About Us
Our Mission
The Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin (formerly the Rock County Humane Society) is a private nonprofit 501c3 organization whose mission is to provide shelter and humane care to lost and homeless pets, reunite lost pets with their families, promote positive pet adoptions and educate our community in order to inspire compassion and responsible pet guardianship.
Our History
Started in 1910, the Rock County Humane Society (RCHS), as it was named, has been saving the lives of animals in need for more than 100 years. Just like then, the new Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin is an independent community shelter with 35-40% of its annual budget coming in from private donations and fundraising, with the remainder coming from adoption fees, contract services, and inkind gifts that save us in expenses.
In 1959, RCHS secured land to build a shelter and broke ground on our previous site at 222 S. Arch Street, Janesville, in 1962. After many years in our Arch Street building, we were quickly running out of room. In 2017, we decided it was time to make a change and started planning for a new building . We were fortunate to receive a generous estate donation that allowed us to purchase a beautiful 44-acre parcel land located centrally between Janesville and Beloit on County Road G. We broke ground, began building our new facility in 2021 and move in June of 2022. While a lot has changed since 1910, including our building and enhancing services to be broader in care, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to securing safe and loving homes for every adoptable animal and humane treatment for all.
Our Hours
*Hours of operation for adoption events may vary. Please check ‘Events’ tab for any special hours.*
Adoption Hours at Main Shelter
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: Noon – 7pm
Wednesday: Closed
Saturday, and Sunday: Noon – 5pm
We do not start any new adoption processes after 4:30pm on Saturday and Sunday or 6:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday. This is to ensure that our adopters do not feel rushed into making an important decision, they are able to spend the quantity and quality of time that they would like to with their potential new furry family members, and so that we are able to thoroughly counsel and go through all necessary paperwork with our adopters.
General Operating Hours at Main Shelter
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 8am – 7pm
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday: 8am – 5pm
During general operating hours, HSSW is available for all services other than adoptions, such as reclaiming lost pets, scheduled appointments, donation drop offs, and more. Adoptions are only processed during Shelter Adoption Hours.
Adoption Hours at Petco
Morning Hours: 9am – 11:30am daily
Afternoon Hours: Monday – Friday 5pm – 7pm
Saturday & Sunday 2pm – 5pm
Our Locations
Main Shelter
4700 S County Trunk G
Janesville, WI 53546
(608) 752-5622
Petco
2900 Deerfield Dr.
Janesville, WI 53546
(608) 741-1534