The Best Spooner, WI Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Washburn County Area Humane Society

Washburn County Area Humane Society (WCAHS) was established in March 1994 and incorporated in 1995 as a 501(c)(3) private, non-profit corporation. In 2000, the shelter located at 1400 Cottonwood Ave. was officially opened. It was constructed as a result of the fund raising efforts of many volunteers with the 1.21 acres of land given as a gift by the city of Spooner. The shelter has 10 cat kennels, a cat “play-room” and a number of additional larger wire kennels. There are 12 inside dog kennels and 12 outside covered runs including a play yard. All animals are kept indoors at night and in extreme weather conditions. WCAHS is the official pound for stray animals in Washburn County but also provides shelter on an average to over 500 homeless animals annually. We advocate animal population control and offer spay/neuter assistance to qualifying fixed or low income families through our S.N.A.P. (Spay and Neuter All Pets) program. We also see that every animal adopted from WCAHS is microchipped, spayed or neutered and vaccinated before they go into their new home. WCAHS relies primarily on funds donated by individuals with some assistance from the County, cities and townships for the strays. The money we receive is used to help feed and care for the animals, provide any necessary medications and medical procedures and for the general operating costs of the building. Donations can be designated for a specific category such as the S.N.A.P program, Cowboy's House Dog Hospice, memorial or “in honor of” and the *Chester Fund which is used to help shelter animals requiring special medical treatment. WCAHS has a staff of seven part time employees. In addition we rely heavily on volunteers who give their time to walk dogs, play with cats, assist with shelter duties such as cleaning, folding laundry, yard work and assisting with the many fund raising activities throughout the year, just to name a few. WCAHS also has a foster care program where qualified individuals/families can volunteer to care for an animal until the animal finds a permanent home. Any person interested in volunteering or fostering is encouraged to contact the shelter to learn more about any of these opportunities. WCAHS works closely with the Washburn County Dept. of Social Services, County Health, Sheriffs Department, Spooner and Shell Lake Police Departments. It is a member of the Wisconsin Federated Humane Society and American Humane Society. • WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection License Number 268232