Skip to Content

11 Best Dog Rescues In Wisconsin (Updated 2023 Guide)

Best Dog Rescues In Wisconsin

You can’t make cheese from dog’s milk.

And cheese is a big deal in Wisconsin.

So cows remain the numero uno in America’s Dairyland.

But they can’t play frisbee. And they can’t follow you to the bathroom.

If you’re looking for an animal that can, you’re in the right place!

Read on to discover:

  • 11 of Wisconsin’s best dog rescues.
  • Where to find and how to contact them.
  • Which one might be the perfect fit for you.
  • And so much more…

11 best dog rescues in Wisconsin


#1: Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin

Websitehttps://www.underdogpetrescue.org/ 
Address231 S Fair Oaks Ave, Madison, WI 53704, United States (Google Maps)
Phone+1 608-224-0018
Emailinfo@underdogpetrescue.org 
Social mediaFacebook, Twitter, Instagram
Operating hoursMonday & Thursday: 8 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Weekends: Closed

Underdog Pet Rescue wants to deliver the very best services. Both for their dogs and their dogs’ future owners. They’re very serious about it too.

Their staff includes 2 veterinarians and 2 certified veterinary technicians. Of course, it doesn’t take away from rescues powered by remarkable volunteers.

But Underdog Pet Rescue’s in-house vet services make them a great option if you’re looking for a senior or special-needs pooch. 

You can communicate directly with the vet managing your future dog. They can better prepare you for your primary caretaker role.

Highlights

  • Vet services.

#2: Saving Paws

Websitehttps://www.savingpaws.com/ 
AddressN3141 Meade St, Appleton, WI 54913, United States
Phone+1 920-830-2392
Emailinfo@savingpawswi.com 
Social mediaFacebook, Instagram
Operating hoursAppointment only

Saving Paws doesn’t just rescue dogs. They give them purpose.

There are certain services expected from a rescue. Saving Paws has all those and one more.

They train their rescues to become dependable service dogs. Then they’re provided to people with disabilities. These include children, adults, and veterans.

These rescues really go on to live life to the fullest.

If you or anyone you know might need a service dog, make an appointment.

#3: Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary

Websitehttps://www.heanokill.org/ 
Address2255 Fox Heights Ln, Green Bay, WI 54304, United States (Google Maps)
Phone+1 920-634-9701
Emailinfo@heanokill.org 
Social mediaFacebook, Instagram
Operating hoursMonday, Wednesday, Friday: 6 PM – 7 PM
Saturday: 11 AM – 1 PM
Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday: Closed

A family, a garage, and a rescue.

That’s how Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary began. Since then, they’ve grown. From a garage to a sanctuary on a farmstead. 

It’s been a family affair. Father, mother, daughter, and son are all actively involved. And their goal is to find families for as many dogs as possible.

Yours could be one of those families.

Check out: Adopting A Rescue Dog: The First 7 Days [Checklist]

#4: Elmbrook Humane Society

Websitehttps://ebhs.org/ 
Address20950 Enterprise Ave, Brookfield, WI 53045, United States
Phone+1 262-782-9261
EmailElmbrookhs@ebhs.org 
Social mediaFacebook, Instagram
Operating hoursMonday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM

Animal shelters everywhere have mutual goals. But Elmbrook Humane Society wants to be the “most personal, compassionate, and preferred resource.”

They’ve been working hard at that. And they’ve been growing. They moved to a better facility in 2004. And with over 200 volunteers, they’ve been able to care for some 2,000 animals annually.

Highlights

  • Classes, seminars, and workshops.
  • Private lessons and behavior consultations.

#5: Humane Animal Welfare Society – HAWS of Waukesha County

Websitehttps://hawspets.org/ 
Address701 Northview Rd, Waukesha, WI 53188, United States (Google Maps)
Phone+1 262-542-8851
EmailN/A
Social mediaFacebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube
Operating hoursMonday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
Humane Animal Welfare Society - HAWS of Waukesha County

The Humane Animal Welfare Society serves animals in need. But it has another important mission. To foster more compassion between man and animals.

The end goal is to have a community that shows compassion towards animals. And treats them all with respect and dignity.

HAWS is trying to accomplish this partly through adoption. This promotes bonds between dogs and humans. The more people adopt, the more people truly learn how precious dogs are.

Want a lesson? Get in touch with them.

Highlights

  • Private dog park.
  • Humane education.
  • Training and behavior.
  • Wildlife and animal rescue.
  • Spay/neuter and medical clinic.

#6: Dane County Humane Society

Websitehttp://www.giveshelter.org/ 
Address5132 Voges Rd, Madison, WI 53718, United States (Google Maps)
Phone+1 608-838-0413
EmailN/A
Social mediaFacebook, Instagram, YouTube
Operating hoursMonday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 12 PM – 7 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Wednesdays: By appointment only

Finding homes for animals is a top priority. But Dane County Humane Society also wants to go beyond the walls of a house.

Their tagline “Helping People Help Animals” gives a hint. 

Compassionate homes for dogs are good. But what could really be great is a compassionate community for dogs.

But to get there, they have to start with individual citizens.

Citizens much like yourself.

Highlights

  • Pets For Life.
  • Dog training classes.
  • Euthanasia and cremation.

#7: Wisconsin Humane Society

Websitehttps://www.wihumane.org/ 
Address4500 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208, United States (Google Maps)
Phone+1 414-264-6257
EmailN/A
Social mediaFacebook, Twitter, YouTube
Operating hoursSunday & Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 11 AM – 7 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM

Wisconsin Humane Society is the largest humane society in the state. They have campuses in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Door County, and Green Bay.

Their roots are traced back to world traveler, Henry Bergh. He was disturbed by the animal cruelty he witnessed in different cities across the globe. 

He founded the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). It became the first humane society in America.

Milwaukeeans recognized the need for such a society in their own state.

Today, this humane society is focused on the animals in Wisconsin.

Highlights

  • Private training.
  • Training classes.
  • Pet vaccine clinics.

#8: Lucky 7 Dog Rescue

Websitehttp://www.lucky7dogrescue.com/ 
Address239 N Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54303, United States (Google Maps)
Phone+1 920-455-0901
EmailN/A
Social mediaFacebook, Instagram
Operating hoursTuesday & Saturday: 11 AM – 2 PM
Closed on other days

The two birds are adoption and education. The stone is Lucky 7 Dog Rescue.

This organization sees how the two can effectively go hand in hand. And they’re passionate about educating their community. Just as they’re passionate about finding homes for dogs.

They believe that adoption saves two lives. The dog’s. And the adopter’s. 

Will you let them save yours?

You might also like: Adopting A Rescue Dog: The First 7 Days [Checklist]

#9: Diamond Dogs Rescue

Websitehttps://www.diamonddogsrescue.com/ 
AddressN/A
Phone+1 608-352-9141
EmailN/A
Social mediaFacebook
Operating hoursN/A

Diamond Dogs Rescue doesn’t have a physical location. But while a shelter may be important, they prove that you can still make a difference without one.

They place rescues directly in foster homes. So they’re still able to carry out their objectives.

Their network of foster families and adoptive families is there for support. But most importantly, they have a dog that could change your life.

Dog and support. Make them both yours.

Check out: 13 Mistakes When Adopting A Rescue Dog (Guide)

#10: Great Dane Rescue of MN and WI

Websitehttps://www.savingdanes.org/ 
Address8238 Waldora Rd, Siren, WI 54872, United States
Phone+1 320-318-0178
Emailgdromn@gmail.com 
Social mediaFacebook, Instagram
Operating hoursN/A

What dog-loving kid didn’t want their very own Scooby-Doo? Now, you can make that your grownup reality. All thanks to the Great Dane Rescue of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

They specialize in caring for surrendered purebred Great Danes. They work to find new homes for them. 

But they have a sanctuary for the unadoptable Danes. It’s a great environment where they can live out their lives.

As for the adoptable ones… 

You should have a look!

#11: WAAGR

Websitehttps://www.waagr.org/ 
Address12605 W North Ave #285, Brookfield, WI 53005, United States (Google Maps)
Phone+1 414-517-7725
Emailinfo@waagr.org 
Social mediaFacebook, Twitter, Instagram
Operating hoursSunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 7 PM

Wisconsin Adopt a Golden Retriever is not a question. It’s the name of a rescue organization.

But somehow, the answer is “Yes!”

I mean, who doesn’t want a Golden Retriever? 

Well, obviously the people who abandoned or surrendered theirs to this shelter. 

It’s hard to wrap your head around it, isn’t it? Golden Retrievers are practically the goodest dogs out there. 

If you look at one long enough, you’ll begin to see a halo over their heads and wings on their backs.

But yes, these perfect dogs do get displaced and need new homes.

You could be the figure with halo and wings to one of these precious pooches.

Read next: 17 Critical Tips To Take Care Of A Rescue Dog (Guide)