60th Anniversary

Growing a Humane Community: 60 Years Strong

This year is HAWS’ 60th Anniversary. Like many things, we’ve gotten better with age!

Over these six decades, HAWS has grown into a vibrant community organization. Since our incorporation on July 22, 1965, we’ve impacted the lives of tens of thousands of pets and their people. Our facilities and programs have continued to expand to ensure we meet the needs of the citizens of Waukesha County and beyond.

And we’re just getting started. The future is bright!

Throughout 2025 we’ll be sharing memories, stories, hopes and dreams – the 60 things we love about HAWS. We’ll be celebrating the individuals, groups and initiatives that have made HAWS the leader in animal welfare: an open-admission, no-kill shelter dedicated to strengthening the relationship between animals and humans through adoptions and education – making a more compassionate community possible.

We are incredibly thankful to have reached this milestone, and invite you, our greatest source of support, to join us in a year of reflection and celebration!

60 Things We Love About HAWS

#5: Milwaukee Admirals Dog Day Games

#5: Milwaukee Admirals Dog Day Why would you take your dog to a hockey game? It seems like an odd pairing – bring your dog indoors to an arena full of ice to “watch” a professional team play. When the Milwaukee Admirals introduced their first “Dog Day” over a decade ago, HAWS was on…

#4: Blanket donations keep HAWS’ Herd warm

#4: Blanket Donations Keep HAWS’ Herd Warm Snow falls softly from above, slowly covering the field. Horses graze nearby, making this a picture-perfect winter moment. But wait: it’s Wisconsin. Winter is cold. Frigid even. The horses that make up HAWS’ Herd at our Schallock Center for Animals eagerly wait each morning to be led…

#3: Law Enforcement Appreciation Day – our animal rescue helpers!

#3: Law Enforcement Appreciation Day – our animal rescue helpers! When a resident calls to report an animal in distress, our rescue team is grateful for the assistance from local law enforcement! Often they are true first responders and initiate the rescues. The trained professionals at HAWS have saved deer tangled in soccer nets,…

#2: HAWS Brings Happy Tails to YOU!

#2: HAWS Brings Happy Tails to YOU! Our Mobile Adoption and Outreach teams are always ready for a road trip to a local business, to give our adoptable pets some important out-of-shelter time. These visits are beneficial for the pets (new scenery and people to meet!) and are a welcome addition to a maybe…

#1: Dog Walkers who brave the cold…

#1: Dog Walkers who brave the cold… HAWS’ Dog Walkers are the most dedicated bunch around. As an open admission and no-kill shelter, HAWS is committed to adopting all pets that come to our shelter. Whether it takes 24 hours or 24 weeks, we are also committed to the physical and mental health…

Help us continue our mission of ensuring the entire community treats animals and one another, with respect.