Clark County Humane Society
We've tried to provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about CCHS. Please let us know if there are other questions you would like answered!
Q: What services does the Clark County Humane Society provide?
A: CCHS provides many different services:
ADOPTIONS First and foremost, we are dedicated to the adoptions of homeless animals to new loving families. Whether the animals are strays that have lost their way or pets who are being surrendered to us, we are committed to caring for our animals to the best of our abilities while we strive to find each and every one a new home. As part of our efforts to find these new homes, we accept adoption applications from individuals interested in adopting a new pet. These applications are then reviewed and the best home for each animal is chosen.
LOST & FOUND CCHS maintains information on lost and found animals, with the hope of reuniting animals with their family. Anyone who loses a pet or finds a pet is encouraged to contact the Shelter with the information. A “Lost or Found Pet” form may be submitted on our website. These forms are all reviewed for possible matches within our system.
STRAY HOLDING When a stray is brought to CCHS, we will hold the animal for the minimum number of days as required by law, so that a family looking for a lost pet will have the opportunity to reclaim it. Pictures of stray dogs that come to CCHS are posted on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/petshelter. Should a lost animal not be claimed by its family, it will then become available for adoption.
MICROCHIPPING All animals adopted from CCHS are microchipped. This wonderful technology allows for permanent identification for your pet and helps to guarantee their safe return home should they be lost. CCHS also provides microchipping services to the public any time we are open.
LOW-COST SPAY & NEUTER Spaying or neutering your pet is critical both for the animal’s health and for controlling pet overpopulation. Unfortunately, this has become extremely expensive over the past few years. CCHS is proud to have recently completed our new surgical suite. Our FixaPet program is now available to the public, providing low-cost spay/neuter surgeries for cats. The cost is $50 for a spay or a neuter. Dogs can be neutered for $60 or spayed for $80.
TOUR & EDUCATION We are very proud of our work at CCHS, and we love to share the Shelter with everyone! We are happy to provide tours during our open hours. If you should be part of a larger group, such as a 4-H Club or school class, we do ask that you schedule a reservation in advance so that we may arrange for a Tour Guide to be available for your group. Education services are also an important aspect of our outreach program, and we are pleased to be part of special programs such as library summer programs and nursing home tours. We are also happy to provide presentations to civic groups and other organizations that wish to learn more about our Shelter.
Q: What area does the Clark County Humane Society serve?
A: A very wide area! While our name says “Clark County Humane Society”, our services are not limited to Clark County. Our animals are adopted near and far! While many of our adoptions are to local families, we adopt animals throughout the State of Wisconsin and to several neighboring states, including Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan. We have had adoptions to the Chicago area, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Florida and even Massachusetts!
Q: I’ve read that CCHS is a “no-kill” Shelter. What does that mean?
A: “No kill” means that there is not a time limit on the animals that are entrusted to us. We do not euthanize animals due to lack of space. The term "no-kill" has recently been updated to "adoption guarantee". Basically that means that a pet coming into this Shelter will be guaranteed to find a home. Adoptable animals will stay with us for as long as it takes to find their new home. We have had cases when the cat or dog has stayed at CCHS for over a year! However, the right family always comes along. We do not euthanize for the reasons traditional shelters commonly give, e.g. broken leg, pregnant, illness requiring long-term care, etc. Being “no kill” does mean that we are limited on space and may not always be able to immediately accept other animals waiting to come into the Shelter. We do maintain a waiting list for those animals waiting to be surrendered.
Q: Do you ever euthanize any animals?
A: All animals coming in to CCHS are evaluated for their health status and temperament. We will provide whatever medical care is needed to ensure the health and well-being of our animals. Should any animal be so ill that it cannot be treated, we may choose to have that animal euthanized to end its pain and suffering. In addition, should any animal be dangerous and a threat to the public and our volunteers, that animal may be euthanized. We do not provide euthanization services at CCHS; all such work is done in cooperation with a local veterinarian.
Q: Where are you located?
A: CCHS is located at W3926 State Hwy 73, Neillsville, Wisconsin. To get to CCHS, take Highway 73/95 South from Neillsville. 3 1/2 miles south of Neillsville Hwy 73 makes a sharp turn to your left. Stay on 73; we will be located 4 miles down the road on your left hand side. The sign is out in front and our name is on the building!
Q: How many animals do you have at CCHS?
A: Our capacity is 70 dogs and 44 cats. We have on rare occasions (such as a rescue) housed more animals at CCHS, but that results in cramped conditions for the animals and stressed-out volunteers.
Q: How are you funded?
A: CCHS is a privately funded organization. As such, we rely on donations from our members and the community. We are not gov-funded, as we wish to be able to establish our own animal guidelines. We are also located in a rural area with limited industrial and commercial opportunities, so individual supporters are critical to our on-going success. We would not be here without each and every one of our members! We do many fundraisers throughout the year, including our annual vaccination clinic and bake sale. We also operate CC Resale in downtown Neillsville.
Q: What does it take to be a member?
A: Annual membership in CCHS is just $20.00 a year. As a member, you will receive mailings from CCHS, including two issues of our newsletter, “Great and Small". Just click here to go to our membership form and sign up!
Q: How many volunteers do you have?
A: We currently have a wonderful group of 45 volunteers. Most volunteers focus on either the cat or the dog area, although we do have some who work in both areas. We are quite flexible with our scheduling. Some volunteers choose to be at the Shelter several times a week, while others may come once per month. Just click here to go to our volunteer form and sign up!
Q: I think I might like to volunteer. Do you need more help? How do I get started?
A: We are always looking for additional volunteers. If you are interested, please submit a volunteer application on our website or contact us at the Shelter. We will then schedule the appropriate training sessions for you. Please come join our team!
Q: What medical care do your animals receive?
A: Each animal coming in to CCHS is evaluated for any medical needs. Should there be any urgent situations, they are addressed immediately. A healthy animal is weighed and vaccinated (rabies, distemper, dogs for Bordetella and cats for Leukemia) as soon as it comes in. We do a blood test for every cat or dog too to ensure that only healthy animals are being adopted as pets. We also begin a standard protocol for deworming. Every animal adopted from CCHS is microchipped. Every animal is spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Each animal is monitored by staff and volunteers while at CCHS so that we are aware of any other conditions. For example, should a cat exhibit symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, it will be quarantined and begin treatment in our isolation room right away.
Q: I read about animals with severe injuries. What do you do when a very sick or injured animal comes in?
A: Each case is unique. In such a situation, we immediately transport the animal to our veterinarian. We are very fortunate to have a great working relationship with several vets in our area. We will see to it that the injured animal receives whatever veterinary care is needed to give it a fighting chance. Not every animal in this situation survives. Nevertheless, we are committed to doing all we can. Such decisions are never made based on the financial implications. We do not limit the care provided to our animals because it is expensive. We believe that we are doing what is right, and that our supporters will help us to raise the funds necessary. We will appeal to our community for financial assistance. Should we receive donations exceeding the current medical bills, any excess funds will be placed in the B.K. Emergency Medical Fund to help future animals in need.
Q: How do I adopt an animal from CCHS?
A: Great question! There are several ways to begin the adoption process. You may visit the Shelter to meet our available animals in person. We encourage potential adopters to spend as much time with the animals as they wish. This enables you to get to know the animal better, as well as discuss your decision with your family. When you have decided which animal you are interested in, you will need to complete an adoption application. Our application includes questions regarding the home you will be providing, as well as information on your other pets. All of this information is used by our Adoption Committee to ensure that the animal you are interested in is the best match for both of you. This application may be completed while you are at the Shelter. Applications are reviewed within 24-48 hours. A same-day adoption may take place depending on the application, but it cannot be guaranteed. You may also view adoptable dogs and cats here on our website. You can see pictures and read descriptions of the animals. You may also submit your application online for dogs or cats. This is a very nice option, as it allows you to complete your application in the comfort of your own home with no time limitations. Your application will then be reviewed. If your application is chosen for that particular animal, you will be contacted and an appointment will be scheduled for you to meet the animal. Even though you have applied for a particular animal and been approved for adoption, the decision still depends upon your meeting the animal. It has to be a great match, and you cannot know that until you meet the animal. Should you still feel that it is a perfect fit after meeting the animal, you will need to sign an adoption contract. Medical information regarding the animal will be provided to you, along with an adoption folder with some great information. Adopted cats must leave in a carrier, and dogs must leave with a collar and leash. All are available for sale at reasonable prices in our “Paws ‘n Claws” store at our Shelter.
Q: Can you help with an animal that is being neglected or abused?
A: Unfortunately, we hear about way too many cases of animal abuse or neglect. CCHS does not have the authority to intervene in such situations. You will need to report the case to your local authorities. If outside city or village limits, please contact your local sheriff's department. If inside city or village limits, please contact the city police or village constable. It is important that you report all details that you are aware of regarding the case, including the location and what you have witnessed. Anonymous reports can be made by calling the Tipster Line at 1-888-847-2576. The authorities will need to investigate the situation and take the appropriate action. Unfortunately, if shelter, food and water have been provided, there is little the authorities can do, even though we perceive the care as inappropriate or inadequate.
Q: I’ve found a stray kitten. What do I do?
A: The care needed for the kitten will depend on the age of the kitten. The first thing is to make sure the kitten is safe and protected. Many times kittens will need very special care if they are unable to eat on their own. You may need to provide special food and bottle-feed them. We recommend the use of KMR (Kitten Milk Replacement), available at Fleet Farm and veterinarians. Feeding amounts are listed on the cans. If the kitten is able to eat on its own, provide Kitten Chow and fresh water. DO NOT GIVE MILK OR CANNED TUNA!!!! Although it is common to think those are the best foods for kitties, they may actually result in severe diarrhea. Contact the Shelter as soon as possible to report the stray. They will advise if and when you should bring it to the Shelter. Please do not just show up at the Shelter with the kitten without first calling to make arrangements. You may report the found pet here on our website.
Q: I’ve found a stray dog. What do I do?
A: Contact CCHS right away! You may call during our open hours or you may submit a “Found Dog” form on our website. Please provide as much detail about the dog as you can. Several municipalities and townships have arrangements with CCHS to bring stray dogs to us. We will be able to advise you on your next step when you contact us. Please do not just show up at the Shelter with the dog without first calling to make arrangements. You may report the found pet here on our website.
Q: My pet is missing! What do I do?
A: Contact CCHS right away! You may call during our open hours or, even better, you may submit a “Lost Dog” or "Lost Cat" form here on our website at any time. Please provide as much detail about the animal as you can, including a picture if you have one available. We will check to see if we have a match, and will keep your information on file if we don’t. We also encourage you to contact Lost Dogs of Wisconsin or Lost Cats of Wisconsin for assistance in getting the word out about your lost pet and for great advice to help in your search.
Q: I cannot keep my pet anymore. Can you take it? What do I do?
A: Please contact CCHS during our open hours. We will ask you for information regarding your pet, including the type and age, if spayed or neutered, if current on vaccinations, and why you need to surrender the pet. The more information you can provide the better. We will be able to advise you on your next step when you contact us. Please keep in mind that as a “No Kill” Shelter we do not always have space available immediately. If you know you will be moving and cannot take your pet, contact us as soon as possible to be placed on our waiting list. Do not wait until the day you are moving to call us!
Q: Wisconsin State Law requires that my dog be licensed. Where do I get a license?
A: Contact your city or township treasurer to obtain a dog license. You will be required to provide proof of rabies vaccination and pay a small fee. They will also be able to assist with cat licensing, if needed.
Q: I hear a lot about Puppy Mills. What are they and why are they so bad?
A: “Puppy Mill” is a term used for breeders who breed dogs only for making a profit. They specialize in small “designer” dogs, such as cockapoos or puggles. They usually have a wide variety of dogs available at high prices. The dogs are not kept in good conditions. Very often they are kept in small cages, living in their own filth. Their only purpose is to breed puppies for a profit. Their quality of life is deplorable, and adult dogs are discarded when they can no longer produce enough puppies. You may go to visit a “breeder” without knowing that it is a puppy mill until you get there. You may find out that you are not able to see the parents of the puppy you are interested in, and you may not be allowed to see where the animals are living. They may bring out one puppy for you to look at. They cannot provide vaccination/medical records, and are not willing to guarantee the health of the puppy. They cannot provide papers for “purebred” animals. If you start to ask for more information and ask questions about the puppy, they are unable to provide the answers you need. This may very well be a puppy mill. There are more and more of them in rural areas of central Wisconsin all the time. While you may think that buying a puppy from a puppy mill is “rescuing” it from a horrible life, all you are actually doing is lining the pocket of the puppy mill owner, and making it possible for him to continue to do his despicable business and maybe expand it. It is also important to know that many puppy mills sell their ‘crop’ of puppies to pet stores. You may have no idea what you are getting into when you buy that designer puppy. We feel that it is very important that you deal only with reputable breeders who are breeding dogs for the right reasons. There are good breeders out there. Raising sound, healthy, well-socialized puppies is difficult work with some very specific demands. Quality breeders care about the animals they produce, and most say that if someone is making money breeding puppies, that person is doing something wrong. It is critical that you do your research before you buy that puppy! For more information on puppy mills, please visit www.nowisconsinpuppymills.com. And please consider adopting a Shelter dog instead of buying that designer dog. Our dogs have tons of love to give and are just waiting for the right family to come along!
Q: Puppy Mills sound horrible! What can be done to stop them?
A: Wisconsin has passed Act 90, the Commercial Dog Breeders Licensure Law. Act 90 allows for licensing and inspection of facilities that sell more that 25 dogs/puppies in a year. The law became effective in June, 2011, so it will take time for all of the licensing and inspections to take place. But it's the first step to ending puppy mills in Wisconsin! The law also applies to humane societies, and CCHS is proud to say that we passed our inspection with flying colors and now hold License #268235-DS.