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.
Mission and Vision
Removing barriers for pets and their people by providing a continuum of expert care, education, and connections to community resources.
Adoption Policy
Adoption Process
1. Visit the Facility
If you are interested in potentially adopting and meeting one of our adoptable animals one-on-one, we will have you fill out our adoption questionnaire.
2. Meet the Pet
After completing the adoption questionnaire, you will be paired with one of our Adoption Specialists to help you find the right match.
3. Sign Adoption Contract
If a match is made, we will finalize the adoption paperwork and have you sign an adoption contract.
4. Take the Pet Home
Once the contract is signed you may take your new pet home, typically same day!
Adoption Fee
Dogs
Puppies Up to 6 Months: $350
Adult Dogs & Puppies (Over 6 Months – 7 Years Old): $200
Senior Dogs (Over 7 Years Old): $100
**In some situations, for special needs animals, adoption fees may be reduced or waived.
Included in the adoption fee
All adoptable dogs, cats, and rabbits are spayed/neutered by FVHA’s veterinarian team in the onsite Sarah Paul Surgical Suite prior to adoption. Dogs are also vaccinated for Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella, tested for heartworm disease and given preventative dewormer and flea/tick and heartworm preventative. Cats are vaccinated for Rabies and Distemper and given preventative dewormer, flea/tick and ear mite medication. In addition, animals are given a thorough physical exam by our onsite veterinary team and any additional needed care is provided, i.e. dental cleanings, flea treatments, etc.
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