Dane County Humane Society is one of the oldest shelters in the United States, having been established in the Wisconsin capital of Madison in 1921.  Over the course of the past 86 years Dane County has been providing care and shelter for an ever increasing number of homeless animals.  In 2006 DCHS adopted out almost 4,000 animals and cared for an additional 3,000 including wildlife and livestock.   As DCHS’s core value statement is “Together we hold central the welfare and care of animals” their staff works hard to provide superior care for the animals that come into it’s facility, re-unite them with their owners where possible and adopt them out where not.

Community Education Programs

Staying true to its mission statement of "Helping People Help Animals" DCHS offers an impressive range of educational opportunities and programs for people of all ages and interests, but with a particular emphasis upon children in the community. Focused upon respect, tolerance, and compassion for animals, each program is designed to help people gain a better understanding of their animal companions.

Staff and volunteers of DCHS offer children the opportunity to learn about, and interact with, animals through many innovative channels, including clubs, birthday parties, in class opportunities and even summer and spring break camps (Camp Pawprint and Club Whiskers)! Adult education is tailor made to fit in with hectic schedules and include the Brown Bag Forum and Lunch and Learn (held in the workplace).

Animal Welfare Programs

DCHS has numerous low- or no-cost assistance programs aimed at reducing the number of unwanted animals. Every year the DCHS team swings into action with Spay/Neuter Assistance (SNAP), SOS and Feline Fix Programs in the community. In addition they partner with several local veterinarians to help reduce pet overpopulation by making sterilization surgery more affordable and available to the community.

Currently only 20% of all animals that enter the facility are microchipped, making the process of reuniting the lost animals with their families that much more difficult. In March 2005 DCHS began microchipping all adoptable dogs and cats, hoping to improve these statistics. In addition DCHS holds microchip clinics that offer affordable microchipping for existing pets owned in the community.

In addition DCHS hosts a Pet Loss Support Group on a regular basis. This group helps people deal with or prepare for the loss of a companion animal. It offers the opportunity to share experiences and listen to others in a supportive and friendly environment.

Key Fundraising Initiatives

The DCHS is as active in fundraising as it is in areas of education and animal welfare. They host a number of different events each year and participate at others throughout the County. Their top annual fundraiser is the “Bark & Wine” evening which includes food, wine and a silent auction. The 2007 Bark & Wine event raised over $62,000 for DCHS operation, Bark & wine 2008 is scheduled for May 17th!

This year’s new fund-raising initiative is their 2008 DCHS Calendar, DCHS received hundreds of photos from hopeful pet owners for inclusion into the calendar, the final picks have been made and calendars may now be purchased online.

Dane County Humane Society Contact Details

Angela Rhodes
Resource Manager
Dane County Humane Society
5132 Voges Road
Madison, WI 53718

(608) 838-0413 Ext. 118
www.giveshelter.org

In September 2007 Pethealth Inc. was happy to welcome Dane County Humane Society as the 700th animal welfare organization to move to the PetPoint Animal Management System, the most widely used animal management application in North America.