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By Hayley Sroka
The Waushara County Animal Shelter has been helping more pets find their forever home as they continue to grow. They opened their facility over one year ago, and are continuing to expand their access to animals in need.
The Waushara County Animal Shelter was officially certified in Oct. of 2022. In their first year the shelter was able to take in 22 dogs. This year they have taken in 46 dogs, and numbers are expected to rise in the upcoming year. The shelter has also accepted more cats this year, with two litters of kittens recently being weaned from their mother. From Dec. of 2022 to Dec. of 2023, WCAS has been able to adopt out 40 cats and 42 dogs.
“When we opened last year we didn’t have the facility exactly the way we wanted it,” explained WCAS Board Member Greg Foster, “We are growing into it and we are seeing when our needs change along with adding capacity as we see we need it. We’ve done a lot of things to make it better and safer for our animals.” As the shelter grows, they are continuing to make additions to make it easier for animals to transition from their previous environment. This year volunteers were able to complete some bigger projects such as installing AC in the dog kennels and repairing the outdoor kennels. The board is planning to expand their building to allow space for even more kennels in the future as well. New skylights have allowed dogs to spend more time outside even if it is raining outside. A new quarantine yard lets volunteers bring their new arrivals outside while still being separate from the other dogs until they are checked out by Dr. Kristina Mott of Town and Country Veterinary Clinic.
A new security system allows volunteers to see when and who has visited the shelter, even after hours. A gate was installed outside of the shelter to help separate them from their neighbors and a new driveway has also made it easier for visitors and volunteers while pulling in with their vehicles.
The shelter started with 12 volunteers, and that has grown to 24 dedicated animal lovers helping get the animals to an adoptable state. Each animal has a unique background and require different levels of care. WCAS will soon be welcoming their new part-time shelter coordinator to help alongside the board members.
Along with volunteers, foster homes are an essential part of the shelter. WCAS provides everything the foster homes need for the pets from vet care to food. All you need to provide is a loving home until the pets are adopted. Anyone interested in fostering just need to fill out an application and WCAS will help find the fit for you, whether it be a cat or a dog.
Currently the volunteers are working with the Toy Story dogs (Buzz, Woody, and Jessie) that were just rescued from a difficult situation. The shelter is unsure of their past, but can tell that they came to WCAS traumatized. Volunteers are working closely to help socialize them with people.
“When we first got them, we could hardly get near them,” Erin Flynn, WCAS Board Member, told us, “With the newly added quarantine yard we are able to let them go outside directly from their kennels without having to try to put a slip leash on them that could possibly traumatize them further. We want them to feel safe.” The other two dogs at the shelter currently are Rip and Cole who were found running loose on a local farm. “They are really sweet dogs. We are lucky with the dogs we take in,” stated Foster.
The Waushara County Animal Shelter takes pride in making sure pets find the right home that fits their needs. WCAS also wants to make sure the pet you are considering is the right fit for you. Adopters are welcome to fill out an application online. From there the shelter will schedule an meet and greet with the pet. If you have another pet, WCAS will also have them meet and greet with the animal you are considering apdopting to ensure they will get along. The shelter will also have potential adopters foster the pet they are interested in, with no commitment involved if it turns out to not be the right fit.
WCAS has been completely volunteer run, with funding coming from their various fundraising efforts and private donations. In an effort to get local business owners more involved with the shelter, they hosted their first Come, Sit, Stay, and Sip cocktail party event in October, which was a success. The board is excited to bring back the event next year.
Currently WCAS is hosting their Bourbon & Tequila for a Paws Raffle sponsored by Antique Liquor. Purchase a ticket for a chance to win one of several quality bourbons with an approximate $7,500 value with a drawing that took place Dec. 19. This month WCAS is also inviting local businesses to challenge their staff to participate in the WCAS Wear Jeans Day (or holiday sweaters) on Friday, Dec. 22. Your team can set the donation amount and share your photos with the shelter on their Facebook page or on their website wausharacoanimalshelter.com.
In March the shelter will be teaming up with K9 Grizz and the Wautoma Police Department for the Kennel Lock-Up in March of 2024. This fun and interactive event will allow you the chance to “doggie detain” your spouse, boss, coworker, or maybe a best friend. Doggie detainees can buy their way out of jail… if they can’t, you can decide when they’ll sit out their time. Who will you nominate?
If you are interested in donating to the Waushara County Animal Shelter you can check out their Amazon wish list. They also appreciate Chewy gift cards, or if you are looking for somewhere local to support they also use Smiley’s, Wautoma, gift cards. If you’d like to donate monetarily, WCAS has PayPal, Venmo and accepts checks and cash; any donation made is 501(c)(3) tax deductible.
Anyone interested in volunteering can visit the WCAS website and fill out an application. The shelter is always welcoming volunteers who have a passion for helping animals.
Learn more about the shelter by visiting their website, wausharacoanimalshelter.com, or visit their Facebook page. Waushara County Animal Shelter is an essential organization helping save animals in our area and across the state. They will continue to help find forever homes for our furry friends.
The Waushara County Animal Shelter has been helping more pets find their forever home as they continue to grow. They opened their facility over one year ago, and are continuing to expand their access to animals in need.
The Waushara County Animal Shelter was officially certified in Oct. of 2022. In their first year the shelter was able to take in 22 dogs. This year they have taken in 46 dogs, and numbers are expected to rise in the upcoming year. The shelter has also accepted more cats this year, with two litters of kittens recently being weaned from their mother. From Dec. of 2022 to Dec. of 2023, WCAS has been able to adopt out 40 cats and 42 dogs.
“When we opened last year we didn’t have the facility exactly the way we wanted it,” explained WCAS Board Member Greg Foster, “We are growing into it and we are seeing when our needs change along with adding capacity as we see we need it. We’ve done a lot of things to make it better and safer for our animals.” As the shelter grows, they are continuing to make additions to make it easier for animals to transition from their previous environment. This year volunteers were able to complete some bigger projects such as installing AC in the dog kennels and repairing the outdoor kennels. The board is planning to expand their building to allow space for even more kennels in the future as well. New skylights have allowed dogs to spend more time outside even if it is raining outside. A new quarantine yard lets volunteers bring their new arrivals outside while still being separate from the other dogs until they are checked out by Dr. Kristina Mott of Town and Country Veterinary Clinic.
A new security system allows volunteers to see when and who has visited the shelter, even after hours. A gate was installed outside of the shelter to help separate them from their neighbors and a new driveway has also made it easier for visitors and volunteers while pulling in with their vehicles.
The shelter started with 12 volunteers, and that has grown to 24 dedicated animal lovers helping get the animals to an adoptable state. Each animal has a unique background and require different levels of care. WCAS will soon be welcoming their new part-time shelter coordinator to help alongside the board members.
Along with volunteers, foster homes are an essential part of the shelter. WCAS provides everything the foster homes need for the pets from vet care to food. All you need to provide is a loving home until the pets are adopted. Anyone interested in fostering just need to fill out an application and WCAS will help find the fit for you, whether it be a cat or a dog.
Currently the volunteers are working with the Toy Story dogs (Buzz, Woody, and Jessie) that were just rescued from a difficult situation. The shelter is unsure of their past, but can tell that they came to WCAS traumatized. Volunteers are working closely to help socialize them with people.
“When we first got them, we could hardly get near them,” Erin Flynn, WCAS Board Member, told us, “With the newly added quarantine yard we are able to let them go outside directly from their kennels without having to try to put a slip leash on them that could possibly traumatize them further. We want them to feel safe.” The other two dogs at the shelter currently are Rip and Cole who were found running loose on a local farm. “They are really sweet dogs. We are lucky with the dogs we take in,” stated Foster.
The Waushara County Animal Shelter takes pride in making sure pets find the right home that fits their needs. WCAS also wants to make sure the pet you are considering is the right fit for you. Adopters are welcome to fill out an application online. From there the shelter will schedule an meet and greet with the pet. If you have another pet, WCAS will also have them meet and greet with the animal you are considering apdopting to ensure they will get along. The shelter will also have potential adopters foster the pet they are interested in, with no commitment involved if it turns out to not be the right fit.
WCAS has been completely volunteer run, with funding coming from their various fundraising efforts and private donations. In an effort to get local business owners more involved with the shelter, they hosted their first Come, Sit, Stay, and Sip cocktail party event in October, which was a success. The board is excited to bring back the event next year.
Currently WCAS is hosting their Bourbon & Tequila for a Paws Raffle sponsored by Antique Liquor. Purchase a ticket for a chance to win one of several quality bourbons with an approximate $7,500 value with a drawing that took place Dec. 19. This month WCAS is also inviting local businesses to challenge their staff to participate in the WCAS Wear Jeans Day (or holiday sweaters) on Friday, Dec. 22. Your team can set the donation amount and share your photos with the shelter on their Facebook page or on their website wausharacoanimalshelter.com.
In March the shelter will be teaming up with K9 Grizz and the Wautoma Police Department for the Kennel Lock-Up in March of 2024. This fun and interactive event will allow you the chance to “doggie detain” your spouse, boss, coworker, or maybe a best friend. Doggie detainees can buy their way out of jail… if they can’t, you can decide when they’ll sit out their time. Who will you nominate?
If you are interested in donating to the Waushara County Animal Shelter you can check out their Amazon wish list. They also appreciate Chewy gift cards, or if you are looking for somewhere local to support they also use Smiley’s, Wautoma, gift cards. If you’d like to donate monetarily, WCAS has PayPal, Venmo and accepts checks and cash; any donation made is 501(c)(3) tax deductible.
Anyone interested in volunteering can visit the WCAS website and fill out an application. The shelter is always welcoming volunteers who have a passion for helping animals.
Learn more about the shelter by visiting their website, wausharacoanimalshelter.com, or visit their Facebook page. Waushara County Animal Shelter is an essential organization helping save animals in our area and across the state. They will continue to help find forever homes for our furry friends.
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Rip is a friendly and active 10-month old American Blue Heeler/Mix up for adoption at Waushara County Animal Shelter. He was found running around as a stray on a local farm. He would be great for families with children 12 and up and does best with more laid back dogs. -
WCAS Board Member Erin Flynn holds on to Spice, a female orange tabby up for adoption. -
Pumpkin is a sweet orange male available at WCAS.