Pet Adoption in Madison, Wisconsin

Adopting a pet can be a very rewarding and gratifying experience, with the prospect of acquiring a new family member for your home. Whether you are interested in a dog, cat, rabbit, or hamster, Madison offers a variety of resources from shelters to homes that make the adoption process easy and simple. The basics of pet adoption include a background check or screening, depending on the center; understanding your ability to take care and be financially prepared for the new addition; and being available to ‘raise’ a healthy and happy pet!

The Dane County Humane Society is the area’s largest adoption center, and offers pets for adoption that range from hamsters, rabbits, snakes, dogs, cats, and even birds. The website offers an Adoptable Animal Search complete with pictures and background of each pet for review. This is just one way to ‘browse’ and possibly find your new companion!

The adoption process itself involves an interview with the agency. If you own a home, you will be required to provide proof of ownership, records of any pets already in your houselholds, and how many family members reside with you. This is important to ensure that the pet is going to a suitable home, and would make a good match. If you rent, a landlord’s agreement to pets, as well as residents in your apartment unit are required.

After the initial screening is complete, the agency will ask you to meet with an adoption counselor. This one-on-one interaction will provide the counselor with information on what you are looking for, your current situation, why you would like to adopt an animal, and how you plan to take care of it. This is a preliminary interview that is a chance to show your strengths in pet care! You can then fill out an adoption application with your selection and interest listed. You may be asked to undergo a cat test to check for allergies and other health issues.

Adoption fees range form $110-$150 for dogs, and $60-$150 for cats and kittens. The adoption counselor will discuss all the requirements for your selected pet or pets, and can work with you to find the best fit. In addition the Dane County Humane Society offers a series of educational programs with a mission to encourage learning about pet care, compassion, and tolerance for animals.

The agency will review your application, needs, and abilities, and make a decision on whether the selection is a good match. The Universal Adoption Application promotes a permanent adoption, and so must be a complete and thorough process. If you choose to adopt from a shelter, or animal rescue facility, the process will vary slightly.

The acquisition of a new pet can be emotionally rewarding and satisfying for all members. Although the process may be lengthy, it is a worthwhile commitment that can truly change your life!

Resources in Dane County

Adams County Humane Shelter
1982 – 11th Avenue
Friendship, Wisconsin 53934
(608) 339-6700

Alliance for Animals
111 King Street, Madison, WI 53703-3339
(608) 257-6333

Coulee Region Humane Society
2850 Larson Street, La Crosse, WI 54603-1829
(608) 781-4014

Dane County Humane Society
5132 Voges Rd, Madison, WI 53718
(608) 838-0413

German Shorthaired Pointer/English Pointer Rescue of WI
2966 County Road G, Oxford, WI 53952
(608) 584-4454

Green County Humane Society
1500 6 1/2 Avenue, Monroe, WI 53508
(608) 325-9600; Fax: 608-325-9608

Juneau County Humane Society
N 8537 Highway 58, New Lisbon, WI 53950
(608) 565-2313

Milwaukee House Rabbit Society
Milwaukee, WI
(608) 249-2572

Protect Animal Life Inc.
1413 Wyoming Way, Madison, WI 53704-1446
(608) 249-4156