GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Shelters across northeast Wisconsin are grappling with an urgent shortage of space as an unprecedented number of dogs arrive in their care.
From Green Bay to Shawano County, animal welfare groups are stepping up efforts to manage the overflow and find homes for the growing population of adoptable dogs.
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The Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC) is among the most impacted. With every kennel full and limited volunteer support, staff members are concerned about the well-being of the dogs.
“Kennels are full, and dogs are struggling because they can’t get out often,” said Kellie Farrell, a volunteer at MADACC. “Humane societies are all full. It’s really a crisis right now in every state, every county… everywhere is full and dogs are losing their lives.”
To help ease the burden, shelters like the Shawano County Humane Society have stepped in to accept dogs from overcrowded facilities.
“We help several shelters including MADACC. We probably help them once a week, three times a month bringing animals in,” said Pam Nowak, executive director of the Shawano County Humane Society. “We try to find fosters for these dogs to get them out of the shelter because they really do nothing but deteriorate while they’re here.”
In Green Bay, the Wisconsin Humane Society is also feeling the strain. However, recent adoption promotions have led to a promising response from the community.
“We had such a great reaction to the lowering of adoption fees,” said Corey Viars, media coordinator for the Green Bay campus. “Because of the amazing people in Green Bay, we were only allowed to go up 20 dogs after the weekend.”
Adoption fees at all Wisconsin Humane Society campuses were lowered to $75 for dogs over six months old, and $25 for dogs who have been available for adoption longer. These rates are significantly reduced from typical fees that often exceed $100.
Initially scheduled to run through June 11, the Green Bay campus has now extended the promotion through the end of June to continue alleviating the crisis and help more dogs find loving homes.
