Services
Volunteer & Foster
From socializing cats to walking dogs to helping at events, there’s a little something for everyone!
Adopt
Helping pets go home again. That’s our mission every day. In 2021 alone we helped over 2,100 pet find safe and loving homes.
Donate
HSSW started with folks just like you who wanted to make a difference in the lives of pets. Choose your gift type and level!
Services List
- Lost a Pet
- Found a Pet
- Spay & Neuter
- Microchipping
- Vaccines & Wellness
- Pet Retention
- Pet Surrender
- Pet Pantry
- Live Trap Rental
Lost Pet Losing a pet can be a scary and terrible experience and it can happen to any of us. No matter what the circumstances, pets can sometimes become lost in a short amount of time, and our goal is to help them get back home just as quickly. Many lost pets make their way to the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin through caring citizens and local law enforcement agencies. While no one wants to think of their furry family member in a shelter environment, you can rest assured, our caring staff welcomes them with open, loving arms. If you decide to trap your cat, you can rent a trap from HSSW. Please visit our Live Trap Rental Page here or contact our Assistant Adoption Supervisor Alison at astrieker@petsgohome.org for more information.
*Strays are held for 5 days to allow owners time to locate their pet. After that time period they are put up for adoption or occasionally transferred to other shelters.*
Found a Stray
You’re in your car having just picked up the kids from school and now heading to the store when you see her. This confused little dog with her nose to the ground, dodging traffic in search of something. We all know that on the other side of the story there most likely is a family missing their furry friend. But before you rescue any stray animal, there are a few tips that could mean the difference between an experience that brings you joy versus one that comes back to bite you, so to speak.
Be cautious when approaching any animal.
Animals may be scared and unsure of their surroundings and with unfamiliar people. Do not try to catch or handle an animal that seems scared or reactive. Many times, you may just be able to contain the animal in a fenced-in yard, garage, kennel, crate, or live trap without making physical contact.
Check for a license tag or other identification.
If you can get close enough to read the tags, please try reaching the owner. Many ID tags include names and phone numbers. If the animal is wearing a rabies tag, contact the vet clinic listed - they can often put you in touch with his or her owner. License tags can similarly be used to find an owner by contacting the municipality that issued the license.
Check with your neighbors or the houses near where you found the animal.
Although you may not recognize the pet, it could still belong to a neighbor, or your neighbors could be dog sitting. Also, many animals don’t roam far from where they are lost so chances are someone in your area will recognize your new-found friend.
We can scan the animal for a microchip.
Your local vet clinic can also quickly scan a cat or dog and let you know if they have a microchip – a chip is permanent ID imbedded under the animal’s skin and is registered with the company who produced them. The microchip company should be able to give you the name and contact information for any chipped animal.
Some finders prefer to hold onto a found animal for a short time while they attempt to find the owner. If you are able to do this, call Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin at (608) 752-5622 to place a found report. We ask you for the animal’s description and try to match it to any missing pet reports in our system. We can also scan found pets for microchips and take photos to help reunite the lost pet with its owners.
If you need assistance with a contained pet found in one of the municipalities below, call the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin at (608) 752-5622 between 8am and 5pm. Because we are a non-profit organization and for safety and agency requirements, we aren’t able to pick up stray animals. We ask that you bring the animal to us if you can. If you can’t hold onto the lost animal or find its owner, contact the appropriate municipality and have them bring it to the HSSW.
- City of Beloit
- Town of Beloit
- City of Janesville
- Town of Janesville
- City of Milton
- Town of Milton
- City of Evansville
- Town of Center
- Village of Clinton
- Town of Avalon
- Town of Fulton
- Town of Rock
- Village of Orfordville
- Town of Harmony
- Village of Footville
- Town of Johnstown
- Town of Lima
- Town of Newark
- Town of Plymouth
- Town of Porter
- Town of Spring Valley
- Town of Union
- Town of La Prairie
It’s spring and you see a tiny bird on the ground. Or an opossum who appears to be staggering. Since many wild animals that appear injured or abandoned are often only exhibiting defense mechanisms, we recommend leaving it alone for at least 24 hours. The bird, for example, might just be fledging and starting its journey out of the nest. That opossum? She might just be coming out of playing dead. Wild animals require a certain level of expertise and must be cared for by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian. At this time, the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin simply doesn’t have the proper facilities or staff to care for wild animals. Contact Fellow Mortals at fellowmortals.org or call 262.248.5055 (the answering recording is long, but leave a detailed message and your call will be returned.)
Above all, we thank you for caring about lost, homeless, and wild animals. A comfortable, warm pet bed, a feathery nest, or a safe pile of timber, no matter the dwelling our aim is the same: together, we are helping all pets go home again.
Spay/Neuter
The Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin is happy to offer low-cost spay and neuter services to the community. Please keep in mind these services are by appointment only and we have limited available slots. Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for additional dates.
When scheduling your appointment online, if you do not see any open timeslots to schedule your appointment, we are fully booked. Please keep checking back as new appointment slots are opened.
Services & Pricing
Cat Spay/Neuter - $65
Vaccinations
Rabies (1 year) - $10
Rabies (3 year*) - $10
*Must provide proof of current rabies vaccination to be eligible*
FVRCP - FREE *while supplies last
Vaccine Packages
Adult Cat Vaccine Package
(Rabies, FVRCP) - $20
Kitten > 12 weeks of age Vaccine Package (Rabies - 1yr, FVRCP, dewormer) - $25
Kitten < 12 weeks of age Vaccine Package (FVRCP, dewormer) - $15
Additional Services
Dewormer - $5
Microchip (24 PetWatch) - $20
FIV/FeLV Combo Test - $30
Complimentary Nail Trim - FREE
Support from Petco Love makes all FVRCP Vaccines FREE!
Microchipping
In the words of Cesar Millan, you won’t ever regret microchipping your pet. But if your dog or cat gets lost, you will regret not doing it. Tags and collars can easily come off, leaving a pet without any identification. Microchipping is your pet’s permanent and safe way to carry its ID. All dogs and cats adopted from the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin are microchipped. But anyone in the community can take advantage of our low-cost microchip services for the peace of mind knowing you’d be reunited with your pet should he or she bolt for a squirrel.
Benefits of a 24 PetWatch Microchip
Inexpensive
Just $30 here at HSSW! And when you adopt, we will microchip your other household pets for just $20 each!
Free microchip ID tag
To keep on your pet's collar or on your own keychain!
24/7 Pet Recovery Service
24PetWatch's pet recovery service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to reunite you with your lost pet.
Free online account
Your 24PetWatch microchip comes with a free online account to easily update your pet's photos and keep your contact information up to date!
Free registration
There are no additional costs or paperwork to register your pet. We do that for you. Your pets are protected as soon as they walk out the door!
Low Cost Wellness Clinic
The Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin is happy to offer low-cost vaccines and wellness services to the community. The following dates are scheduled and more will be added as they are confirmed. Please keep in mind these services are by appointment only and we have limited available slots. Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for additional dates. All dogs must be on a leash (no retractable leashes allowed) and cats must be in carriers.
When scheduling your appointment, you will be charged a $10.55 deposit. This covers the cost of your exam fee and will be deducted from your total at the time of checkout. This price includes tax and the deposit is non-refundable. If you need to cancel for any reason, please contact our Veterinary Assistant, Joey, at jpavlowich@petsgohome.org or call shelter at 608-752-5622 and ask for Joey.
Every Monday & Thursday from 10am - 1pm
To schedule your appointment online, click HERE
If you do not see any open timeslots to schedule your appointment, we are fully booked. Please keep checking back as new appointment slots are opened.
Services & Pricing
Rabies (1 year) - $10
Rabies (3 year)* - $10
*Must provide proof of current rabies vaccination to be eligible.
FVRCP - FREE
DA2PP - FREE
Bordetella - $15
Microchip (24 PetWatch) - $20
Lepto - $15
Lyme - $35
Heartworm Test - $20
4Dx Test - $35
Feline Combo Test - $30
Nail Trimming - $5 (basic), $15 (advanced)
Capstar - $10 (small), $12 (large)
Dewormer - $5 (Pyrantel), $10 (Ponazuril)
Support from Petco Love makes all FVRCP and DA2PP Vaccines FREE!
Happy Home, Safe Home
The Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin is not only committed to helping pets go home, but making sure that home is safe. Even in the most trying of times, 48% of domestic violence survivors will stay in an abusive situation rather than leave a pet behind. In partnership with Defy Domestic Abuse Beloit, HSSW's Happy Home, Safe Home Program can help you take the steps necessary towards safety, pet included. Whether that be financial assistance for pet needs, providing temporary pet housing or food, veterinary care, or anything in between, HSSW is here to help.
If you are experiencing similar circumstances with your pet and are in need of assistance, please reach out to HSSW Business Development Director, Kaitie Swedlund, at kswedlund@petsgohome.org or by phone at 608-752-5622.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please seek support from Defy Domestic Abuse Beloit at 608-364-1083.
Pet Surrender
The Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin knows that the decision to rehome or surrender your pet is never an easy one and is not something anyone takes lightly. Depending on your situation, HSSW may be able to offer assistance so you can keep your pet or alternatives to surrendering your pet, like rehoming your pet on your own. We are committed to working together to find the best possible solution for you and your pet.
If you are looking to surrender your pet, you must first do a surrender consultation with one of our Animal Services team leaders. During this consultation, you will be asked to sign up for our Home to Home program, if you have not already done so. If during the consultation, it is decided that surrendering your pet to HSSW is the best path, an appointment will be scheduled with one of our Animal Services team leaders.
Here at HSSW, we follow a managed admission philosophy for all surrendered animals. This philosophy allows us to make sure that we have the space and resources to meet your pet’s needs during their time with us. It also allows us to be proactive instead of reactive and save more lives.
Please review the information below and if you would like to continue forward with our surrender process, please reach out to one of our Animal Services team leaders.
Alternatives to Surrendering
- Reach out to HSSW Business Development Director, Kaitie, at kswedlund@petsgohome.org or 608-752-5622 ext. 101 for monetary support in staying united with your pet (emergency vet bill, pet deposit support, etc.)
- Reach out to HSSW Community Outreach Coordinator, Faith, at fstephens@petsgohome.org or 608-752-5622 ext. 117 for pet supplies such as pet food, a tie-out, or bedding.
- Rehome your pet independently.
- Ask local veterinarians if you can post signs in their clinic.
- Ask local pet-related businesses if you can post signs in their store.
- Talk to friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers to see if they are looking for a pet.
- Use social media to share your pet’s story.
- Use our Home to Home program.
Home to Home Program
Rehoming your pet independently using our Home to Home program, is very beneficial to both you and your pet. It reduces stress on animals by keeping them out of the shelter. It leaves more shelter resources available to animals with no other options like those that are lost or abandoned. It also gives potential new owners a chance to learn more about the animals directly from the current owner and allows the current owner to be directly involved in the entire process.
You will be asked to sign up for our Home to Home program during your surrender consultation. If you'd like to sign up before your consultation, you may do that as well.
To sign up for our Home to Home program, visit https://home-home.org/shelter/hssw/
To do a Surrender Consultation
In order to surrender a pet to HSSW, you must first do a surrender consultation. To do a surrender consultation with HSSW, please contact one of our Animal Services team leaders via email (preferred) or phone.
- Email: rehome@petsgohome.org
- Phone: Melinda, 608-752-5622 ext. 116 or Shannon, 608-752-5622 ext. 114
What to Expect During your Consultation
- Alternatives to Surrender. During your communications with our Animal Services team leaders, you will discuss your situation together and may be presented alternatives to surrendering your pet with resources provided by HSSW.
- Home to Home Program. You will be asked to sign up for our Home to Home program.
- Gathering Information. During your communications with our team, you will be asked for a lot of information about your pet to determine the best path for them such as scheduling a surrender appointment or supporting you in rehoming your pet independently.
- Prep for your Appointment. If it is decided that surrendering your pet to HSSW is the best course of action, one of our team members will schedule that appointment with you and go through what you will need to bring with you to that appointment.
What to Expect at your Appointment
- Bring in your pet yourself. Please be prepared to spend some time with a staff member when surrendering your pet so that we may get as much background information as possible.
- Bring any veterinary records you have. This will help us to know what care your pet needs during their stay with us and in their next home.
- Bring a form of payment. There is a considerable cost to care for and rehome pets that are in our care. Because of this, we do require pet owners that are surrendering their pets to pay a surrender fee. We accept cash, debit, and credit (except American Express).
If you are able to rehome your pet independently prior to your appointment, please call 608-752-5622 to cancel your appointment.
Surrender Fees
- Dog/Puppy - $50
- Cat/Kitten - $50
- Rabbit/Guinea Pig/Mouse/Hamster - $25
- Ferret/Chinchilla - $50
- Reptiles/Amphibians/Birds - $50
Community Pet Pantry
In an effort to assist our community, The Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin provides a Community Pet Pantry that is open every day of the week during business hours. Thanks to our amazing partnership with Amazon, we now receive weekly shipments of pet food and other supplies to our facility. We are so thankful that we can share this with our community.
If you or someone you know is in need of dry cat or dog food, or any other pet supplies, please call the shelter at 608-752-5622 to schedule a pick-up time. Our Community Pet Pantry relies on donations so please call the shelter to check availability. Thank you in advance for understanding.
If you are looking to donate any supplies to the Community Pet Pantry, please drop off any donations at our donation drop off location at our new facility at 4700 S County TK G.
PLEASE NOTE: Because our Community Pet Pantry relies on donations, we may not be able to provide specific brands or types of food at any given time.
Live Trap Rental
Although unable to assist in the actual trapping of stray cats, HSSW has live traps available for rent with a $20 deposit.
For more information on live trap rental, please call the shelter at 608-752-5622 or email our Assistant Adoptions Supervisor, Alison, at astrieker@petsgohome.org.
HSSW live traps are intended for the use of trapping feral/stray cats and should not be used to capture a cat whose left ear is ear-tipped, unless the cat seems sick and/or needs medical attention. HSSW live traps are not intended to harm animals, including the trapping of wildlife.
Live traps are rented out on a two-week basis. If there is a need to keep the trap longer, please call the shelter to get an extension approved.
$15 of the $20 deposit will be refunded upon return of live trap in good working condition.