, we’ll get there.”

For more information and to double the impact of your generous support for the animals and families of Racine County, please visit www.unleashthepotential.net or contact Stephanie Nespoli at (262) 554-6699 x5009 or nespoli@wihumane.org.

PetSmart Charities® Awards $50,000 Grant to WHS to Support Everyday Adoption Center in Green Bay, Opening September 16

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) announced that it has received a $50,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, to help even more pets find homes through adoption. Funding will support the expansion of the organization’s adoption operations by making pets available for adoption through the PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Center at the Green Bay PetSmart, located at 825 Pilgrim Way.

The Everyday Adoption Center opens for adoption by appointment on Wednesday, September 16. It will allow the WHS Green Bay Campus to house cats and small animals at the PetSmart store while finding loving homes for the animals at that location.

Cat intake at the shelter peaks in warmer months, also known as “kitten season,” so the expanded space will also serve to alleviate crowding at the WHS Green Bay Campus. Adoption services at the Everyday Adoption Center will be conducted by WHS employees and volunteers.

“We are deeply grateful for PetSmart Charities’ incredible support, which will help us better serve the needs of animals and families in Green Bay,” said Anne Reed, president & CEO of WHS.

”For nearly 20 years, PetSmart Charities has partnered with the Wisconsin Humane Society to help local pets in need,” said Heidi Fulcher, associate relationship manager at PetSmart Charities. “While we know the pandemic has created great need for both pets and the shelters that care for them, we also know the addition of unplanned litters can exacerbate that need. We are proud to once again support WHS’s adoption program, which continues to connect Green Bay’s homeless pets with loving homes.”

More information about the PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Center at the Green Bay PetSmart can be found at www.petsmart.com or www.wihumane.org.

About Wisconsin Humane Society

About PetSmart Charities

PetSmart Charities, Inc. is committed to finding lifelong, loving homes for all pets by supporting programs and thought leadership that bring people and pets together. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps to find forever homes and families for more than 600,000 shelter pets each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to nonprofits aligned with its mission. Each year, millions of generous PetSmart shoppers help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting nearly $450 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart Inc., PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, a third-party organization that reports on the effectiveness, accountability and transparency of nonprofits, for the past 17 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of charities rated by this organization. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.

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PetSmart Charities® Awards $25,000 Grant to Wisconsin Humane Society to Support Safe Haven Program for Survivors of Domestic Violence

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) has received a $25,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, to support the Safe Haven program. The program offers up to 60 days of shelter for animals of domestic violence survivors, in coordination with the Sojourner Family Peace Center.

Research finds that 71 percent of people with pets seeking shelter reported that their partner had threatened, hurt or killed their animal. Abusers often use animals as pawns to manipulate and control, taking advantage of the victim’s concern for his or her animal. Abusers may threaten, harm, or kill animals to intimidate victims, demand silence about the abuse, or prevent them from leaving.

“Having a pet can add a source of strength and comfort but can also add a level of complexity when searching for a safe haven,” said Jenny Aho, regional relationship manager at PetSmart Charities. “The Safe Haven Program ensures pet parents throughout Wisconsin never have to choose between their own safety and their beloved pet.”

About the Wisconsin Humane Society

About PetSmart Charities

PetSmart Charities, Inc. is committed to finding lifelong, loving homes for all pets by supporting programs and thought leadership that bring people and pets together. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps to find forever homes and families for more than 600,000 shelter pets each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to nonprofits aligned with its mission. Each year, millions of generous PetSmart shoppers help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting nearly $430 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart Inc., PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, a third-party organization that reports on the effectiveness, accountability and transparency of nonprofits, for the past 17 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of charities rated by this organization. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.

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WHS Racine Campus reaches 100K matching campaign goal

RACINE - The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is excited to share that the organization has surpassed an important goal: $100,000 was raised for the WHS Racine Campus since a matching campaign was announced in June. The Ruud Family Foundation and Nancy Toll & Ted Sokoly matched donations made over the past six months, doubling the $100K raised from the public for a total of $200,000.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ruud Family Foundation, Nancy Toll, and Ted Sokoly, as well as to those who so generously came together to make a difference for Racine County’s animals and families,” said Anne Reed, president and CEO of WHS. “It was a tough year for nonprofits across the board, and we were floored by the outpouring of support during such a challenging time.”

The WHS Racine Campus officially moved into their new shelter at 8900 16th Avenue in Mount Pleasant in March 2020, earlier than planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic. WHS staff knew that if at any point the shelter experienced reduced staffing or a lockdown due to the COVID-19 response, the new building was far better equipped to support both people and animals.

Daily operations have continued since March, and the WHS Racine Campus is now open for adoptions by appointment and has resumed limited vaccine clinics and spay/neuter services. The building continues to be closed to general public traffic; WHS hopes to offer public tours in the spring. WHS has also hired a youth programs coordinator at the Racine Campus to develop and launch programs for children in the local community.

For more information about the WHS Racine Campus and services offered, please visit www.wihumane.org. To make a contribution, please contact Stephanie Nespoli at (262) 554-6699 x5009 or snespoli@wihumane.org.

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WHS RECEIVES $60,000 GRANT FROM PETSMART CHARITIES®

WISCONSIN HUMANE SOCIETY RECEIVES $60,000 GRANT FROM PETSMART CHARITIES® TO HELP MORE HOMELESS PETS FIND HOMES IN GREEN BAY
Support will ensure adoption services for 400+ homeless animals in 2021

Green Bay, Wis. – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) has received a $60,000 grant from PetSmart Charities to help prepare more shelter pets for adoption through the PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center in Green Bay, ensuring that they find new loving homes. With the help of this grant, the organization will be able to provide veterinary care, pre-adoption support, and placement services to more than 400 homeless animals in the community.

Animals in the WHS adoption program have as long as it takes to find a new home, and are provided with extensive care during their shelter stay. WHS provides a medical examination, behavioral assessment, spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, flea medication, and a microchip to all cats and dogs, and many animals are in need of further medical or behavioral support prior to adoption.

“This generous grant ensures that hundreds of homeless, injured, and vulnerable animals will find new loving homes in the community,” said Anne Reed, president and CEO of WHS. “The financial support – and adoption space at PetSmart – make a huge impact on our ability to save more lives and reduce pet homelessness in the Green Bay community.”

“We’re proud to once again partner with WHS to provide resources that bring Green Bay homeless pets one step closer to finding loving homes,” said Heidi Fulcher, associate relationship manager at PetSmart Charities. “We would not be able to do this important work without our generous donors and the invaluable space at PetSmart stores, which often reduces the shelter stay of adoptable pets.”

Since 1994, through its partnership with more than 4,000 humane societies, SPCAs and pet rescues across North America, PetSmart Charities has helped more than 9.5 million pets to find loving homes via its in-store adoption program in over 1,650 PetSmart® stores. The leading funder of animal welfare has also donated nearly $430 million to positively impact communities, to help preserve families, to improve access to veterinary care and to connect people and pets through initiatives like this with WHS.

To view animals for adoption or learn more about the Wisconsin Humane Society’s adoption services, visit www.wihumane.org/adopt.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

WHS was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving 40,000 animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. WHS operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Brown and Door Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, retail stores, a pet food bank, wildlife rehabilitation, outreach programs, training classes, and more. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.

About PetSmart Charities®

PetSmart Charities, Inc. is committed to finding lifelong, loving homes for all pets by supporting programs and thought leadership that bring people and pets together. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps to find forever homes and families for more than 600,000 shelter pets each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to nonprofits aligned with its mission. Each year, millions of generous PetSmart shoppers help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting nearly $430 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart Inc., PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, a third-party organization that reports on the effectiveness, accountability and transparency of nonprofits, for the past 17 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of charities rated by this organization. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.

Follow PetSmart Charities on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PetSmartChariTs
Find PetSmart Charities on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/PetSmartCharities
Follow PetSmart Charities on Instagram: www.instagram.com/PetSmartCharities
See PetSmart Charities on YouTube: www.YouTube.com/PetSmartCharitiesInc

Media Contacts:

Shaina Allen, Marketing Coordinator, Wisconsin Humane Society
sallen@wihumane.org, 920-746-1111 ext. 212

24-Hour PetSmart Charities
Media Line: 623-587-2177

Donations for Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus matched up to $75,000

RACINE - The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is excited to announce that the Ruud Family Foundation and Ted Sokoly & Nancy Toll are matching all donations made to its Racine Campus this year, up to $75,000.

“We are blown away by the generosity of the Ruuds, as well as Ted and Nancy, who have championed our work in the Racine community,” said Anne Reed, President and CEO. “Animals in the community depend on our lifesaving programs and services, and these incredible donors are helping to inspire additional gifts to support animals and families in Racine County.”

The WHS Racine Campus, located at 8900 16th Avenue in Mount Pleasant, is open for adoptions by appointment and has resumed limited vaccine clinics and spay/neuter services. The building continues to be closed to general public traffic due to the pandemic; WHS hopes to offer public tours in the spring. WHS has also hired a youth programs coordinator at the Racine Campus to develop and launch programs for children in the local community.

To double the impact of your generous support for the animals and families of Racine County, please visit www.wihumane.org or contact Stephanie Nespoli at (262) 554-6699 x5009 or snespoli@wihumane.org.

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First-ever Golf Outing to Benefit Animals at WHS Racine Campus

Racine, Wis. - The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Racine Campus is excited to announce its inaugural golf outing to support the animals and families served in Racine County.

WHS invites the public to join them on Monday, July 19 at the Racine Country Club for a fun day of golf, games, raffles, and of course, a few furry WHS ambassadors to greet the golfers. Shotgun start is at 11:00 a.m. and lunch and a welcome cocktail are included.

Foursomes and twosomes are on sale now, as well as individual tickets, at www.wihumane.org. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and a full list of benefits available, please contact Ruadhan Ward at rward@wihumane.org or (414) 431-6122. All proceeds benefit animals and families served by WHS.

Special thanks to SC Johnson, the Andis Foundation, and Tito's Handmade Vodka for their generous support as the top sponsors of this inaugural event.

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Newly Named Petco Love Invests in Lifesaving Work of Wisconsin Humane Society

Milwaukee – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) announced today a $150,000 grant investment from Petco Love to support their lifesaving work for animals in southeastern Wisconsin.

Petco Love is a nonprofit leading change for pets nationally by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since their founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, they’ve empowered organizations with $300 million invested to date in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And they’ve helped find loving homes for more than 6.5 million pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations, like WHS, nationwide.

“Petco Love announces an investment in Wisconsin Humane Society and hundreds of other organizations as part of our commitment to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier,” said Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love. “Our local investments are only one component. In April, we also launched the first of our national tools, Petco Love Lost, to empower all animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us.”

“Petco Love’s support will help us ensure that we can continue to address the critical needs of pets and their families in our community,” said Alison Kleibor, Executive Vice President of WHS. “We are deeply grateful for their generous support and partnership.”

For more information about WHS, visit www.wihumane.org. To learn more about Petco Love, visit petcolove.org.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

About Petco Love

Petco Love is a nonprofit changing lives by making communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since our founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, we’ve empowered animal welfare organizations by investing $300 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. We’ve helped find loving homes for more than 6.5 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide. Today, our love for pets drives us to lead with innovation, creating tools animal lovers need to reunite lost pets, and lead with passion, inspiring and mobilizing communities and our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners to drive lifesaving change alongside us. Is love calling you? Visit petcolove.org or follow at Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn to be part of the lifesaving work we’re leading every day.

Adoptions Temporarily Closed at WHS’s Racine, Ozaukee, and Door County Campuses

Milwaukee, Wis. – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) has been forced to make some changes to its hours and services in response to COVID-related staff and volunteer shortages. Effective Monday, January 3, WHS will offer adoptions solely from their Milwaukee and Green Bay Campuses until further notice. Some additional animals will be available to adopt directly from foster homes, as well. Adoption services will not be available at their Racine, Ozaukee, or Door County Campuses for the time being. Available animals from those campuses will be transported to Milwaukee, Green Bay, or foster homes for adoption placement.

“Early on in the pandemic, we tried this strategy and it allowed us to keep our doors open for animals in need despite unpredictable, limited staffing,” said Angela Speed, vice president of communications. “Unfortunately, COVID is heavily impacting our work once again, but this temporary shift will allow us to continue to care for animals and families in need of our support.”

To help keep shelter population low, WHS is also looking for foster parents to open up their hearts and homes to dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals. Some of those animals may need time to recover from an illness or injury, or simply go to foster to make more room at the shelter for new arrivals. WHS also has a Foster Facilitated Adoption Program in which foster parents can be trained to offer adoptions services themselves, thus freeing up staff members to focus their efforts on other animals in the shelter. Signing up to be part of the Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® Foster Program at the Wisconsin Humane Society is easy. Simply visit www.wihumane.org/foster to watch the online orientation, fill out the foster parent form, and WHS will be in touch to get you started.

WHS remains open at all locations for surrender intake by appointment, as well as stray intake in the counties in which they are the contracted agency to care for stray animals (which includes the majority of municipalities in Racine, Ozaukee, Door, and Brown Counties). For information on adoption hours or other services, please visit www.wihumane.org.

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WHS Receives $75,000 Grant from PetSmart Charities® to Help More Homeless Pets Find Homes

Milwaukee, WI – The Wisconsin Humane Society has received a $75,000 grant from PetSmart Charities to help prepare more shelter pets for adoption and ensure they are ready to find loving homes.

The funding will support veterinary medical care and services prior to adoption, which includes spay/neuter surgery for dogs and cats, core vaccinations, behavioral assessments, and microchips. It helps to ensure that dogs like Rocky, a 135-pound dog available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society’s Milwaukee Campus, get the medical and behavioral support they need prior to finding a loving home.

“The Wisconsin Humane Society finds homes for more than 10,000 animals every year, and there are no time or space limits for any animals in our adoption program,” said Alison Kleibor, executive vice president. “This grant helps us to continue to make that commitment to homeless animals in need of loving homes.”

“We’re proud to once again partner with the Wisconsin Humane Society to provide resources that bring homeless pets one step closer to finding loving homes,” said Heidi Fulcher, Adoptions Grant Manager at PetSmart Charities. “We would not be able to do this important work without the support of our generous donors.”

To learn more about the adoption program at the Wisconsin Humane Society, or view pets looking for new homes, please visit www.wihumane.org/adopt.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society
The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving 40,000 animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. WHS operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Brown and Door Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, training classes and more. WHS is ranked 4 stars by Charity Navigator, the premier independent charity watchdog group. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.

About PetSmart Charities®
PetSmart Charities, Inc. is committed to finding lifelong, loving homes for all pets by supporting programs and thought leadership that bring people and pets together. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps to find forever homes and families for more than 400,000 shelter pets each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to nonprofits aligned with its mission. Each year, millions of generous PetSmart shoppers help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart Inc., PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, a third-party organization that reports on the effectiveness, accountability and transparency of nonprofits, for the past 16 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of charities rated by this organization. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.

Wisconsin Humane Society Door County Campus Receives $1,000 Donation for Veterinary Expenses

Sturgeon Bay, Wis. – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus was recently presented with a generous donation of $1,000 from the Bernice & Gene Hawkins Charitable Fund of the Door County Community Foundation, Inc.

These funds will be used to pay for vaccines, medical, and veterinary expenses for the animals at the WHS Door County Campus.

“We are so grateful for this donation, which helps us provide specialized medical treatment to the animals in Door County,” said Kellie Delveaux, Senior Philanthropic Advisor at the WHS Door County Campus. “As we don’t receive general government funding and aren’t part of any national group, we truly depend on local support to provide care for animals in need.”

To see animals available for adoption, view a wish list of much-needed supplies, or learn more about WHS, please visit www.wihumane.org.

WHS Receives $50,000 Grant to Help Prepare Animals for Adoption, #ThanksToMaddie

Milwaukee, WI – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) has received a $50,000 grant from Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals. The funding will support adoption preparation, which includes medical examinations, behavioral assessments, spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, flea medication, and a microchip before shelter animals are ready for adoption.

“WHS finds homes for more than 10,000 animals every year, and there are no time or space limits for any animals in our adoption program,” said Alison Kleibor, executive vice president. “Thanks to Maddie, this grant will ensure that animals receive expert care before they are ready for new loving homes.”

The grant will impact the lives of hundreds of animals who come through the doors of WHS, many of whom need medical or behavioral support before they are ready for adoption. In 2021, 1,808 animals received extra behavior support, and 5,705 animals received medical treatment beyond standard spay/neuter surgery and routine vaccinations.

To learn more about the adoption program at the Wisconsin Humane Society, or view pets looking for new homes, please visit www.wihumane.org/adopt.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

About Maddie’s Fund®

Maddie's Fund® is a family foundation established in 1994 by Dave and Cheryl Duffield and is the fulfillment of a promise to an inspirational dog, Maddie. She provided them much joy from 1987 – 1997 and continues to inspire them today. The Foundation has awarded over $255 million in grants toward increased community lifesaving, pioneering shelter medicine education and establishing foster care as a standard across the U.S. Maddie’s Fund proudly offers the industry a national voice, important funding opportunities for bold ideas, learning resources and access to collaborate and share innovative solutions. The Foundation invests its resources in a commitment to keeping pets and people together, creating a safety net of care for animals in need and operating within a culture of inclusiveness and humility. #ThanksToMaddie.

Donations for WHS Racine Campus matched up to $75,000

“We are so very grateful for the generosity of the Ruuds, as well as Ted and Nancy, who have championed our work in the Racine community,” said Alison Kleibor, executive vice president of WHS. “These incredible donors are not only directly helping animals and families in need in Racine County, but also helping to inspire additional gifts to support this lifesaving work.”

The WHS Racine Campus, located at 8900 16th Street in Mount Pleasant, opened its new facility in March 2020. The shelter is currently open for stray and surrender intake, but is temporarily closed for adoptions due to Covid-related staffing challenges. Animals ready for adoption are transported to the Milwaukee Campus for placement. Animals in the adoption program have as long as it takes to find a new home.

WHS was also excited to launch youth programs in 2021 at the Racine Campus, offering a range of programs from winter camp, birthday parties, Scout nights, field trips, to its popular Kids Night Out program on Friday evenings. Program information can be found at wihumane.org/for-kids.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

Wisconsin Humane Society receives $300,000 from The Rachael Ray Foundation™ to support foster program

Milwaukee, Wis. – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) has announced that it has received a $300,000 grant from The Rachael Ray Foundation™ to support its foster program.

“We are absolutely floored by the continued generosity of our friends at The Rachael Ray Foundation,” said Anne Reed, president and CEO at WHS. “Their incredible support has saved the lives of thousands of animals and we couldn’t be more grateful for their partnership once again.”

In 2021, 3,751 were cared for by 923 volunteer foster parents for WHS. Foster families provide temporary care for animals until they are ready for adoption. Most foster animals are in recovery from an illness or injury, or are simply too young for adoption. Some foster parents make adoption placements out of their homes, helping to alleviate space issues at the shelter. The goal of foster care is to better support the physical and behavioral health of animals in a home environment by reducing stress and minimizing in-shelter length of stay.

In anticipation of a busy spring, WHS is currently looking for new foster parents for dogs, cats, and small animals. To become a foster parent for the Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® Foster Program at the Wisconsin Humane Society, simply visit wihumane.org/foster to get started.

The Rachael Ray Foundation™ is funded by a portion of proceeds from each sale of Rachael's pet food, Nutrish®. The Foundation funds organizations across the country that work to improve the lives of shelter animals and other animals in need. In addition, the Foundation makes funds available for emergency situations and disaster relief efforts where help for animals is urgently needed.

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WISCONSIN HUMANE SOCIETY PRESIDENT & CEO ANNE REED ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

MILWAUKEE - The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) announced today that Anne Reed, president and chief executive officer (CEO), plans to retire at the end of September 2022. The Board of Directors has appointed Alison Kleibor to succeed Reed as president & CEO on October 1, 2022. Kleibor is currently the executive vice president of WHS.

"On behalf of the board of directors, staff, and volunteers, we want to thank Anne for her outstanding leadership and impact over more than a decade with the Wisconsin Humane Society," said Dave Hecker, board chair. "Anne’s vision and strategy have transformed the organization, making a significant impact on thousands of animals and people in need, while deepening WHS’s strength and sustainability.”

Reed’s tenure has been defined by improved outcomes for animals and significant growth of the organization. Outcomes for animals improved substantially under Reed’s leadership, from an average live release rate of below 80% in 2010, to 91% in 2021, supported by a significant drive to reduce the time animals spend in the sheltering system. Progressive, people-centered approaches to adoption practices, medical and behavioral support, and foster programs have led to that success.

When Reed began at WHS in January 2010, there were 100 employees and a $6 million budget. Today, WHS employs 240 people with a $14 million budget. In Reed’s tenure, WHS has opened state-of-the art shelters in Saukville and Racine, launched the first high-volume public spay/neuter clinic in Milwaukee County, and acquired the animal shelters serving Racine, Green Bay, and Door County. WHS currently operates animal shelters in Racine, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Brown, and Door Counties, as well as the spay/neuter clinic in West Allis, and is the primary organization serving one third of Wisconsin’s animals and families.

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve as president and CEO during this period of impact and growth, and I want to offer my gratitude to our employees whose hard work, dedication, and openness to change have allowed WHS to achieve so much," said Reed. "I also want to thank our volunteers, donors, and communities for their steadfast support of our work.”

“Anne has built a tremendous leadership team that consistently sets and exceeds challenging goals to improve the lives of animals and families in the communities we serve,” said Hecker. “We have excellent leaders across the organization, which is a huge strength that sets us up for continued success.”

Kleibor’s selection to be the next president & CEO is the culmination of a multi-year leadership development system and a succession planning process led by the board of directors.

Kleibor joined the Wisconsin Humane Society in 2007 and in her 15 years with the organization, has held multiple senior leadership positions in client services, animal care, shelter operations, and shelter management. Most recently, she has led the development, communications, and human resources teams.

In addition to obtaining a graduate certificate and a master’s degree in Veterinary Medical Sciences with a concentration in Shelter Medicine from the University of Florida, Kleibor has a master’s degree from Alverno College, and a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University. She is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator, and a member of the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement.

Kleibor was at the helm of some of WHS’s largest animal rescues, from the emergency rescue of 94 animals from the condemned Orphan Kanines animal shelter in Racine in 2014, to the law enforcement seizure and intake of more than 160 animals from a home in Green Bay in 2021. She has also directed a dramatic expansion of WHS’s foster program, culminating in a COVID response in 2020 in which hundreds of new foster families were onboarded and animals safely placed in their homes in the space of just a few days.

In addition, Kleibor has been instrumental in the evolution of WHS’s people-centered philosophy, which guides the organizational approach to serving the public. In an industry that can often be judgmental or critical of people, WHS aims to build relationships with people using a welcoming, supportive, and non-judgmental approach. Kleibor’s leadership behind this approach has transformed the ways in which WHS serves the public and bridges gaps that exist for animals in the community.

“Alison won’t skip a beat, and her enthusiasm for the Wisconsin Humane Society and profound knowledge of animal welfare will serve the organization in new and impactful ways,” said Reed. “I couldn’t dream of a better successor.”

The next six months will include transition planning and preparation, and Kleibor will officially assume the president & CEO role on October 1, 2022, which coincides with WHS’s fiscal year.

"I want to thank Anne for her distinguished leadership at WHS, and also the board and our staff for their confidence in me as I step into this role," said Kleibor. "I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to continue to make a difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them."

For more information about the Wisconsin Humane Society, visit wihumane.org.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

Injured Bald Eagle found in Franklin suspected to have been shot

Update 12/13/2022: We are heartbroken to share that the Bald Eagle -- admitted to WHS last Wednesday after suffering injuries from a suspected gunshot -- has died. He made it through his initial surgery last Thursday, but went into cardiac arrest Monday night during a complex and specialized surgery to stabilize his fracture and further treat his injuries. Despite lifesaving efforts, including CPR, he was unable to be resuscitated. We cannot thank the community enough for the compassion and support shown for this special patient while our team of wildlife rehabilitators worked tirelessly over the past several days trying to save him. We appreciate the heroic efforts of the expert medical team at Blue Pearl Pet Hospital Milwaukee, and the officials with the DNR, whom we have been working with closely on this case. We are mourning the loss of this eagle alongside our community. If you have any tips that may be useful in identifying whoever may have been involved in his injury, please contact the DNR Tip Line at 1-800-847-9367 to make an anonymous report. He was initially discovered last Wednesday, December 7 in Franklin. Thank you.

Milwaukee - The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is caring for a Bald Eagle found in Franklin last Wednesday after he suffered a fracture of the humerus bone in his wing, as well as a substantial wound at the fracture site, leaving him debilitated on the ground. The tip of his beak was also broken. Fortunately, he was discovered and brought to WHS by a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Warden.

The eagle had emergency surgery at the Blue Pearl Hospital and Specialty Care in Glendale - Avian and Exotics Service to stabilize the fracture site. Exam results indicate that the fracture was suspected to be a result of a gunshot injury. His blood work also revealed an elevated level of lead toxicity, and additional bloodwork and diagnostic tests are still pending.

Eagles and their nests are federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Under the Eagle Protection Act, wounding or killing an eagle can result in a fine of $100,000 and one year in prison for a first offense, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A second violation is a felony and carries heftier punishments.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking for any and all tips that may be useful in identifying the responsible party or parties. To make an anonymous report, contact the DNR Tip Line at 1-800-847-9367.

“As long as he continues to improve and gain strength, he’ll have additional surgery in the coming days to ensure alignment of the bone as he heals,” said Crystal Sharlow-Schaefer, WHS wildlife director. “It’s far too early to tell how he’ll do, and his prognosis is heavily guarded, but we’re doing everything we can to give him a fighting chance to survive.”

The Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is Milwaukee County’s only licensed facility to care for injured and orphaned native wild animals. They do not receive any government funding and rely on the support of the community to fund their lifesaving work. To make a contribution to the Bald Eagle’s medical care, please visit https://wihumane.me/eaglecare2022 or call 414-431-6119.

Thirty-two dogs and puppies welcomed to Wisconsin after being rescued

Milwaukee - More than two dozen dogs and puppies surrendered from commercial breeding facilities throughout the South arrived at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) on Friday, December 16. WHS volunteers drove to Missouri to transport the dogs, now destined for a brighter future in Wisconsin. This lifesaving opportunity was facilitated by the BISSELL Pet Foundation in partnership with the National Mill Dog Rescue.

The dogs on this journey were surrendered into the care of National Mill Dog Rescue, who has experienced a sharp increase in the number of dogs being surrendered over the past year. The organization specializes in rescuing dogs from large-scale commercial breeding operations, as well as sharing information with the general public about the harsh realities of the commercial dog breeding industry.

“We are very grateful for this new partnership with the National Mill Dog Rescue, and with support from the BISSELL Pet Foundation, this opportunity was made possible,” said Alison Fotsch Kleibor, president & CEO of WHS. “These dogs’ lives have been transformed because of this unique program, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

The dogs will receive examinations for any medical issues, meet with behavior staff, have spay/neuter surgery, as well as receive microchips and initial vaccinations before adoption. Some may be ready for new homes early this week, but like many dogs from similar situations, others will need extra medical or behavior support before they are ready for adoption.

"BISSELL Pet Foundation works tirelessly to provide lifesaving solutions for homeless pets and the shelter teams caring for them," Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. "The excitement of receiving these dogs will bring families into the shelter that may not have considered adoption before, giving all pets in their care a chance to be considered. We are committed to continuing this work to support National Mill Dog Rescue’s efforts."

The Wisconsin Humane Society is looking for the public’s support in three ways to support this special transfer:

Adopt: if you are looking for a new companion, there is no better time with so many awesome animals available! Check out available animals, the adoption process, locations, and hours at www.wihumane.org/adopt.
Foster: watch the WHS orientation video and sign up for the Rachael Ray Nutrish ® Foster Program here: www.wihumane.org/foster/apply. Having animals in foster care helps individual animals recover faster from illness, and keeps shelter kennels open for the next animal in need.
Donate: to make a gift to support the care of these pups, please visit www.wihumane.org/donate to make a gift of any size. WHS does not receive general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. The nonprofit truly relies on the generosity of animal lovers to help animals and the people who love them.

For more information about WHS, please visit www.wihumane.org.

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WHS RECEIVES $75,000 GRANT FROM PETSMART CHARITIES®

Milwaukee – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) has received a $75,000 grant from PetSmart Charities to help prepare more homeless pets in Wisconsin for adoption. Some five million pets make their way into shelters each year in the U.S. This grant will help to cover the costs associated with preparing animals for adoption, which includes everything from daily animal care and spay/neuter surgeries to technological support and marketing.

In 2022, the Wisconsin Humane Society found adoptive homes for 10,997 animals. All dogs and cats adopted from WHS receive spay/neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, a microchip, and supportive resources to set new adopters up for success. Most of the animals coming into the shelter also need additional medical or behavioral support prior to adoption.

“Our average cost of care for each animal is about $450, and our adoption fees don’t come close to covering those expenses,” said Angela Speed, vice president of marketing and communications. “This generous grant from PetSmart Charities helps bridge that gap for so many animals in need, and we’re deeply grateful for the support.”

“Shelter and rescue groups across the country continue to navigate realities like full facilities, limited access to veterinary care and staffing shortages. That’s why it’s more important than ever to support partners like Wisconsin Humane Society who help thousands of pets each year said Heidi Marston, director of pet placement at PetSmart Charities. “We’re grateful for partners like WHS who are not only committed to the pets in their care but who support the needs of the broader pet-loving community.”

To see a list of animals currently available for adoption, please visit www.wihumane.org/adopt. Many cats, dogs, rabbits, and other critters are looking for new loving homes!

About the Wisconsin Humane Society

About PetSmart Charities®

PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps up to 600,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter and emergency relief. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart® stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.

Follow PetSmart Charities on Instagram: @PetSmartCharities

Follow PetSmart Charities on Twitter: @PetSmartChariTs

Find PetSmart Charities on Facebook: Facebook.com/PetSmartCharities

See PetSmart Charities on YouTube: YouTube.com/PetSmartCharitiesInc

New Donations Matched for Racine Campus

RACINE – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is excited to announce that the Ruud Family Foundation is matching all new and increased donations made to the Racine Campus in 2023, up to $50,000! All first-time gifts to the campus will be automatically doubled, as well as every dollar donated above past donors’ total giving amount in 2022.

“We are so very grateful for the generosity of the Ruud Family Foundation which has championed our work in the Racine community,” said Alison Fotsch Kleibor, president and CEO of WHS. “These incredible donors are not only directly helping animals and families in need in Racine County, but also helping to inspire additional gifts to support this lifesaving work.”

The WHS Racine Campus is located at 8900 16th Street in Mount Pleasant and opened in March 2020. Animals in the adoption program have as long as it takes to find a new home; there are no time or space limits. In addition to public vaccine clinics, spay/neuter services, and stray/surrender intake, the Racine Campus also offers a range of youth programs including summer camps, birthday parties, Scout nights, field trips, and Kids Night Out.

To make a donation and have it matched, please go to www.wihumane.org/donate or contact khernandez@wihumane.org.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

The Wisconsin Humane Society confirms talks with Kenosha’s Safe Harbor Humane Society regarding potential merger

Media Contacts: Angela Speed, (414) 431-6104, aspeed@wihumane.org
Amanda Cutler, (262) 694-4047, director@safeharborhumane.com

Milwaukee – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) shared today that they are in talks with Safe Harbor Humane Society regarding a potential acquisition of the Kenosha shelter, but nothing has yet been finalized.

“We have been approached by leaders at Safe Harbor Humane Society about a possible merger with their organization, and we are excited about the potential to help animals in that community,” said Alison Fotsch Kleibor, president and CEO at WHS. “At this time, nothing is official as there are still many aspects we need to explore to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of services for the Kenosha community. We will be sure to keep our communities aware of any further developments.”

Amanda Cutler serves as the executive director at Safe Harbor Humane Society.

“We’ve been in close contact with the leadership at WHS, who have been wonderful to work with as we explore the process of what a merger would look like for the staff, animals, volunteers, and greater Kenosha community,” said Cutler. “We are fortunate to have such a strong and knowledgeable partner in WHS.”

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin. It was founded in 1879 and operates shelters in Milwaukee, Racine, Saukville, Green Bay, and Sturgeon Bay, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. WHS offers adoption services, youth programming, vaccine clinics, a pet food bank, retail stores, volunteer programs, outreach programming, dog training classes, and more. The Milwaukee shelter also houses a wildlife rehabilitation center. WHS is the stray animal holding facility in Racine, Ozaukee, Brown, and Door Counties.

Safe Harbor Humane Society is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1916 in Kenosha. They provide stray animal holding, adoption services, and other community services for Kenosha County residents, and care for approximately 3,000 animals each year.

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The Wisconsin Humane Society to acquire Kenosha’s Safe Harbor Humane Society

Media Contacts
Angela Speed, WHS, (414) 202-5539, aspeed@wihumane.org
Amanda Cutler, Safe Harbor, (262) 694-4047, director@safeharborhumane.com

MILWAUKEE — Officials at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) and Kenosha’s Safe Harbor Humane Society (SHHS), also known as the Kenosha County Humane Society, are excited to announce that SHHS has chosen to strengthen their work for animals and families by becoming a part of the Wisconsin Humane Society.

“Nonprofit animal shelters operate with limited resources, and it is even more difficult because every organization is separate and has to individually fund their overhead costs,” said Alison Fotsch Kleibor, president and CEO of WHS. “By consolidating both organizations’ experience and resources, we can not only strengthen our efforts, but also provide a better return on investment for the communities that support this critical work for animals.”

WHS was approached in the fall of 2022 by leadership at SHHS about ways to ensure the continuation of animal sheltering and other services in the Kenosha community. SHHS faced economic challenges that threatened the future of their work. WHS will bring efficiencies and innovative approaches to ensure that service to animals and families continues uninterrupted in the Kenosha community. The two organizations have worked together over the past several months to solidify plans for the acquisition.

“This is truly the best thing that could have happened for the Safe Harbor Humane Society,” said Bill Bohlman, SHHS’s board chair. “In the end, the animals win, the staff win, the community wins. The resources and stability that WHS can bring to the region will strengthen our ability to serve animals in need.”

Service to new communities is not foreign to WHS. This acquisition marks the fifth organization that has approached the Milwaukee-based organization to explore a merger. In 2004, WHS acquired the Ozaukee Humane Society, and in 2013, it acquired the Countryside Humane Society in Racine. Both the Bay Area Humane Society in Green Bay and the Door County Humane Society became part of WHS in 2018.

“As Wisconsin’s oldest animal welfare organization, WHS has always worked to identify and respond to the most pressing needs of animals,” said Fotsch Kleibor. “Today, the fragmentation of animal welfare into so many different organizations has created a new need: the need to support vital work for animals with strong, simple infrastructure. We’ve seen first-hand how local organizations face significant risks to sustainability when each one is a separate silo that must reinvent every wheel.”

Both WHS and SHHS were already committed to finding a home for every treatable and safe animal, no matter how long it takes, and this approach will continue under the new partnership. In addition, the organizations expect that this acquisition will bring more resources for medical and behavioral care to animals in Kenosha County.

The organizations are working jointly to make the transition as smooth as possible for their dedicated staff and volunteers. Amanda Cutler will serve as the shelter director of what will soon be called the Wisconsin Humane Society Kenosha Campus; she is the current Executive Director of SHHS and has been with the organization for 11 years. WHS will also be hiring new positions to support the expanded work. As was in the case with all WHS’s prior acquisitions, there are no plans to lay off staff or reduce pay.

“We have so much to look forward to – a partner that can offer everything from best practices in shelter medicine, to health insurance and benefits for our staff, to innovative approaches to adoption,” said Cutler.

The boards of both organizations voted unanimously in April to approve the acquisition of Safe Harbor by WHS, pending final stages of due diligence, including agreements with municipalities as well as satisfactory title reports on real estate. WHS hopes to close the transaction as early as May 31.

“We are incredibly grateful for the vital work Safe Harbor does for 3,000 animals and their families every year in Kenosha County,” said Fotsch Kleibor, “and we are excited to pool our resources to sustain lifesaving services for animals and the people who love them.”

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving 40,000 animals. Their mission is to make a difference for animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. WHS operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Brown and Door Counties, as well as the Spay/Neuter Clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, outreach programs, training classes, and more. WHS is ranked 4 stars by Charity Navigator, the premier independent charity watchdog group. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.

About Safe Harbor Humane Society

The Safe Harbor Humane Society (aka the Kenosha County Humane Society) is the only open admissions animal shelter in Kenosha. The organization has served the needs of county residents and their animals since 1916. Each year they care for approximately 3,000 cats, dogs, and other small domestic animals. In addition to caring for homeless animals, Safe Harbor has historically offered low-cost public services to keep community animals healthy, and help end pet overpopulation.

Petco Love Invests in Wisconsin Humane Society

Milwaukee, WI – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) announced that it has received a $85,000 grant investment from Petco Love to support their lifesaving work for animals in Southeastern Wisconsin. Petco Love is a national nonprofit leading change for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested $350 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And Petco Love helps find loving homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations across North America, with 6.7 million pets adopted and counting.

“Our investment in WHS is part of more than $15M in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love. “Our local investments are only part of our strategy to empower animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us. We recently launched Petco Love Lost, a national lost and found database that uses pet image technology to simplify the search for lost pets.”

“Petco Love’s support will help us ensure that we can continue to address the critical needs of pets and their families in our community,” said Alison Kleibor, President and CEO of WHS. “We are deeply grateful for their generous support and partnership.”

WHS was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving 40,000 animals and the people who love them. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, a pet food bank, training classes and more. WHS adopted 10,997 animals in 2022.

For more information about the Wisconsin Humane Society, visit wihumane.org. Learn more about Petco Love here: petcolove.org.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

About Petco Love

Our love for pets drives us to lead with innovation, creating tools animal lovers need to reunite lost pets, and lead with passion, inspiring and mobilizing communities and our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners to drive lifesaving change alongside us. Join us. Visit petcolove.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to be part of the lifesaving work we lead every day.

Media Contacts:
Angela Speed, Wisconsin Humane Society, aspeed@wihumane.org
Crystal Bugary, Petco Love, media@petcolove.org

Donations to Wisconsin Humane Society matched up to $200,000

Media Contacts:
Angela Speed, (414) 431-6104 | aspeed@wihumane.org
Tanya Ditzman, (920) 469-3110 ext. 2115 | tditzman@wihumane.org

WISCONSIN – In August, every single dollar donated to the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) will be matched up to $200,000! This is WHS’s largest campaign of the year, and couldn’t come at a better time. Summer is peak intake season at WHS, and many animals in the community are in urgent need of shelter, medical care, behavioral support, and a new family to cherish them. You can double your impact for animals in need with this dollar-for-dollar match! That means...

$30 will become $60 to provide training for dogs with special behavior needs.
$50 will become $100 to help spay or neuter animals so they can be adopted and given the second chance they deserve.
$100 will become $200 to help rescued animals receive emergency surgery, medical treatment, and behavioral support.

Donations made to the WHS Green Bay and Door County Campuses will be generously matched by Virginia Kress and a special group of friends. Donations made to WHS’s southern campuses will be matched by the Nicholas Family Foundation, Judith Ford, Patricia Bachhuber, Kathleen Ryan, Patti & Jack McKeithan Northwoods Fund, a gift in memory of Jeffy and Buffy Madsen, a gift from Nancy Behrens in Honor of Aggie & Gracie, as well as a gift from the Ruud Family Foundation matching any new or increased donations made to the Racine Campus. As WHS doesn’t receive general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group, the local nonprofit depends on the generosity of the community to serve more than 40,000 animals and their families every year.

If you are able to make a gift and double your impact for animals in need, simply go to www.wihumane.org/summermatch.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving 40,000 animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. WHS operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Brown and Door Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, training classes and more. WHS is ranked 4 stars by Charity Navigator, the premier independent charity watchdog group. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.

COLD WEATHER PET ADVISORY

The Wisconsin Humane Society wants to help pet owners keep their furry friends safe during this week of bitter cold temperatures, snow, and icy sidewalks, and suggests the following tips to avoid cold weather perils:

Keep your animals inside. Only take dogs outside long enough to relieve him/herself and keep cats indoors at all times.
Clean up antifreeze spills immediately. The sweet taste of this lethal poison actually attracts animals. Use more animal-friendly formulations of products if possible, such as propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.
Always keep your dog leashed on snow and ice. Despite their powerful noses dogs often lose their scent in the snow and ice and can easily become lost.
Never leave your companion animal alone in the car, especially in cold weather. The car can quickly become a refrigerator and your beloved animal can freeze to death.
When your dog comes in out of the rain, snow, or ice, thoroughly wipe off his or her legs, feet, and stomach. Use a towel to remove salt or antifreeze from their paws, legs, and bellies.
Before you start your car, beep your horn several times. Cats often look for warm places to rest, and the hood of your car or even underneath the vehicle might be options for them.
Get creative with indoor play ideas. Interactive toys like Kongs, or tricks-for-treats are great ways to keep your animal mentally and physically active.
If you suspect that your pets has frostbite or hypothermia, slowly warm their affected body part, wrap them in a warm towel, and call your veterinarian immediately. Do not immerse them in hot water or rub the affected area, as that can cause more damage.

For more tips on keeping your pets healthy and happy, visit www.wihumane.org/behavior/ask-the-experts.

WHS Kenosha Campus now offering public low-cost vaccine clinics and spay/neuter services

Kenosha - The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Kenosha Campus is excited to share that they are now offering low-cost public veterinary services. WHS acquired the Kenosha shelter (formerly Safe Harbor Humane Society (SHHS)) in June 2023 after SHHS reached out about a potential merger. Since the merger, new positions have been added to the organization to support animals and families in the community, including a full-time shelter veterinarian.

As of January 30, 2024, low-cost vaccine clinics for cats and dogs will take place on Tuesdays at the WHS Kenosha Campus by appointment only, approximately every two weeks. Appointments can be booked online at https://www.wihumane.org/veterinary/vaccine-clinics.

Dog and cat vaccines available through WHS include: rabies: $16; DHPP (canine distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvo): $16; FVRCP (rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia): $16; and bordetella: $25. Microchipping is also available for $25.

Please note the following guidelines for the public vaccine clinics:

•Dogs must be on leash and cats must be in a carrier

•Please bring prior vaccine history, if applicable

•All animals must be healthy, not pregnant, and able to be safely handled

•If more than one animal is being brought, each pet must be scheduled for a separate appointment

•The animal’s guardian must be present to give vaccination consent or must complete an e-consent form authorizing someone else to bring in the animal on their behalf

In addition to public vaccine clinics, WHS has also launched the Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) at the Kenosha Campus for cats. The goal of SNAP is to decrease pet overpopulation by reducing barriers to accessing spay/neuter services for those with a demonstrated financial need. The cost is $45 and includes a pre-surgical exam, spay/neuter surgery, pain medication, and nail trim. Appointments are limited to cats or kittens only, due to surgical capacity. Income guidelines apply; for details or to book an appointment for your cat, please visit https://www.wihumane.org/snapkenosha.

WISCONSIN HUMANE SOCIETY RECEIVES $30,000 GRANT FROM PETSMART CHARITIES TO HELP MORE PETS FIND FAMILIES

PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week In-Person Events to Take Place at Local PetSmart Stores March 18-24

WISCONSIN– The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) has received a $30,000 grant from PetSmart Charities® to help prepare more pets for adoption. Some four million pets find themselves in U.S. shelters each year. In partnership with PetSmart Charities, WHS will have available pets up for adoption at the PetSmart Adoption Center - Green Bay West in support of National Adoption Week, taking place March 18 - 24, 2024.

The funding will support veterinary medical care and services prior to adoption, which include spay/neuter surgery, core vaccinations, behavioral assessments, and microchips.

“The Wisconsin Humane Society finds homes for about 12,000 animals every year, and there are no time limits for any animals in our adoption program,” said Alison Fotsch Kleibor, President & CEO. “This grant helps us to continue to make that commitment to homeless animals in need of loving homes.”

“Shelters across the U.S. are struggling to keep pace with the number of animals coming in and need support from their communities to bring pets and people together,” said Heidi Marston, director of pet placement at PetSmart Charities. “We’re proud to support the Wisconsin Humane Society and the essential work they do to care and advocate for the animals that come through their door in need of loving families. Please consider supporting their lifesaving work through volunteering, fostering, adopting, or by making a donation.”

PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week is a special time during the year. PetSmart stores feature pets available for adoption to meet and cuddle in spacious areas, and staff and volunteers are on-hand to make introductions and answer questions. Potential pet parents can also learn about the products and services they’ll need for the best possible start with their new family members.

To learn more about the adoption program at the Wisconsin Humane Society, or view pets looking for new homes at any WHS Campus or the PetSmart Adoption Center - Green Bay West, please visit www.wihumane.org/adopt.

About the Wisconsin Humane Society

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving 40,000 animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. WHS operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Brown and Door Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, retail stores, community outreach, wildlife rehabilitation, training classes and more. WHS is ranked 4 stars by Charity Navigator, the premier independent charity watchdog group. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.

About PetSmart Charities®

PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps up to 400,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter and emergency relief. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart® stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.

Follow PetSmart Charities on Instagram: @PetSmartCharities

Find PetSmart Charities on Facebook: Facebook.com/PetSmartCharities

See PetSmart Charities on YouTube: YouTube.com/PetSmartCharitiesInc

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Note: Photos and b-roll footage of available animals are available upon request. To view request editorial materials, please contact: Angela Speed, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, aspeed@wihumane.org

Migratory bird season is here!

MILWAUKEE - Hundreds of avian window collision victims are admitted to the Wisconsin Humane Society's (WHS) Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital each year, and it is estimated that between 300,000,000 to 900,000,000 birds die each year in North America from building collisions alone!

Navigating near and around glass is a foreign concept for birds and when they encounter it, birds either become exhausted and disoriented attempting to navigate around it, they try to “fly through” the landscape reflection that they see in the glass.

Prevention is key to helping birds avoid window collisions, and migratory bird season is upon us in Wisconsin, so there is no better time to ensure your home or workplace are safe for our avian friends. There are many ways to help prevent window collisions, and here are some options:

In rooms where windows are aligned, to keep birds from seeing in one window and out another window, simply close the blinds or curtains on one of the windows. Without obscuring the window, birds often think they can fly through these "tunnels" and are injured or killed as a result.
Hang brightly colored fluttering ribbons or unwanted CDs outside in front of windows.
Install fine-mesh plastic netting outside in front of windows. Leave a few inches between the glass and the netting to allow birds to collide softly with the mesh instead of hitting the glass.
Eliminate reflections completely by applying CollidEscape® film to the outside of windows.
Reduce the risk of window collisions for birds visiting your feeders by placing them either very close (within three feet) or at least ten yards away from windows.

Another effective way to prevent collisions is to make windows visible to birds by putting opaque window clings on them. They must be applied on the exterior of clean windows; several clings are needed per window. It is recommended to place them in close proximity to each other to maximize efficiency in preventing collisions.

Right now, thanks to the support of WHS friend Jeff Rusinow, you can purchase 9 window cling stickers for just $3 from the Wisconsin Humane Society, while supplies last. The clings are available at the WHS Milwaukee Campus during regular business hours, or online at https://wihumane.me/WindowClingsPromo. Shipping costs are not included.

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Wisconsin Humane Society Door County Campus to hold Annual Rummage Sale

Sturgeon Bay, Wis. – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus is excited to announce that they will once again be holding an annual rummage sale fundraiser at Arle Memorial Hall on Friday, May 3 from 12-6 p.m. and Saturday, May 4 from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. On Saturday, a clearance sale starts at 12 p.m.

The shelter is seeking donations of new or gently used items to sell. Donated rummage sale items can be dropped off on Thursday, May 4 from 4–8 p.m. at Arle Memorial Hall. Items that cannot be accepted are appliances, clothing, computers, televisions, or large furniture.

Last year, the rummage sale raised more than $7,000, and once again, all proceeds will benefit the animals and families served by the WHS Door County Campus.

Additional information, questions, or volunteer requests should be directed to Peggy O’Hern at 920-746-1111 ext. 224, pohern@wihumane.org or Sharon Peterson at 920-495-1562, s.peters6@yahoo.com.

National Nonprofit Petco Love Invests in Wisconsin Humane Society to Help Pets in Southeastern Wisconsin

Contact:
Angela Speed, Wisconsin Humane Society, aspeed@wihumane.org
Crystal Bugary, Petco Love, media@petcolove.org

Milwaukee, WI – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) announced that it has received a $90,000 grant investment from Petco Love to support their lifesaving work for animals in Wisconsin.

Petco Love is a national nonprofit leading change for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested $375 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And Petco Love helps find loving homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations across North America, with 6.75 million pets adopted and counting.

“Our investment in WHS is part of more than $15M in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love. “Our local investments are only part of our strategy to empower animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us. We launched Petco Love Lost, a national lost and found database that uses patented image-recognition technology to simplify the search for lost pets.”

“Petco Love’s partnership will help us ensure that we can continue to address the critical needs of pets and their families in our community,” said Alison Fotsch Kleibor, President & CEO of WHS. “We are deeply grateful for their generous lifesaving investment and partnership.”

WHS was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving more than 40,000 pets and the people who love them. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, retail stores, community outreach, wildlife rehabilitation, a pet food bank, training classes and more.

For more information about the Wisconsin Humane Society, visit wihumane.org. Learn more about Petco Love here: petcolove.org.

About the Wisconsin Humane Society

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving more than 40,000 animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. WHS operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Brown and Door Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, community outreach, training classes and more. WHS is ranked 4 stars by Charity Navigator, the premier independent charity watchdog group. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.

About Petco Love

Petco Love is a life-changing nonprofit organization that makes communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since our founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, we’ve empowered animal welfare organizations by investing $375 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. We’ve helped find loving homes for more than 6.75 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide. Our love for pets drives us to lead with innovation, creating tools animal lovers need to reunite lost pets, and lead with passion, inspiring and mobilizing communities and our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners to drive lifesaving change alongside us. Is love calling you? Join us. Visit PetcoLove.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, and LinkedIn to be part of the lifesaving work we lead every day.

Exceptionally rare medical condition diagnosed in Wisconsin shelter puppy

Milwaukee, WI – Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) veterinary staff couldn’t believe what they were seeing when examining Bella, a 6-month-old puppy recently surrendered to the WHS Kenosha Campus.

The puppy’s right hind leg was abnormally wide, with multiple extra toes on her paw. A normal canine hind leg would have one femur, one tibia, one fibula and 4-5 toes. X-rays of the affected leg revealed that Bella appears to have an extra femur, two tibias, two fibulas, and nine toes on her rear paw instead of four.

The condition is called dimelia, an extremely rare congenital anomaly characterized by duplication of bones. In Bella’s case, the structures of the right hindlimb are duplicated and fused.

It is the first documented case of dimelia the shelter has seen in their 145 years of operation.

“I’ve never seen anything like this in a dog,” said Nancy Weiss, DVM, WHS medical director. “Her radiographs are quite extraordinary.”

The WHS veterinary team consulted with an outside surgical specialist due to the rarity of the condition. Surgical intervention, including amputation, was considered. Due to her using the limb comfortably at this time and the potential additional risks of surgery, the recommendation is to allow Bella to keep the limb as-is and continue to monitor her comfort.

Bella does bear weight on the leg, but she displays an abnormal gait when walking or running.

“The extra bones and condition do somewhat affect her mobility,” said Angela Speed, vice president of marketing and communications, “although she loves to go for walks and run around in our play yard.”

Bella is expected to be available for adoption on Friday, April 26 at the WHS Kenosha Campus and shelter staff are optimistic she’ll get adopted soon.

“We have a sea of dogs and puppies looking for homes right now, but Bella is extra special,” said Speed. “Who wouldn’t adopt this loving unicorn of a pup? Our community is awesome, and we know there is a great person out there to support Bella in her journey.”

Adoptions at WHS are first-come, first-served, as long as it’s a good fit. Potential adopters can fill out an adopter profile in advance, although it is not an application-based process; the information is kept on file to expedite adoptions on-site. Anyone interested in adopting should visit www.wihumane.org/adopt to view all available animals and learn more about the adoption process.

UPDATE 5/3/24: Bella was adopted! Her new mom, Melissa, walked in wearing a sweatshirt that read "Adopt the Special Ones." We couldn't agree more! Congrats to Melissa and Bella!

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving more than 40,000 animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. WHS operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Brown, and Door Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, community outreach, training classes and more. WHS is ranked 4 stars by Charity Navigator, the premier independent charity watchdog group. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.

New Donations for Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus matched up to $50,000

RACINE – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is excited to share that the Ruud Family Foundation is matching all new and increased donations made to the Racine Campus in 2024, up to $50,000! All first-time gifts to the campus will be automatically doubled, as well as every dollar donated above past donors’ total giving amount in 2023.

“The Ruud Family Foundation has been a steadfast champion of our work in the Racine community,” said Alison Fotsch Kleibor, president and CEO of WHS. “They are not only supporting animals and families in Racine County, but also helping to inspire additional gifts from the community.”

To make a donation and have it matched, please go to www.wihumane.org/racinematch or contact khernandez@wihumane.org.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving more than 40,000 animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. WHS operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Brown, and Door Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, public veterinary services, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, community outreach, training classes and more. WHS is ranked 4 stars by Charity Navigator, the premier independent charity watchdog group. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.

Heat Advisory for Pets

Green Bay, Wis. – The Wisconsin Humane Society is sharing simple tips to keep animals safe as we experience high temperatures and heat advisories. Unlike people, animals cannot regulate body temperature in the same way, which makes them vulnerable to heat stroke and heat exhaustion. WHS advises the following tips to keep pets safe:

•Do not leave your pets in the car. The inside of a vehicle can reach 160 degrees in minutes, even with windows cracked.

•Take walks during cooler parts of the day. Early morning and evening hours are best.

•Never leave an animal outside in the sun! Always ensure they have access to shade and plenty of fresh cool water.

•If your home does not have air conditioning or you turn it off while away, allow pets access to the coolest part of your home, such as a basement or in darker room with cool floors and good air circulation.

•Take extra precautions for senior, overweight, or snub-nosed dogs in hot weather. Also closely monitor dogs with heart or lung diseases.

•Watch your animals for signs of heat stroke. These include panting, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, rapid pulse, bright red gums, and blue tongue or lips.

•Treat heat stroke immediately. Move pets to a cool place and have their body temperature lowered with cool water, then immediately contact your vet.

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Ozaukee Campus Update

Thursday, August 1, 2024

IMPORTANT UPDATE: due to staffing shortages, the WHS Ozaukee Campus will be temporarily closed for adoptions starting Saturday, August 3. We *are* still accepting stray and surrendered animals, we just ask that you call ahead to make an appointment so we can prepare for your animal’s arrival. Other programs and services like public vaccine clinics, youth programs, our pet food pantry, etc. are not affected by the staffing shortage.

Our #1 priority is always the health and wellbeing of the animals in our shelters, and we need to focus our limited staff time on caring for the animals who come to us when they have nowhere else to go. We do not know how long this adoption closure will be in effect, but we’re doing everything in our power to find applicants, train up new hires, and get back to finding matches for adopters as soon as we’re able. In the meantime, any animals who are ready for adoption will be transferred to other WHS campuses - or foster families - to find homes.

For those wondering how they can help, here are three hugely impactful ways you can take action:

1. Apply or share! Like so many other businesses in our area, we are struggling to find applicants and could use your help spreading the word about our available positions. We’re currently hiring for Adoption Counselor/Animal Care Technicians (full and part time, no prior animal care experience is required), Assistant Shelter Operations Manager (full time), and Seasonal Animal Care Interns (paid, seasonal internship working roughly 25 hours per week). Learn more about each role and apply here: http://bit.ly/Work_At_WHS

2. Adopt! Adopting from any of our locations makes a huge impact across the organization and, of course, makes an incalculable impact for that animal View all our available animals now at www.wihumane.org/adopt.

3. Foster! If you aren’t ready to adopt but could open your home to a temporary visitor, we’re in high need of foster parents to take in animals now that we have fewer staff to care for them in the shelter. Once you become a foster parent, you can view our gallery of animals in need of placement, read more about them, and sign up for whichever animal(s) are the right fit for you and your home. We provide the supplies, you provide the love! Get started now by watching our 15-minute online orientation then applying here: http://bit.ly/WHSFOSTER

We are so grateful for your patience and understanding as we navigate this difficult time. We are so lucky to serve such a supportive community and we’ll be sure to update you as soon as we are able to reopen our adoption services to the public. Thank you!

Wisconsin Humane Society’s Chief Financial Officer announces retirement

MILWAUKEE – Mike Wamser, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS), has announced he will be retiring in the spring of 2025.

After more than 25 years in the private sector, Wamser was hired by WHS as their first CFO in 2012, bringing internal financial leadership to the organization during a time of rapid growth. During his tenure, the budget grew significantly, from $7 million to $19 million in 2024.

For many years, the Wisconsin Humane Society has been respected nationally for its innovation in animal sheltering. Wamser brought WHS’s financial work to the same level of sophistication.

“Mike implemented approaches to budgeting, cash flow management, strategic planning, and forecasting that have been the critical framework to support our most significant accomplishments in recent years,” said Alison Fotsch, CEO of WHS.

During Wamser’s tenure, his leadership was instrumental in the launch of the Wisconsin Humane Society Spay/Neuter Clinic, the capital campaign to build the new Racine Campus, expansion of their online retail store, and efforts to ensure financial transparency both internally and publicly.

Wamser also led the due diligence, transaction details, and financial integration of the acquisitions of several animal shelters including the Countryside Humane Society (Racine), Bay Area Humane Society (Green Bay), Door County Humane Society (Sturgeon Bay) and Safe Harbor Humane Society (Kenosha).

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and our entire leadership team, I would like to extend our gratitude to Mike for his years of dedication to the Wisconsin Humane Society,” said Fotsch. “Mike has been an important and valued counsel for me and countless others. We are indebted to Mike for building a strong financial infrastructure that will support the organization for years to come.”

“It’s been an honor to be part of WHS. It is a wonderful organization with amazing passionate staff and volunteers dedicated to serving animals and people. I am immensely grateful, and I will truly miss my colleagues and teammates,” said Wamser.

Mike is looking forward to spending more time with family and friends during his retirement, and traveling with his dog Duke, whom he adopted from WHS.

WHS has launched a national search for the Chief Financial Officer role.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving more than 40,000 animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. WHS operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Brown, and Door Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, veterinary services, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, community outreach, training classes and more. WHS is ranked 4 stars by Charity Navigator, the premier independent charity watchdog group. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.

Car crashes into WHS Ozaukee Campus at high rate of speed

UPDATE: We've been asked how people can help. This will definitely put a strain on our resources and we're working with our insurance company and contractors to get the building repaired as soon as possible. Thank you for any gift you are able to make while we navigate this and continue providing life-changing services for the animals and people in our community. Simply click here if you'd like to make a gift.

Saukville – At 6:30 a.m. Sunday, a driver left westbound Hwy 33 in Saukville at a high rate of speed and struck the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Ozaukee Campus. No animals or staff were harmed as the car crashed into the building just west of the main entrance.

“As far as we understand, the driver was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,” said Angela Speed, vice president of marketing and communications.

The most significant impact was to the animal arrivals area, which serves as the front desk for intaking stray animals, lost animal redemptions, surrender appointments, and more. That area will require extensive repairs.

“Staff were onsite within minutes of notification, an emergency crew is securing the building, and a building inspector is onsite to ensure the building is safe to use,” said Speed.

The WHS management team is working on a plan to reroute services from the main entrance area. Details about what led up to the crash remain unclear.

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Racine Community Foundation Supports WHS

We are so grateful for the generous support of the Racine Community Foundation for supporting adoptions, youth programs, operations, and people-centered services at the Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus. We’re both proud and honored to serve the Racine community, and we are deeply grateful to the Racine Community Foundation for their partnership.

www.racinecommunityfoundation.org

Wisconsin Humane Society Caring for Dozens of Cats Removed from Ozaukee County Home

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is caring for dozens of cats from an Ozaukee County home after being contacted by local law enforcement to assist with a large-scale rescue. Since last Thursday, WHS staff have been able to safely remove 73 cats from the home, and traps remain on-site for any additional cats who may still be hiding.

“We are deeply grateful to the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office and the Ozaukee Central Fire Department for their partnership and support with this situation,” said Angela Speed, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for WHS. “They ensured the homeowner got the support they needed, and reached out to us for assistance with the cat rescue.”

The cats were living in unsanitary conditions without adequate access to water and food.

“Several of the cats are quite thin, so they’re on care plans to get them to a healthier weight,” said Speed. “Some are being treated for skin issues and wounds, and several also need treatment for upper respiratory infections, which is common when there’s a large number of cats in one home.”

WHS is currently asking for the public’s support in wake of the situation as they work to manage such a large number of new arrivals at once. To make a monetary donation to help offset the costs of their food, veterinary expenses, medications, supplies, and care, please visit www.wihumane.org/donate. WHS is also seeking new foster parents, and encouraging adoptions to help clear more space in the shelters for the incoming animals.

If you or someone you know is struggling to provide care for animals, it’s important to reach out for help. With this many animals, conditions rapidly deteriorate, affecting not only the animals, but the owners, their families, and the community. Please contact your local animal welfare organization, law enforcement, or health department for supportive resources.

“In cases like this, that the best path forward is connecting those in need to services which address the underlying cause that led to these situations in the first place. Meanwhile, at WHS, we’re focused on getting the animals the care they need and continuing to advocate for prevention so these heartbreaking scenarios become less common,” said Speed.

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WHS pups featured during NFL Draft

Exciting News!

The Wisconsin Humane Society has been invited to share the spotlight during the upcoming NFL Draft in Green Bay! Tune in on day three (Saturday, April 26) to meet a whole roster of pups available for adoption as they take the national stage to find homes and increase the visibility of shelter animals everywhere. We are profoundly grateful to the NFL and NFL Network for this generous invitation and can’t wait to be a part of history in this incredible community of ours!

Where to watch: click here!

Donations are being MATCHED up to $5,000 in honor of the Wisconsin Humane Society's participation in the NFL Draft - CLICK HERE to give!

Animal Tips: Curbing leash reactivity to better enjoy walks!

Green Bay and Door County, Wis. – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) describes a dog as being “leash reactive” when they bark, lunge or growl at specific triggers that they see while on leash. Most commonly, the trigger is another dog, bicycles, wild animals, or sometimes people.

Walking with a leash reactive dog can be extremely stressful for both you and your animal. So, now that the temperatures are warming up, WHS is sharing some steps you can take to make your dog walks as enjoyable as they can be!

Step one is to plan ahead. You know your dog’s specific triggers, so try to avoid them preventatively. Try walking your dog in open areas so you can quickly turn around if their specific triggers are approaching. This may mean that walks in busy neighborhoods will not be possible in the beginning, and that is OK!

Step two is counterconditioning. “Counterconditioning” is the process of turning a negative stimulus into a positive one. You will want to start this step when your dog sees their trigger but is still too far away to react. At that moment, give your dog a treat and continue rewarding them as long as the trigger is present. Timing is important with this step so make sure as soon as they notice the trigger, they get the food or treats. If your dog is extremely reactive, try starting in your car or in another place with a physical barrier between your dog and their trigger.

Once your dog shows more relaxed body language, you can move on to step three, playing “Look at That.” The game helps your dog feel more comfortable by calmly noticing their trigger. It works like this: as soon as your dog looks at the trigger, say “yes” in a bright happy voice. Then offer your dog a treat in a way that makes them look away from the trigger. Then as soon as they look at the trigger again, repeat the process.

At the end of the day remember that this is hard work and requires lots of consistency and dedication. It is OK (and necessary!) to give yourself breaks, as well. If you do not feel that you have the energy to support your dog in the presence of their triggers, skip the walk and support your dog with other forms of exercise and enrichment.

For more animal wellness tips, head to wihumane.org/behavior.

National Nonprofit Petco Love Invests in WHS to Help Pets in Southeastern Wisconsin

Media Contacts: Angela Speed, Wisconsin Humane Society, aspeed@wihumane.org | Crystal Bugary, Petco Love, media@petcolove.org

Milwaukee, WI – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) announced that it has received a $70,000 grant investment from Petco Love to support their lifesaving work for pets in Wisconsin.

Petco Love is a national nonprofit leading change for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested nearly $410 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And Petco Love helps find loving homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations — like ours — across North America, with nearly 7 million pets adopted and counting.

“Our investment in WHS is part of more than $12M in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love. “Our local investments are only part of our strategy to empower animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us. We launched Petco Love Lost, a free national lost and found database that uses photo-matching technology to simplify the search for lost pets.”

For more information about the Wisconsin Humane Society, visit wihumane.org. Learn more about Petco Love here: petcolove.org.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

About Petco Love

Petco Love is a life-changing nonprofit organization that makes communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since our founding in 1999, we’ve empowered animal welfare organizations by investing nearly $410 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. We’ve helped find loving homes for nearly 7 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide. Our love for pets drives us to lead with innovation, creating tools animal lovers need to reunite lost pets, and lead with passion, inspiring and mobilizing communities and our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners to drive lifesaving change alongside us. Is love calling you? Join us. Visit PetcoLove.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, and LinkedIn to be part of the lifesaving work we lead every day.

Donations for WHS Racine Campus matched up to $50,000

RACINE – The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is excited to share that the Ruud Family Foundation is matching donations made to the Racine Campus in 2025, up to $50,000! Make your gift go further in 2025! First-time donors to the WHS Racine Campus will have their donations doubled, and returning donors will receive a 50% match on their gifts.

“The Ruud Family Foundation has been an incredible champion of our work in the Racine community,” said Alison Fotsch, president and CEO of WHS. “They are not only supporting animals and families in Racine County, but also helping to inspire additional gifts from the community.”

The WHS Racine Campus is located at 8900 16th Street in Mount Pleasant. Animals in the adoption program have as long as it takes to find a new home; there are no time or space limits. In addition to public vaccine clinics, spay/neuter services, and stray/surrender animal care, the Racine Campus offers dog training classes, and a range of youth programs including summer camps, birthday parties, Scout nights, field trips, and Kids Night Out.

To make a donation and have it matched, please go to www.wihumane.org/racinematch or contact donate@wihumane.org.

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About the Wisconsin Humane Society

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) was founded in 1879 and is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin, annually serving more than 40,000 animals and the people who love them. Their mission is to make a difference for animals and the people who love them. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group. WHS operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Brown, and Door Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, public veterinary services, retail stores, wildlife rehabilitation, community outreach, training classes and more. WHS is ranked 4 stars by Charity Navigator, the premier independent charity watchdog group. To learn more, visit www.wihumane.org.