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!

HAWS 60th Logo

60 Things We Love About HAWS

#15: Adoption Success Stories

#15: Adoption Success Stories     We really do love when our adopters send us updates on their HAWS Alumni pets! “Back in September, Modern Woodmen did a service project day with HAWS.  My daughter, Lexie, came and helped, and, went home with a cat.  There was a “Name your price” for older cats.  With…

#14: Dog Dock

#14: Dog Dock   As if the HAWS Schallock Center for Animals weren’t already amazing, it also is home to our private Dog Dock! This fenced swimming area is another option available for water-loving dogs during the warmer months to exercise without being bothered (no human swimming is allowed). The Dock is great for practicing…

#13: Kitten Season – Fosters

#13: Kitten Season – Fosters Kitten Season means all-hands-on-deck fostering – HAWS welcomes hundreds of litters of kittens (and sometimes their mommas) each year from early spring into late fall. Fostering is such a rewarding experience, nurturing a new, fragile life into a playful and loving being. Since litters are usually 3-6 kittens, watching them…

#12: Behavior Department 1:1 Consults

#12: Behavior Department 1:1 Consults   Some behavior issues are best worked out individually. Our Behavior/Training team is here to help pets and their people through a variety of behavior concerns. We know that sometimes having a sounding board and an understanding ear can be the key to strengthening your relationship with your pet –…

#11: Angelina’s Easter Eggs Fundraiser

#11: Angelina’s Easter Eggs Fundraiser Angelina’s Ristorante in Delafield does one of the most FUN-draisers for HAWS each year: Easter Eggs on the Ceiling. For a small donation, restaurant patrons can choose from one of the plastic eggs suspended from the ceiling in the eatery. Inside each egg is a special treat – things like…

#10: HAWS’ Board of Directors

#10: HAWS’ Board of Directors HAWS’ Board of Directors is a group of volunteers who donate their time to guide the organization in many different ways! While they oversee our efforts, they also get involved in their favorite aspects of our work, through various committees, events and in-shelter assistance. Group responsibilities include Fund Development/Marketing, Finance,…

#9: Employee Appreciation Day

#9: Employee Appreciation Day At HAWS, our team is the heart of everything we do in animal welfare. Each employee, from animal caretakers to essential behind-the-scenes roles, plays a vital role in making a difference for animals. Their passion, dedication, and compassion push our mission forward. We are incredibly grateful for every member of our…

#8: Training Classes – especially Basic Manners

#8: Training Classes – Basic Manners Communication is key in all relationships. Understanding each other goes a long way! Basic Manners is a six-week-long foundation class that teaches skills such as sit, down, come, wait, stay and focus on the handler. It helps owners build a relationship of trust with their dog that ultimately makes…

#7: Media Partners

#7: Media Partners When HAWS needs to get the word out – about a pet in need, an adoption special, a special transport, a fun event – we are lucky to have media partners that are ready to help. HAWS makes monthly appearances (and more!) on TMJ4’s Morning Blend, giving information about our programs and…

#6: Summer Camp Registration…Open NOW!

#6: Summer Camp Registration…Open NOW! Yay, Campers! NOW IS THE TIME TO THINK SUMMER – HAWS Summer Camp! Education is an integral part of HAWS’ mission, and we want to make learning enjoyable – especially for the youth of our community. Teaching kids the values of empathy and compassion translates to more caring relationships, and…

#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.