WELCOME TO HAWS!
 
A non-profit organization established in 1965, HAWS assists over 6,000 animals each year and welcomes more than 31,000 human visitors annually.  An “open admissions” shelter, we accept animals regardless of age, health, temperament or breed.  Our active humane education department offers programs and services to promote responsible pet ownership and prevent animal abuse and neglect in our community and beyond.

HAWS promotes the humane care and treatment of all animals, supporting cooperative humane efforts throughout the state of Wisconsin.  We are not affiliated with any other local or national humane society.  HAWS is a member of the Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies.

We invite you to explore our site and to learn more about us! 


Adopt - Learn - Join - Volunteer - Donate

Our experienced Adoption Counselors are ready to assist you in finding your lost pet or choosing your new best friend, and will give you the tools to thrive with your new pet.

Our Kennel Caregivers are dedicated animal enthusiasts with many years of animal handling experience.  Each day, with the help of our many volunteers, they clean over 100 animal housing units, bathe, feed, exercise and ready HAWS resident pets to meet you.

Our Humane Education department conducts seminars, training classes, shelter tours, speaking engagements, our very popular Kids ‘N Critters day camps and K’HAWS kids club, and more - all geared toward teaching empathy and respect for all living things.

HAWS’ Mobile Adoptions Center visits businesses and events throughout our area to promote pet adoption and responsible pet ownership - we'll even bring along adoptable pets to your location!

The Spay-Neuter Initiative Program at HAWS (SNIP) spays and neuters our shelter animals, as well as assisting other animal rescue groups, low income individuals and senior citizens through our on-site surgical clinic and our free Outdoor Owned Cat Program.

Our Animal Rescue/Road Response Team contracts with the various municipalities in Waukesha County to handle their stray impounding services - to reunite lost pets with their owners, and to answer calls to assist wildlife in distress.

Donations to HAWS, including annual and Sustaining Memberships, general donations and wills/estate gifts ensure we are able to continue offering all of these important programs and services to our community. 

Visit HAWS today and Bring Home Your Best Friend. 


Member, Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies, Inc.
Winner of the 2010 Waukesha County Executive Awards Large Non-Profit of the Year.
Inaugural Winner of the "Chamber's Choice Award" presented in 2008 by the Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Times.
HAWS is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt non-profit organization.