Northwoods Animal Welfare Consulting - NAWC

Northwoods Animal Welfare Consulting - NAWC Animal welfare consultant and certified Humane Officer in North Central Wisconsin. Hello there! My name is Kayla Nikolai. My life-long passion is to help animals.

In 2017 I began working in veterinary medicine, in which I have been both a hospital manager and veterinary assistant (current). Separately, I completed the WI humane officer training fall 2024 and became certified by the DATCP. I am sensitive to the fact that a life lived alongside animals does not go without challenges. Animals have unique needs, including physiological challenges, and they help

lessly weather the ups and downs of the lives of their owners. This year I established Northwoods Animal Welfare Consulting and became the Humane Officer for the Town of Harrison. (Feb 1)

My goals will always be to help people provide the best possible life for their pets and livestock, and to advocate for animals in need. What a humane officer does:
• Uphold laws and local ordinances related to animals and their welfare. (95.21 ANIMAL HEALTH, 173 ANIMALS; HUMANE OFFICERS, 174 DOGS, 944.18 Be******ty, 951 CRIMES AGAINST ANIMALS)
• Safe custody of animals under 173.13(1)(a)1-9. (ie. 1. An abandoned or stray animal)
• Help law enforcement investigate allegations involving animals, as needed. (Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday)
PLEASE NOTE: A humane officer appointed by a city, village or town shall carry out his or duties within the boundaries of the city, village or town. (173.03(3))
Kayla Nikolai – Appointing Jurisdiction(s) as of February 1, 2025: Town of Harrison

I will do my best to respond to inquiries outside of my jurisdiction as a consultant, even if only to provide potentially helpful resources. Want a humane officer in your community? Feel free to share this information with members of your local government for consideration. (North Central Wisconsin)

06/26/2026

Surgery openings still available in July. Prevent your male cat from spraying!

Cat Neuter $85
Cat spay $115

Both include surgical exam, anesthesia, long-acting pain medication, surgery.

Outdoor cats getting ear tipped-$80 for surgery and includes a Rabies vaccine.

Locations: Baldwin, Wisconsin (closest to our St. Paul/Minneapolis families)
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Hayward, Wisconsin

All friendly cats must be current on Distemper vaccination. Walk-in vaccine clinics ($20) weekly-see website details.

Schedule all surgeries at
www.purplecatvet.com

06/26/2026

Many successful lost dog recoveries begin with a well-managed feeding station because it turns a moving target into a dog with a dependable routine.

06/26/2026

Fireworks season is approaching 🎆

For many pets, loud noises aren’t just startling. They can trigger significant fear and anxiety. Noise aversion can worsen over time without support, which is why early conversations with clients matter.

Common signs may include:
🐾 Panting or pacing
🐾 Hiding or escape attempts
🐾 Vocalization
🐾 Destructive behavior
🐾 Restlessness or inability to settle

Encourage pet owners to prepare before fireworks begin by creating a safe retreat space, using calming strategies, and speaking with their veterinary team about behavioral support or medications if needed.

The earlier noise aversion is addressed, the better the outcome may be for the pet’s long-term wellbeing.

Read more from Healthy Pet: https://hubs.li/Q04h_XcJ0

06/26/2026

Summer brings sunshine, travel, cookouts, gardening, and more outdoor adventures, but it can also bring increased risk of toxin exposure for pets.

AAHA teamed up with to highlight common summer pet toxins veterinary teams may encounter, including:

🌊 Blue-green algae

🌿 THC/marijuana products

🌺 Azaleas, rhododendrons, and oleander

🐌 Slug and snail bait

🐭 Rodenticides

The article also includes a printable client handout your team can use in exam rooms, discharge packets, newsletters, or social media education.

With potential poisonings, early intervention matters. Help clients know what to watch for and remind them to call their veterinary team or a resource like Pet Poison Helpline right away if exposure is suspected.

Read the article and download the handout: https://www.aaha.org/trends-magazine/publications/summer-pet-toxins-awareness-prevention-and-safety/

06/11/2026

Purple Cat requires all cats and kittens to be vaccinated prior to their surgery appointment. Only feral cats that cannot be handled are exempt.

We offer low-cost, walk-in vaccinations!
Prices, locations, dates and times can be found on the link below 👇
https://www.purplecatvet.com/low-cost-vaccine-clinics/

Vaccination requirement information available on the Purple Cat FAQ page 👇
https://www.purplecatvet.com/faq/

This vaccine protects against three very common viruses (herpes, calici, panleukopenia) that cause symptoms ranging from upper respiratory infection to vomiting/diarrhea and very sadly to death. These viruses are found everywhere in the environment – they are outside your home and sometimes can be tracked into your home. We have made this a requirement due to the increased number of cases this year.

06/11/2026

MYTH: My dog is on heartworm preventative, so he doesn't need to be tested.

06/11/2026

Make sure any products you use for your animals are considered “pet safe”. This includes medicines, 💊 toothpaste, 🪥and sunscreen☀️.
Keep them comfortable and healthy in a safe way!
www.bikersagainstanimalcruelty.org

06/05/2026

Address

Aniwa, WI

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Northwoods Animal Welfare Consulting - NAWC posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category