Written by Sarah Linn, Development & Marketing Special Projects Coordinator at DCHS
Animal shelters play a crucial role in our community. When you think of Dane County Humane Society (DCHS), you probably think of dog and cat adoptions first. And rightly so. In 2023, DCHS found new homes for 1,241 dogs and 1,728 cats. But that’s just one of the ways DCHS serves the animals at the shelter and in our community. Additionally, DCHS provides care for thousands of native wild animals who are injured, sick, or orphaned, rehabilitating them with the goal of releasing them back to their habitats. DCHS also provides humane education programs for learners of all ages, teaching community members about everything from animal care to empathy. Their Pets for Life program provides services and resources for families who live in pet resource deserts here in Dane County. Additionally, they offer pet microchipping, lost & found services, dog training classes, and so much more.
Would you like to find a way to make a positive impact for the people and pets in our community? Here are the top ways you can support DCHS:
1. Adopt: Meet the many amazing pets looking for loving homes. Maybe you're ready for a fun-loving puppy or perhaps you're searching for a senior cat to snuggle. DCHS’s Adoption Counselors are ready to help find a great match for you and your family. Pay special attention to the pets in the Lonely Hearts Club, who have been at DCHS longer than average waiting for their new family.
2. Donate: Monetary donations give DCHS the ability to apply your gift immediately for daily shelter, wildlife, and community outreach operations; helps them meet unplanned, unmet, and unanticipated needs in our community; and sparks innovative best practices to serve as a model for animal welfare organizations nationwide.
3. Volunteer: From in-shelter support to at-home foster care, volunteers support every facet of work being done at DCHS. Volunteers are truly heroes to the animals and our community. Become a hero!
4. Foster Animals: Consider becoming a foster parent to give animals time to grow, heal, relax, and more temporarily in your home until they find their new family. It’s a rewarding experience that helps both the animals and the shelter.
5. Shop and Clean House: Visit a Dane County Humane Society Thrift Store, located at 6904 Watts Road on the West Side (across from Woodman’s) and at 5231 High Crossing Blvd. on Madison’s East Side. Whether you donate your gently used household goods or go on a shopping spree, proceeds support the work being done for animals every day at DCHS. Get thrifty!
6. Host an Event: Independent fundraising events held by individuals, groups, and businesses make a big impact for DCHS. Everything from kids’ bake sales to office penny wars and birthday fundraisers – all of these community events are helping animals in need. Host your own event.
7. Share: Spread the word that Dane County Humane Society is a community-supported, non-profit shelter. Folks often assume DCHS is part of the local government and funded by tax dollars, but the shelter is largely supported by the generous contributions received from corporate sponsors, foundations and grants, and (most of all) individual donors.
DCHS is an open admission shelter accepting all animals that need assistance. Their adoption guarantee ensures all healthy or treatable animals can stay at DCHS as long as it takes to find a loving home. This work is only possible thanks to the incredible support from our community. Sign up for their e-newsletter or follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see and share DCHS news!
Supporting your local animal shelter is a meaningful way to contribute to your community and help animals in need. Whether you donate, volunteer, host an event, or spread the word, your efforts make a lasting impact. Every little bit helps, and together, we can create a better future for our furry friends. Thank you for helping create a more humane tomorrow. Learn more at giveshelter.org.
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