The Best Appleton, WI Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Saving Paws Animal Rescue

Saving Paws Animal Rescue Inc. is a 501(c3) non-profit, no-kill, animal rescue that's run by a very dedicated group of volunteers. We believe that every animal deserves a chance at finding their forever home and, in pursuit of that goal, we provide as much love and care as we can until they meet with their new families. ​ Saving Paws works with cats and dogs. Our dogs are hosted in a network of foster homes while they wait for adoption and many of our cats wait in the rescue's main building or in foster homes, depending on their needs. Our History It started with two women; Michelle and Betsy had been rescuing and caring for homeless, abandoned, sick, injured and special needs pets for more than 13 years on their own. They met at a veterinarian's office, joined forces, and the rest is history. We received our official 501(c)(3) letter in September, 2006. In 2021, we began construction of a dog building to allow for more efficient space usage. Since our beginnings, we've continued to grow and change but our love of helping as many cats and dogs as we can has stayed the same.

Fox Valley Humane Association

The Fox Valley Humane Association is a full-service, state-of-the-art animal shelter and resource center, serving thousands of people and their pets each year. FVHA works 24/7 to see that no animal need in the Fox Valley goes unmet. FVHA is a locally based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on saving lives and offers a variety of services programs, and events to the community in addition to a safe haven for companion animals. Improved lives of pets and their people within our community and strengthen the animal bond. FVHA History 1891: Founded as the Appleton Humane Society, making it the second oldest humane society in Wisconsin. 192: Renamed Outagamie County Humane Society by a small group of concerned citizens. During the next 20 years members cared for stray and unwanted animals in their homes and accepted no public funds. 1949: City of Appleton turned its dog pound over to the society. 1951: The Outagamie County Humane Society was built on Newberry Street in Appleton next to the waste water treatment plant. 1962: The city maintained the building; the society ran the business. The shelter moved again next to the Mackville landfill. 1983: The newly constructed West Brewster Street facility opened. 1989: The Outagamie County Humane Society became Fox Valley Humane Association. 2005: The ark shaped Susan Schuster Pet Resource Center opened at current location. The 21,000 sq ft Center was built to include a community room, wellness center, private “get-aquatinted rooms” for people meeting potential pets, kennels and cages where the pets reside until they are adopted. 2008: Surgical Suite added, FVHA now has the ability to spay and neuter all cat and dogs in house prior to adoption. 2019: Partnership with Fox Valley Technical College was formed. The community room was converted to an education room for students. The partnership allows students to earn a Certified Veterinary Technician degree while practicing hands-on skills with FVHAs experienced medical team, in our modern facility. TODAY FVHA cares for more than 6,000 pets annually, and that number continues to rise. We continue to evolve to best serve the needs of the animals and people in the community. The organization is recognized as a leader in animal care/management, and for its outstanding educational programs in the Fox Valley.