Dane County Humane Society

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Dane County Humane Society DCHS is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to Helping People Help Animals. Almost all DCHS services are by appointment only.

The shelter is located on a 29-acre wooded site off of Voges Road in Madison, WI. Our facility includes a state-of-the-art veterinary center, animal exercise areas, walking trails, barn, wildlife rehabilitation center, counseling rooms for adoptions, and humane education classroom. If you found a lost animal, need to surrender a pet, or require another service, start by checking our website, giveshelter.org. We have helpful information to get you started and forms to submit online. Adoptions and donation drop offs are available as walk-in services during open hours. Front Office Hours:
Every day except Wednesday 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Wednesdays Closed
(608) 838-0413
[email protected]

Adoption Center Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 12:00pm to 7:00pm
Saturday and Sunday 11:00pm to 5:00pm
Wednesdays Closed
(608) 838-0413 ext. 145
[email protected]

Dane County Humane Society's Wildlife Center is dedicated to providing responsible care for the ill, injured and orphaned wildlife of south central Wisconsin, and to promoting education and awareness of the crucial role of wildlife in our community. All wildlife admissions are by appointment only. Please call to discuss the situation and schedule an appointment before bringing an animal in. Wildlife Center Hours:
Daily 9:00am to 5:00pm
Phone: (608) 287-3235

Dane County Humane Society's Thrift Store West is located at 6904 Watts Road in Madison, across from Woodman's. NOW OPEN: Thrift Store East is located at 5231 High Crossing Blvd, Madison, WI 53718. Both stores sell gently used items from pet supplies to clothing to houseware with all proceeds benefitting Dane County Humane Society. Thrift Store Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 11:00am to 7:00pm
Sunday-Monday 11:00am to 5:00pm
Phone: (608) 709-1275 (West) or (608) 817-6780 (East)

Happy   from Kerry. This 9-month-old pup has been enjoying life in a foster home for nearly two weeks, and his foster fa...
10/30/2026

Happy from Kerry. This 9-month-old pup has been enjoying life in a foster home for nearly two weeks, and his foster family says they can’t believe he hasn’t been scooped up yet!

Sometimes the shelter environment can be stressful for some animals, like Kerry, so we placed him in a foster home where he has been thriving. In fact, the foster says Kerry is a completely different dog. He settled in quickly and loves nothing more than being close to his people and part of the family. OK, he likes treats a lot too!

Kerry has medium energy, loves fetch and tug, and is smart, food-motivated, and eager to learn. He’s excellent on leash and learned sit, down, and stay in just a couple nights…with the help of three hot dogs. Kerry has been doing well with the family’s youngest member – a 7-year-old girl. He doesn’t jump on her, but he gets curious about her stuffed animals and food. But with continued training and supervision, he’s making great progress.

Kerry is looking for a family without cats who will continue working with him on his puppy manners while helping him build confidence and learn that his people always come back.

Kerry has so much love to give and would make someone an incredible companion. Could that someone be you? To meet Kerry, call the Adoption Center at (608) 838-0413 ext 145 to set up an appointment.

To learn more about Kerry, click on the link in the comments.

10/29/2026

Mark your calendars! Our one-time-only Crystals for Critters silent auction launches in less than one week!

With more than 100 Swarovski crystal figurines, there's something for everyone! From adorable animal figurines to elegant collectibles, these sparkling treasures are perfect for collectors or anyone who loves a little extra sparkle.

Bidding opens November 4th and closes November 13th, and you can participate from anywhere! Just remember, winning items must be picked up in person at Dane County Humane Society in Madison, WI. We are unable to ship items.

This beautiful collection was donated in memory of Barbara Berlin, and every bid helps us provide care for animals in need.

Stay tuned and get ready to bid for a good cause! Bookmark the auction using this link: https://onecau.se/_hy4v81

NEW UPDATE: The adoption hold on Nimbus has been dropped, which means he is available for adoption. Our Adoption Center ...
10/29/2026

NEW UPDATE: The adoption hold on Nimbus has been dropped, which means he is available for adoption. Our Adoption Center opens at noon today (10/30).

He's a big dog with an even bigger heart! Nimbus, 3 years, was among 11 dogs transferred to DCHS yesterday (10/28) from an overcrowded shelter in Texas. And while we're still getting to know him, he's already showing us what a gentle, mellow, friendly guy he is!

Nimbus walks beautifully on leash, he knows sit, down, and shake, takes treats with a gentle touch, and leans in for pets. He can be a little picky about his snacks (this guy knows what he likes) and might even convince you to share yours, but he's a smart boy who appreciates the good stuff. We've also been told Nimbus loves everyone and gets along well with other dogs. He definitely enjoyed meeting everyone at News 3 Now / Channel 3000, where his friendly, calm, and sweet personality was on full display during his Pet-Entially Yours segment earlier today.

Nimbus is looking for a new home with plenty of cozy spots for long naps, lots of tasty treats, and tons of love from his new family. Could Nimbus be your gentle giant? Stop by to meet this big-hearted boy!

To see all of the available animals, click on the link in the comments below.

Tihanna enjoyed a little time in the spotlight earlier today! She was featured as the Pet of the Week on WMTV 15 News, w...
10/28/2026

Tihanna enjoyed a little time in the spotlight earlier today! She was featured as the Pet of the Week on WMTV 15 News, where she happily munched on veggies, soaked up some gentle pets, and showed off her sweet personality.

Now this adorable, curious, and attentive adult guinea pig is hoping to find a family of her own! Like many guinea pigs, Tihanna isn't a big fan of being picked up, but once she's settled in your arms and feels secure, she's happy to enjoy some gentle snuggles and pets. She's looking for a family who will give her time to settle in and shower her with lots of love and companionship!

To learn more about Tihanna and our other pets available for adoption, visit www.giveshelter.org/adopt.

No tricks, just treats, and a little extra love for animals! There are two fun community events coming up that benefit D...
10/28/2026

No tricks, just treats, and a little extra love for animals! There are two fun community events coming up that benefit DCHS, and they’re both bound to be a howling good time!

First, head over to Ian’s Pizza in Verona for a Halloween Bash and Costume Contest on Thursday, October 29th! All proceeds will be donated to DCHS, so you can enjoy a spooky night out while helping animals in need.

Next, it’s time for the pups to show off their Halloween best at the Monroe Street Dog Costume Parade on Sunday, November 1st, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm! Spots are limited and filling up fast, so don’t wait to sign up!

Learn more about both events by visiting our website at: www.giveshelter.org/events

**UPDATE: Adopted!!**Meet Tipple, our stub-tailed Pet of the Week on 105.5 Triple M! This gorgeous tortoiseshell girl ha...
10/27/2026

**UPDATE: Adopted!!**

Meet Tipple, our stub-tailed Pet of the Week on 105.5 Triple M! This gorgeous tortoiseshell girl has a big love for her people and absolutely no concept of personal space. And honestly, we think that’s part of her charm!

Tipple came to DCHS as a stray from Middleton with a tail injury that required a partial amputation. She’s healed up beautifully and has officially ditched her cone of shame. Now she’s ready to leave her recovery behind and focus on finding her new best friend.

Tipple is a delightful, people-focused companion who LOVES, LOVES, LOVES being close to her humans. Your lap? Hers. Your arms? Also hers. Your shoulder? Sure, why not! She wants to be wherever you are, preferably snuggled right up against you. She even drools just a little when she’s happy, which is pretty much the sweetest endorsement of a good cuddle session we can imagine.

Tipple is looking for her person, her BFF, and a home where she can soak up all the affection she desires. If you’re looking for a loving feline to be glued to your side, Tipple might just be your girl.

Meet Tipple at DCHS and see if you’re her kind of human! She's now in our Kitty Kottages in the main hallway--just ask our Adoption Center staff to meet her!

It's a  ! For this   with City Cast Madison, we'd like you to meet Marnie. This adult pup was found by a veterinary clin...
10/27/2026

It's a ! For this with City Cast Madison, we'd like you to meet Marnie. This adult pup was found by a veterinary clinic in Cottage Grove in mid-September. After DCHS was unable to locate her family, we are helping Marnie find a new home. Marnie is a sweet, shy pup who needs a little extra time to feel safe and comfortable. New people and unfamiliar situations can be scary for Marnie, but once she starts to trust you, her personality shines! Marnie loves running around outside, showing off her zoomies, playing with toys (especially fetch), and soaking up belly rubs and snuggles. Marnie walks well on leash, but can get a little excited when she spots critters along the way. Marnie would thrive in a calm, patient home where she can settle in at her own pace. She’d like to be the only pet so she can enjoy all the love, toys, and pet beds for herself. Marnie may enjoy playdates with other dogs, though. She’s done well playing with other dogs at the shelter, but introductions should be done slowly. Marnie is looking for a patient family with teens or older who will give her the time she needs to build trust. With patience, consistency, and plenty of love, Marnie can blossom into a wonderful companion. Marnie is a member of DCHS’s Lonely Hearts Club, and her adoption fee has been reduced. She’s staying in a quieter area of the shelter, so ask about her in the Adoption Center. To learn more about Marnie, visit www.giveshelter.org/adopt

Sit, stay, learn something new! A new round of DCHS dog training sessions start NEXT WEEK, and there’s still time to sig...
10/26/2026

Sit, stay, learn something new! A new round of DCHS dog training sessions start NEXT WEEK, and there’s still time to sign up!

Whether you’re raising a puppy, building better manners, or making walks more enjoyable, we have a class to help you and your dog learn together!

🐾 PUPPY PRESCHOOL
Starts Tuesday, Nov. 3rd at 6:00 pm (for dogs 8 to 18 weeks).
Help your puppy build confidence, learn good manners, and enjoy positive socialization.

🐾 CANINE KINDERGARTEN
Starts Tuesday, Nov. 3rd at 7:00 pm (for dogs 4 to 6 months).
Build on the basics and practice skills that make everyday life with your dog easier.

🐾 CANINE EXPLORERS
Starts Wednesday, Nov. 4th at 9:15 am.
Navigate fun obstacles together while building confidence, communication, and teamwork.

🐾LOOSE LEASH WALKING
Starts Thursday, Nov. 5th at 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm (for dogs 3 months and up).
Learn techniques to help your dog walk politely on leash and make outings more enjoyable.

These multi-week sessions give you and your dog time to practice, learn, and grow together. Find your class and register at the link in the comments!

If you’ve been thinking about signing up for Madison Marathon, now’s the time! Spots are filling up, and registration cl...
10/26/2026

If you’ve been thinking about signing up for Madison Marathon, now’s the time! Spots are filling up, and registration closes Sunday, November 1st!

Use code DCHS26 when you register, and Madison Marathon will donate $5 to Dane County Humane Society for every person who uses our code. Help make a difference while you run!

Learn more and register by visiting: www.giveshelter.org/events/madison-marathon.

We LOVE when Community Dog Day comes around! On Saturday, October 10th, our Pets for Life (PFL) team partnered with DCHS...
10/25/2026

We LOVE when Community Dog Day comes around! On Saturday, October 10th, our Pets for Life (PFL) team partnered with DCHS staff and volunteers to host Community Dog Day at the Boys & Girls Club.

We provided free services to more than 110 dogs—including vet exams, vaccines, microchips, ID tags, educational resources, pet food, treats, supplies, and more. The free vaccines were made possible through Petco Love’s national initiative.

Thank you to all the pet families who came out! We so enjoyed meeting and working with you and your furry family members.

To learn more about our PFL program, visit www.giveshelter.org/pfl

Address

5132 Voges Road
Madison, WI
53718

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 7pm
Tuesday 2pm - 7pm
Thursday 12pm - 7pm
Friday 12pm - 7pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

+16088380413

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