The Best Wisconsin Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Our Pack Animal Rescue Inc

We are a 501c3 non profit rescue group Founded in New London Wi. License #487823 Our rescue is open to all breeds and ages. Focusing on providing better futures for dogs in high population/neglect areas, as well as local cases.

Fetch Wisconsin Rescue

Fetch Wisconsin Rescue is an entirely volunteer run organization dedicated to finding homes for dogs in need. We spend time getting to know each dog to make the best possible match for their forever home. Since the group's founding in April 2013, we have rescued more than 3,500 dogs. We aim to help our dogs become happy and balanced, and for our volunteers to be confident pack leaders.

The Hope Highway

The Hope Highway is completely foster based. We pride ourselves on helping dogs and their people. We do what we can to help people keep their dogs in their home and not surrender. We also have a spay and neuter program that we also offer to the community at an affordable cost.

Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin

Underdog Pet Rescue is an all-breed companion animal rescue based out of Dane County, Wisconsin. Our mission is to find permanent homes for animals in need, and to enrich lives by strengthening the connection between animals and people through community services and outreach. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Wisconsin Humane Society

Founded in 1879, the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) has been saving the lives of animals in need for generations. WHS is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and operates animal shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Door, and Brown Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. Our Federal Tax ID is: #39-0810533. WHS annually serves more than 40,000 animals and their families. We receive no general government funding and we are not part of any national umbrella organization. As the largest shelter in the state of Wisconsin, WHS offers the following services: An adoption program that matches 13,000+ animals with new families each year; we do not euthanize animals to make space in our shelters, and animals in our adoption program have as long as it takes to find a new home Stray/lost animal and law enforcement holding services for municipalities in Door, Brown, Ozaukee, Racine, and Kenosha Counties, which reunite thousands of pets with their families each year Intake support and services for surrendered animals from Door, Brown, Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha Counties Affordable vaccines, microchips, and spay/neuter services open to the public Pet food pantries that provide pet food, treats, and cat litter, etc. to bridge gaps in accessing these important resources Community outreach programs that connect families with resources for their pets A foster program for animals who need extra support or a break from the shelter Dog training classes for dogs and puppies, as well as online pet support tips for behavior concerns Youth programs to engage and inspire the next generation of animal lovers Retail merchandise at our Animal Antics stores at each campus, and online The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, which provides rescue, rehabilitation, and release for roughly 5,000 wild animals annually at our Milwaukee Campus.

Coco's Heart Dog Rescue

CHDR rescues animals in need without discriminating against breeds or ages. The rescue operates with the help of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, all working toward the common goal of saving the lives of animals in need, and giving them the love they deserve. We are foster based out of the Twin Cities, and we hold events in the surrounding areas. Every animal that comes to Coco's Heart receives the highest quality veterinary care and a loving temporary home from dedicated foster families. CHDR's adoption process ensures that every animal goes to the most loving forever home.

Shelter From The Storm

Shelter From the Storm Animal Rescue was formed in 2005 by Allison Davies in response to the overwhelming amount of animals being euthanized in local shelters. SFTS is an all-breed dog and cat rescue that focuses on alleviating overcrowding in shelters and helping adoptable/treatable animals. Since its inception, we've helped The Humane Society of The United States during Hurricane Katrina by transporting over 100 animals to safety in Wisconsin where they were vetted, placed in foster care, and ultimately found their forever homes. We also worked with them to deal with a major hoarding/neglect situation at the Thyme and Sage Ranch which was operating as an animal rescue/animal control agency but was housing in excess of 300 animals.

Sandi Paws Rescue Inc

We are committed to protecting the quality of life and improving the well-being of abused, neglected and unwanted dogs and cats through prevention, education, intervention, placement, and lifelong care.

Lucky 7 Dog Rescue

Lucky 7 Dog Rescue was founded in 2015 and has been operating as a nonprofit, volunteer run and foster based animal rescue ever since. We work to support dogs in need both locally and nationally and believe that teamwork and collaboration with fellow rescues as well as people make a positive difference for animals and the people who love them.

Brown Paws Rescue

Brown Paws is a foster-based rescue and is 100% volunteer-run. We do not have a facility. Our dogs are located in foster homes throughout Madison, WI and the surrounding area.

Lucky Mutts Rescue

We operate on a foster and volunteer based, not-for-profit model, and focus of dogs facing euthanasia due to placement in high kill shelters, overpopulation, abuse & neglect, or owner surrender. We take pride in carefully screening every potential foster and adoptive home through a comprehensive approval process. We educate every potential adopter on the dogs' needs, requirements and expectations involved with adding a new dog to their home. LMR provides a community of support for all of our adopters. All dogs we rescue receive full medical care, including spay or neuter, microchip, and vaccinations, treatments, or medications they may need, thanks to our team and network of veterinarians. While awaiting adoption, our dogs are able to decompress, build confidence, and socialize in one of our many nurturing, well supported foster homes.

Chippewa Humane Association

The Chippewa Humane Association, also known as the Howard Gibbs Memorial Animal Shelter, seeks to relieve the suffering of homeless companion animals. By setting an example of excellence in animal care and placement, humane education, and community leadership, we can successfully emphasize their importance.

Chequamegon Humane Association

CHA serves as a temporary safe haven for homeless animals from Ashland and Bayfield Counties and outlying areas as capacity allows.

Oshkosh Humane Society

At Oshkosh Area Humane Society, we are guided by compassion in all we do, from saving the lives of homeless pets by providing the highest quality medical care, nutrition, exercise and socialization in a safe shelter environment, to connecting adopters with their best possible pet match, to reuniting lost pets with their families, to providing behavioral counseling for pet retention, low-cost vaccine and microchip clinics, emergency services and a pet food pantry to keep pets and people happy and healthy together.

Dunn County Humane Society

At the Dunn County Humane Society, our mission is to enhance the well-being of companion pets and secure permanent, loving homes for those in our care. As first responders for lost, abandoned, and stray pets, we provide compassionate care and work closely with law enforcement agencies throughout Dunn County. Additionally, we offer community services such as City of Menomonie licensing, free rehoming support, and Trap/Neuter/Return services for registered Community Cat colonies. We are extremely proud that in 2023 we cared for 1,032 pets from our community. However, our work extends beyond numbers; it's about ensuring every pet receives the care, love, and second chance they deserve.

Watertown Humane Society

The Watertown Humane Society provides care to those greatest in need including animals of Watertown and the surrounding communities. We contract with the following municipalities: City of Watertown, Town of Watertown, City of Waterloo, Town of Milford, Town of Ixonia, Town of Concord, Village of Clyman (dogs only), and Village of Lowell (dogs only). We give new beginnings to over 800 dogs, cats and small animals a year. Our shelter helps all animals in need regardless of age, health or background. We believe every pet deserves a home and take great pride in the exceptional care that is given to each and every pet while they wait for their new family. Because of this, we save over ninety percent of all animals that come into our shelter.

NorthStar Wisconsin Dog Rescue & Advocacy

NorthStar WI, based in Madison, WI is a 501c(3) non-profit charity and follows the guidelines of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health. As we no longer foster more than 25 dogs per year, we no longer maintain a state license. NorthStar WI was founded in 2013 by a few good dog rescue friends in Madison, WI bringing together several years of experience, particularly with German Shepherd Dogs. With NorthStar WI, we wanted to broaden our range to include dogs of all mixes and sizes. Over the past 10 years, we’ve helped over 150 dogs find their new homes. Since we started our small rescue over ten years ago, there has been great growth in local rescue and foster groups.. To be honest, our little group is sometimes overwhelmed with recruiting and maintaining active fosters in a much more “competitive” field. Recognizing these challenges, in 2022, NorthStar WI decided to shift its focus from fostering to advocacy, this is the place we find the most joy and impact. Advocacy Efforts NorthStar WI’s advocacy efforts encompass a range of community support activities: • Rehoming Assistance: Helping community members rehome dogs that need new homes through no fault of their own. • Temporary Care: Providing temporary foster care for dogs like Booker, an elderly lab, whose owner needed time to recover from a broken elbow. • Transport and Coordination: Facilitating the transport of dogs, such as helping a Doodle from Coulee Humane Society get to her new owner in Michigan, in collaboration with Michigan Standard Poodle Rescue. • Donations: Contributing leashes and collars to shelters such as the one in Puerto Vallarta and the Dane County Humane Society. • Emergency Medical Funding: Providing financial support for emergency surgeries and other critical medical needs for community dogs. NorthStar WI continually seeks new ways to serve dogs and their owners. They encourage community members to reach out for assistance, promising to do their best to help with various situations. NorthStar WI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, operating under the guidelines of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health. NorthStar WI continually seeks new ways to serve dogs and their owners. We encourage community members to reach out for assistance, promising to do our best to help with various situations.

Humane Society of Jefferson County, Inc.

On September 11, 1922 the State of Wisconsin granted the original charter for the creation of the Humane Society of Jefferson County. After the Depression the shelter occupied a Quonset hut just north of the city of Jefferson with caretakers Fred and Helen Lehman residing in a small house on the property. They were paid $100 a month with an additional $3 for each stray dog they took in. In 1965 Don Meske was appointed as the humane officer and took on the job of caring for the shelter and its animals until 1975. He and his family shared the animal care duties and Don is quoted as saying, “It kept the kids busy and helped them grow up into good human beings.” In the 1970’s the organization saw a tremendous increase in the number of animals needing assistance. The society re-examined its mission, ultimately deciding to focus on the quality of animal care, rebuilding or remodeling the shelter, and educating the public on the importance of spaying and neutering their pets. Fifteen years later, the number of litters of puppies in the area had decreased because more owners had begun to spay and neuter their dogs. However, the number of unwanted cats and kittens continued to rise. In 1978 the shelter moved to a facility on Kiesling Road in Jefferson. Originally built as a privately owned dog kennel, the shelter was remodeled to accommodate dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and the occasional farm animal. Over the years this building became increasingly outdated and inadequate, and the HSJC moved into its modern and spacious new facility in the spring of 2015.

Puppers To Love Rescue

Puppers To Love Rescue, Inc is a 501(c)3 nonprofit foster-based dog rescue located in southern Wisconsin. Please note, we do not have a shelter or other facility open to the public. All dogs are in foster homes.

Northwoods Humane Society

Wisconsin German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue, Inc.

Wisconsin German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue is an all volunteer organization dedicated to the rescue and re-homing of adoptable German Shorthaired Pointers. WGSPR is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization covering the state of Wisconsin and upper peninsula of Michigan. We save GSPs from shelters, humane societies and owner surrenders. Our rescued dogs are placed into foster homes to be loved, nurtured, trained and in some cases nursed back to health while we find the perfect permanent home and loving family for them.

Ma, Paws, & Me, Pet Rescue

Ma, Paws, & Me, Pet Rescue, Inc. is a family run pet rescue. Our mission is to the commitment of rescuing while reducing the number of homeless animals in need, regardless of breed, age, or disability, and responsibly placing them in permanent and loving homes. Ma, Paws, & Me Pet Rescue, Inc. will partner with our in state shelters needing assistance. We will also help the highly over pet populated states throughout the U.S. and when possible aid in re-homing pets so they don't have to be surrendered to a shelter.

Winston's Wishes

Lakeshore Humane Society

The Lakeshore Humane Society, Inc. (LHS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit open admission animal shelter serving the Manitowoc County area for over 45 years. The LHS mission is to ensure humane and compassionate treatment of all animals entrusted to its care, reunite lost animals with their owners, place adoptable animals in responsible and permanent homes, and extend humane education to the public. Although we receive a small amount of support from municipality stray contracts, we mainly rely on private donations and grants to continue our programs and work in the community.

Marshfield Area Pet Shelter

Marshfield Area Pet Shelter, Inc is a private non-profit animal welfare organization with a seven member Board of Directors. The Board of Directors serves as the governing body for the organization. All members are volunteers. The board reviews and approves operational policies, oversees fundraisers and the distributions of shelter funds, and supports staff to fulfill the mission of the organization. MAPS has only four full-time employees who manage to cover 7 day a week shifts from 7am to 8pm. Other shelters comparable to the size of our shelter generally have approximately 10-13 employees. But thanks to the dedication of 40+ volunteers, we are able to provide daily care to more than 700 animals every year. We rely solely on private donations, fundraising events, municipal service contracts to house stray animals, and adoption fees to generate revenue to sustain our day-to-day operations. Approximately, $300,000 is needed annually to keep our doors open. MAPS was founded in 2011 when concerned citizens realized the need for an animal shelter in Marshfield, Wisconsin. They worked tirelessly to generate awareness for the cause. They walked in parades, sat in booths at the fair, hosted brat fries, and attended any community event they could to gain support. Volunteers began housing homeless animals in their homes to save them, then started hosting fundraisers to pay other humane societies to take in Marshfield’s unclaimed pets so they wouldn’t be euthanized. But this was far from a permanent solution. MAPS first fundraiser in 2012 was attended by over 800 people and generated more than $10,000. This solidified the belief that our community of 20,000 people were eagerly awaiting its first humane organization to serve homeless pets. Eventually, MAPS established its first physical location at the local mall as their credibility and reputation began to build in the community. City officials committed a $250,000 donation toward the construction of a new facility. Others rallied around the cause and in August 2020, animals were moved into a brand new state of the art facility at 3500 Downwind Drive. The majority of animals entering our facility are strays. We have contracts with local municipalities to house stray dogs and cats while we attempt to locate their owners. The following municipalities pay us to provide this service: City of Marshfield, Village of Spencer, Townships of McMillan, Richfield, Lincoln and Rock. If an owner does not come forward to reclaim their pet, the animal is then spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and place up for adoption. Other animal intakes include pets taken into custody by law enforcement, stray dogs and cats from non-contracted areas, owner pet surrenders and pets transferred in from other organizations. Animal intakes other than our contracted areas are dependent on the amount of space we have available at our facility. We proudly follow the Shelter Medicine’s guidance for Capacity for Care. A waitlist is available for when space opens up. All animal shelters are overwhelmed and overcrowded. The number of pet surrender requests continues to increase and hundreds of strays are found every year. Pet overpopulation has increased significantly. The only solution to this dilemma is to facilitate more low cost spay and neuter options, implement TNR efforts and educate people on the importance of spaying and neutering! As Marshfield’s first animal welfare organization, we are transforming the way our community views animals and animal welfare. Our future goals include innovative education programs for the public and investments in outreach, advocacy and affordable spay/neuter options for the Marshfield area. Our History September 2011 MAPS began our lifesaving mission when a small group of concerned citizens took the time to review the current process for handling stray animals for the City of Marshfield. In reviewing the process, a necessity was realized; our community desperately needed a humane pet shelter and more importantly, our animals deserved a higher quality of care than they had been afforded for many years. February 2012 The Marshfield Area Pet Shelter, Inc was determined a tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Our first fundraiser was attended by 800 people, solidifying our belief that our community was eager to embrace a pet shelter for the Marshfield area. January 2013 MAPS acquired a parcel of land in the Air Business Park on Marshfield’s south side at the end of the cul-de-sac on Downwind Drive. Our new facility is located there today. October 2013 Volunteers renovated an empty space inside Marshfield Mall which served as MAPS first physical location. Adoptable cats were housed at this location from Feb 2014 to March 2020. The space was known as our Adoption Center. June 2015 Volunteers retrofitted an old airport terminal building at 210 W 29th Street to serve as an animal shelter. We took over the stray cat contract for the City of Marshfield on Oct 1, 2015 and dog contract on July 1, 2017. We operated within two separate locations: our intake shelter on 29th Street and our Adoption Center inside Marshfield Mall for 5 years. July 2016 MAPS hired our first staff member, Kaitlin Loberg as Shelter Manager to oversee our day-to-day operations. More than 60 dedicated volunteers provided daily animal care at our two locations. August 2019 A groundbreaking ceremony was held and construction of our new facility began in Sept 2019. August 20, 2020 Our new facility was completed and we moved all our animals to our new location. Community members contributed $1.2 million dollars to build the first humane animal shelter for the Marshfield area.

Taylor County WI Humane Society, Inc

Located in Medford, WI, Taylor County WI Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal shelter serving Taylor County. We are located at 819 S Gibson Street. At this time, we have limited open hours for visiting our adoptable animals, but appointments can be scheduled to meet our adoptable pets once we receive and approve an adoption application.

Woof Gang Rescue

Woof Gang Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit, no kill, all volunteer dog rescue organization serving not only the Wisconsin and Illinois areas but Arkansas, Missouri and Ohio as well. We are dedicated to rescuing dogs left homeless for whatever reason ‚ focusing on dogs in shelters where they are at high risk of euthanasia due to pet overpopulation and owner surrenders, and those in danger of abuse or neglect. We also find it very rewarding to give breeder dogs a second chance by finding them a forever loving home. These dogs have been given up for a number of reasons including; medical issues, done breeding,or simply dogs that didn't sell. Our goal is to place dogs in loving, responsible, committed permanent homes, following a comprehensive adoption process which includes taking considerable care in finding good matches and educating prospective adopters about the responsibilities and cost of bringing a dog into their homes and lives.

Wisconsin Boston Terrier Rescue

Wisconsin Boston Terrier Rescue is a dedicated group of wonderful volunteers devoted to re-homing Boston Terriers in need in the state of Wisconsin. Whether the dogs are abandoned, picked up as strays or surrendered by their owners, we are here to assist. We are not a shelter. All dogs are fostered in private homes and receive all needed veterinary care prior to placement, including but not limited to spaying/neutering, vaccinations and HW testing. We typically only adopt to homes in Wisconsin. On occasion, exceptions may be made to adopt to the bordering states of Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota. Wisconsin Boston Terrier Rescue’s mission is not to find families for a Boston Terrier, but to find the best family for a Boston Terrier. We often receive dozens of applications for a particular dog, and we have the difficult decision of selecting which family is the best fit for that dog. If you are not selected for one dog, please be patient, stay in touch via e-mail, and apply again for another dog in need that interests you.

Bichon & Little Buddies Rescue

Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit dog rescue located in Mukwonago WI (Waukesha County), just a short drive southwest of Milwaukee. It is licensed by the State of Wisconsin #268555-DS. Founded in 2000 as a rescue organization for the popular Bichon Frise, the need for services for other little breeds was quickly noted and our mission was soon expanded to include other small breeds, as well. On any given day, you will find Bichons, Chihuahuas, Mini Poodles, Dachshunds, Shih Tzus and many others, as well as a great variety of wonderful mixed breed dogs ‚ all needing new homes for various reasons. Some dogs are surrendered by their owners, some are unclaimed strays, and others are rescued from puppy mills. Most recently, besides the little dogs, some larger breed puppies, and even a few bigger adults have come to Bichon and Little Buddies to find new homes.

Canine Cupids

Canine Cupids' mission is to protect and improve the lives of the homeless, neglected, and exceptional needs dogs in Milwaukee and neighboring areas, and to place them in permanent, loving homes.