There has been a lot of discussion lately about shelters throughout Central Wisconsin being “full” or “at capacity.” LCHS is also struggling with an overload of animals. There are more cats and kittens than we have cage space to accommodate and while we work with foster homes to help reduce the population at the shelter, there is a growing list of animals waiting to be surrendered by the owners. Thankfully, many owners are understanding and will wait as long as possible for the shelter to have space. Others do not have that option. Below are some questions and answers about how LCHS is handling the increasing pet overpopulation crisis in our area.

1. Why does LCHS only take animals from Lincoln County?

LCHS works with Lincoln County residents or people who adopted the animal from LCHS first. This allows us to better accommodate the number of animals coming in.

2. Does LCHS euthanize animals?

Yes, if an animal has health or aggression issues, it is possible the animal will be euthanized. For more than 20 years, LCHS has been able to avoid euthanizing healthy, adoptable animals due to space limitations and we will do everything we can to avoid euthanizing for space.

3. Does being open to the public help animals find homes?

Yes, we believe allowing visitors without a prior appointment does help find homes for animals. But although we offer open hours 22 hours a week, we are still at capacity for shelter animals.

4. Are there restrictions for visiting LCHS?

We do require visitors to be at least 18 years old or with a parent or guardian, volunteers that walk dogs must register 24 hours in advance, and applications must be submitted in advance to meet with or walk dogs.

LCHS is fortunate to have the support that enables us to be open to the public. Staffing is expensive and not every shelter can afford to be staffed for visiting hours. Requiring appointments is a way for shelters to save money.

5. How can I adopt an animal?

We encourage adopters to review all aspects of the adoption process before applying. It takes time and money to review applications and each week, there are multiple applicants that back out after the application is reviewed. Submitting applications at least one day in advance also helps the shelter staff have time to review applications.

6. Why are shelters at capacity?

Unfortunately, there was a nationwide increase in animals entering shelters or living in shelters longer before being adopted after COVID 19. Living expenses have increased and spaying or neutering pets can be costly. But it is the number one thing an animal lover can do to help reduce the pet overpopulation crisis.

We also ask owners to go on a waitlist to bring their pet if possible. This helps us avoid euthanizing for space because we can try to keep the number of animals more manageable.

7. What does feeding a wild cat have to do with fixing it?

When we say, “If you feed it, fix it,” we are counting on people who love outdoor cats enough to provide food and water for them to also consider caring for future generations of homeless animals. The wonderful people who provide food for domestic animals that they do not consider to be their own pets need our support in preventing more mouths to feed. If you have a friend or neighbor that is feeding a wild cat, encourage them to get it spayed/neutered. LCHS rents out live traps and can try to guide cat guardians in the process of getting them fixed. We were lucky to receive a grant in 2024 to spay and neuter outdoor cats in Lincoln County. Contact LCHS to ask about signing up outdoor cats if you can’t afford the cost yourself.

8. Why does LCHS help organizations from other counties or states?

When space allows, LCHS tries to assist other organizations with finding homes for animals. The end goal is the same for all of us – every animal needs a home. If we have space, we work with reputable animal welfare organizations to take animals from them.We do not take animals from private citizens of other areas or animals found in other areas. If you find 10 lost dogs in downtown Milwaukee, LCHS will not be able to assist. But if a shelter in our area is at capacity and we are not, we often work together for the sake of the animals.

LCHS receives calls and emails multiple times a day from groups sending pictures of animals that will soon be euthanized for space, at the same time, we are getting calls and emails from individual owners who prefer to bring their pet to LCHS instead of the shelter in their county or their shelter is at capacity and told them to contact other shelters in the area. All we can do is work together as a society to help the animals that need us and be patient with the organizations working with the animals.

9. How can I help animals or shelters?

Spay and neuter any of your own pets. Work with friends and neighbors to have their pets fixed if you can afford to help. Adopt instead of shop for new pets. Research the breeds you are interested in and the rescue/shelter you want to adopt from. Groups buying puppies from puppy mills only continue to contribute to overpopulation.

Volunteer. Volunteers are a lifeline for organizations struggling financially. You can contribute to positive change and help support organizations in saving the animals that need us.

***Thank you to our amazing supporters that help LCHS with everything from donations for animal’s medical expenses to driving to pick up donations for events. Our supporters make it possible for us to do the lifesaving work we do each day. Thank you to all the animal lovers who help us. We couldn’t do it without you.***