Stray Policy
Stray animals are only accepted from municipalities that hold service agreements with SWCHS. Our service area covers partial southeastern regions of Wood County based on municipal service agreements. Animals that arrive to SWCHS as strays are not available for between 4-7 days in order to give owners time to locate and reclaim their lost pet.
We are not equipped to accept or lend assistance to wildlife.
Strays in Our Care
If you believe your pet may have been found and has been placed with SWCHS, please contact us during our business hours. We will work with you to reunite you with your pet.
Animals that are brought to SWCHS as strays are not adoptable for up to one week to give owners time to locate and reclaim their lost pet.
I Lost or Found a Pet
If you are looking for a pet, it may have been recovered and in our care. Please contact us during our business hours, and we will help you reunite with a pet that may be in our care. Be prepared to show proof of ownership.
If you found a pet, please contact us during our business hours so we can help guide you in making the best decision for the pet.
Keeping Found Pets
Keeping a found animal does not automatically make it yours. In Wisconsin, only a government agency or an organization authorized by the government may legally transfer ownership of a stray animal after the required stray hold period.
Private citizens who keep a found animal must comply with the requirements of Wisconsin Chapter 170, including notifying the appropriate authorities and, in some cases, publishing a legal notice. Failure to follow these requirements may result in legal liability, including claims for damages or theft.
If you find a lost pet, the safest and most responsible course of action is to contact your local law enforcement agency, humane officer (if applicable), or animal shelter immediately. If you choose to keep the animal while attempting to locate the owner, you are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable Wisconsin laws.
Kitten Season
They’re cute, cuddly and desperately in need of your help. Or are they? If you happen upon a litter of tiny kittens outdoors, it’s natural to want to scoop them up and try to care for them yourself or take them to a shelter. But both of those options may actually place them in more danger.