Northwoods Humane Society

Business Details

39 Years

experience

Your Trusted Animal Shelter in Hayward, WI

Founded in 1987, Northwoods Humane Society has been dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals in need across northern Wisconsin. Our 87-acre facility features modern shelters, outdoor play areas, and training centers designed to maximize animal well-being. With a dedicated team of staff and over 100 volunteers, we provide comprehensive care including medical treatment, behavioral training, and socialization programs. Our community outreach initiatives address pet overpopulation through spay/neuter assistance, distribute pet food through local food shelves, and offer emergency housing support for pets of domestic abuse victims.

As a no-kill shelter with less than 4% euthanasia rate, we maintain rigorous health protocols and work closely with local veterinarians to ensure optimal care. Our operations are sustained entirely through donations, thrift shop revenues, and community fundraising efforts without government funding.

Services

Pet Adoption Spay/Neuter Assistance Community Outreach Volunteer Programs Donation Services

Details

Year established: 1987

Highlights and features

We maintain a no-kill policy with less than 4% euthanasia rate
Our spay/neuter assistance programs serve over 500 pets annually
Community outreach includes pet food distribution and dog house provision
Experienced staff with combined 150+ years in animal care services
Active volunteer network supporting daily shelter operations

Associations and certifications

501(c)(3) charitable organization

What people say

Loving care Organized adoption Compassionate staff Community impact Well-maintained facilities

Website

Update Listing

Services

Pet Adoption

Our adoption program provides comprehensive screening and matching services for dogs, cats, and small animals. Each pet receives medical evaluation, vaccinations, and behavioral assessment before adoption. We maintain detailed records to ensure proper pet-owner compatibility through our structured adoption process.

Spay/Neuter Assistance

Community outreach program offering subsidized spay/neuter services through local veterinary partnerships. Includes Trap-Neuter-Release programs for feral cats and financial assistance for low-income pet owners. Services help reduce pet overpopulation in northern Wisconsin communities.

Community Outreach

Provides emergency pet housing, dog house distribution, and food assistance through local food shelves. Offers behavioral consultation services and educational programs on responsible pet ownership. Maintains partnerships with domestic abuse shelters for pet care support.

Volunteer Programs

Opportunities include animal socialization, facility maintenance, thrift shop operations, and event coordination. Training provided for specialized roles like foster care and medical assistance. Programs accommodate both adult and junior volunteers with customized participation options.

Donation Services

Accepts monetary donations, thrift item contributions, and planned gifts. Funds support medical care, facility maintenance, and community programs. Donors receive tax documentation for all contributions. Special programs include aluminum can recycling and coin collection initiatives.

People

Deanna Persson

President

Serving as board president since 2012, Deanna oversees strategic operations and community partnerships. With 25+ years of service, she coordinates fundraising initiatives and manages volunteer programs that support daily shelter operations.

Alecia Austin

Shelter Manager

As shelter manager, Alecia supervises daily animal care operations and staff coordination. She implements medical protocols and training programs while managing intake and adoption processes for over 650 annual animals.

Lori Butala

Vice President

Vice President since 2015, Lori chairs the finance committee and manages grant applications. She coordinates community outreach programs and oversees the organization's annual budgeting process.

Charmaine Metzinger

Corresponding Secretary

Handles official communications and maintains organizational records. Coordinates with media outlets for public announcements and manages newsletter production for donor engagement.

Marcia McIntosh

Treasurer

Manages financial operations including budget preparation and expenditure oversight. Ensures compliance with tax regulations and prepares annual financial reports for board review.

Questions

What is the pet adoption process?

Visit our website to view adoptable animals, complete an application, and schedule a meet-and-greet appointment. Our staff will guide you through the screening process and adoption agreement.

How can I volunteer?

Complete our online application and attend orientation. Opportunities include animal care, facility maintenance, and event support with training provided for specialized roles.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes, as a 501(c)(3) organization, all monetary donations and thrift shop contributions qualify for tax deductions under IRS guidelines.

Do you offer spay/neuter assistance?

We provide subsidized spay/neuter services through local veterinary partnerships and maintain a Trap-Neuter-Release program for feral cats.

How to surrender a pet?

Complete our online surrender form to schedule an appointment. We'll collect medical history and work to place your pet in an appropriate adoptive home.

What community programs exist?

We offer pet food assistance, dog house provision, behavioral consultations, and emergency housing support for pets of domestic abuse victims.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Christine Grey

Jun 20, 2022 Report

Again the staff here are nice. They had a lot of kittens that needed to be adopted so they could free up Kennel space. So I went & adopted this sweet girl!

Tom Willett

May 11, 2022 Report

We visited a number of dog rescue centers before adopting a dog from Northwoods. The staff was great. We were required to have are vet do a wellness checkup at no cost. When vet identified some minor issues, they provided support. Excellent experience.

Merry Gendreau

Apr 13, 2022 Report

We adopted little Mikki (her name is now Chrissy Agnes named after my mom) in March at 8 months old. She has been the best little girl ever. Loves looking at birdies and squirrels. She is very curious and happy! So glad we rescued her, she shows us so much appreciation and love for her forever home with us!. We love her so very much Thank you Merry Gendreau

Katie

Apr 12, 2022 Report

Got the most Amazing dog from here! We absolutely LOVE her! They also sent her home with an incredibly detailed medical history and a huge bag of stuff! Thank you!

Jodi Jaworski

Apr 10, 2022 Report

Love all the volunteers there. I've adopted 2 animals from them. Clean facility, great care for the animals.

Amanda Johnson

Dec 24, 2021 Report

What I loved was that this place did not SMELL like walking into a humane society/ animal shelter. It smelled and looked exceptionally clean which was fantastic. The animals were well cared for and the staff seemed caring and nice. Went with my sister who did not end up adopting a dog but that wasn't anything to do with the facility, staff, or animals - just didn't meet the right pooch for her. The only thing I would say negatively is that we were followed through the kennel by one of the staff who stayed with us the entire time until we did go to a visiting room with one dog.

He was nice and everything but this has never been my experience at other shelters or humane societies. It may be helpful if you have questions or want to visit with an animal but feels like pressure and makes it feel awkward for visitors to have open, honest conversation.

Karla Landa

Oct 20, 2021 Report

We adopted Tigger (now Luna). She is a great cat. Even tho the adoption papers say that they didn't know if she was good with kids but she is good with the human (he is 5 years old). Very needy cat. Always following and if we don't pet her she will let us know. But friendly and lovable cat no complaints.