UPCOMING FRIENDS EVENTS:

Dog Day Afternoon - Saturday, Sept. 12th, 10am - 2pm, Waukesha Expo Center
Holiday Pet Photos - Saturday/Sunday, October 23-24, sitting times TBA, at HAWS
Holiday Bazaar & Bake Sale - Saturday, November 6th, 9am - 3pm, at HAWS
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THE FRIENDS OF HAWS

The Friends of HAWS is a volunteer group dedicated to supporting the mission of the Humane Animal Welfare Society through community involvement and fundraising activities.  Through programs, special events and community activities they promote HAWS' goal of responsible pet ownership and the prevention of animal abuse and neglect.

The History of the Friends

When HAWS was established in 1965, we were run solely by volunteers.  From phone inquiries to animal pickups, from educational outreach to kennel cleaning, members of the community came together to carry out our animal care and control efforts. 

Even upon the hiring of the first full-time employee in 1976, the need for volunteer assistance continued.  To this day, HAWS’ existence would not be possible without the dedication of these unpaid helpers.  The Friends of HAWS are committed to helping wherever and whenever needed, and to contributing toward the financial well-being of the shelter.

Making A Difference

The Friends have evolved into community ambassadors, leading the way with events such as the annual Pet Walkathon and being actively involved in the yearly HAWS fall fundraising gala.  Funds are raised through things such as the sale of HAWS apparel, baked goods and crafts, Entertainment and Gold C Books, and through a recycling program.

The Friends also get involved outside of the shelter walls, hosting the annual HAWS for Paws Bowl and Mini-Golf Outing, and participating in pet contests and other off-site activities organized by HAWS’ community partners and supporters.  And maybe you've seen our coin boxes on the counter at your favorite local gas station, grocery store or pet supply store?

Check out the Calendar of Events page of this website to see what the Friends are up to now!

Friends Meeting minutes:  August 2010  June 2010  March 2010  February 2010  January 2010    


Program Support

Funds collected by the Friends group are dispersed based on the needs of the shelter, or from specific requests from the departments within HAWS.  The Friends have raised over $75,000 annually, directly supporting HAWS programs.

• Spay Neuter Initiative Program (SNIP) Clinic – purchasing equipment for the surgical suite and sponsoring surgical programs such as the Owned Outdoor Cat Program
• Humane Education – supporting the Kids ‘N Critters Day Camp, assisting with K’HAWS kids' club and various seminars
• Animal Rescue Team – furnishing a new road response van and safety equipment for HAWS animal care and control efforts
• D.A.R.T. – supporting HAWS’ efforts to train and maintain a local disaster response team
• General Assistance – volunteering in the HAWS shelter and office, and with the Mobile Adoptions program, assisting with facility upkeep and organizing special events

Join Us!

Any adult in the community interested in the improvement and promotion of the Humane Animal Welfare Society is welcome to join the Friends.  Meetings are held at the HAWS shelter on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.  Attendance at these meetings is not mandatory to become involved in the various activities, but it is worth attending for the camaraderie with others interested in animal welfare!

Questions?  Please call the shelter to leave a message for the Friends of HAWS, or email office@hawspets.org.