Frequently Asked Questions

The Humane Society of Jefferson County is committed to saving lives.  Our outcomes meet the generally recognized no-kill standards of saving 90% or more of the animals we receive.  Because there is not set standard for “no-kill”, our organization is best described as an “open admission” shelter. We take in all animals from contracting municipalities regardless of factors affecting adoptability including age, health and temperament.  Adoptable animals stay with us until they are placed in good homes and there is no time limit on how long they may remain at the shelter.  Animals who are severely injured or have a serious disease from which they cannot recover may be euthanized if it is the most humane option to end their suffering.  Animals who are aggressive to the point of posing a serious threat to humans may also be euthanized.  The necessity for humane euthanasia is always heartbreaking and these decisions are never made lightly.

There is no time limit or “ticking clock” for any of our animals. As long as an animal is happy and healthy and we have space, the animal will stay until it finds a home.  While most animals are adopted fairly soon after becoming available, some stay with us for many months before finding a home.  A few have been with us for a year or more before being adopted, and we are very pleased that we can provide a long-term sanctuary for animals who may need some extra time to find  loving homes.

No. The shelter receives no county, state, or federal government funding. We are a private, 501(c)3 non-profit organization that relies on the generosity and support of our donors to help us provide life-saving services to the animals in our care.  We are also grateful to receive support through contracts with individual municipalities for stray animal pick-up, donations, bequests, and fundraising events.

Visit the “Adopt” section of our website to see our available pets and fill out an application. The adoption process takes about 1-3 business days if information on the application is complete and your veterinarian or landlord can be contacted.

Yes. In 2005 we made the financial commitment to spay and neuter dogs, cats and rabbits before adoption.

Yes! The shelter has many opportunities to volunteer both in the shelter and at outside events. Please visit the “Volunteer” section on this website for more information.

At the present time, we do not have the resources to spay/neuter any owned pets. We perform surgery here only on HSJC animals with the assistance of our staff veterinarian who is here one day a week. We recommend the Wisconsin Community Veterinary Center (formerly the Spay Me! Clinic) in Madison, Wisconsin. WCVC provides low cost spay/neuter surgeries as well as other veterinary services.

As long as we are able to verify all the necessary information from your application, we will adopt animals to individuals who live in other counties or states.