THE HISTORY OF HAWS
A Legacy of Caring Begins

In 1965 a group of concerned Waukesha County residents realized the need existed for a county-wide humane society and centralized shelter building, where homeless and stray animals could be cared for humanely and given a second chance. Up until this time each municipality in the county handled its own animal impounding, creating confusion for residents and no main “clearinghouse” to reconnect lost dogs with their owners.

In July of that year, the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County was granted incorporation. After a general meeting and election of a board of directors, the search began for a suitable shelter site and design. Fundraising also began in earnest, through solicitation mailings and direct requests to local residents for charter memberships.

In November, 1967 the Waukesha County Board agreed to lease county land on Northview Road in Waukesha to HAWS. Building plans were finalized and ground was broken in September 1968. Showing true community spirit, many suppliers donated materials to the project, including planning and contracting fees donated by Mike Schallock. Founders such as Romey Schoeninger and Jane Knox painted all the interior walls. The Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity of Carroll College manned shovels to dig drain tile tunnels.

While the shelter was under construction, a shuttle service was used. Dedicated HAWS volunteers Jane Knox, Mary Whipple and Jeanette Saunders used their own vehicles to transport unwanted animals from Waukesha to Milwaukee’s Wisconsin Humane Society. They handled 21 animals their very first week – indicating the growing need in our community! HAWS own shelter couldn’t be done quickly enough!

The shelter for HAWS held its grand opening on July 19, 1969. Jane Knox was employed as shelter manager, and directors Kathleen Merkel and Romey Schoeninger assisted along with one part-time kennel caretaker. Ruth Hough was the first volunteer wildlife rehabilitator. A dream was realized: a caring place for the county’s residents to bring the animals they could no longer keep, and a location in the middle of the County to hold stray animals looking to reconnect with their owners.

Additions to the building came quickly as need continued to arise. Expansions in 1973, 1979 and 1991 included areas for training and classes – showing HAWS dedication from the beginning towards community education on animal welfare. Mark Hess, who continues his employment with HAWS to this day after 30+ years of service, was hired in 1976.

Today HAWS shelter includes a kennel with adoption, stray, quarantine and special care areas; a lobby with four interview rooms and administrative offices; a multi-purpose room for meetings, seminars and training; and a Spay-Neuter suite (2001) for the sterilization of shelter animals as well as other animals in need. Our staff of almost 40 employees includes Executive Director Lynn Olenik, hired in 2004, along with a Humane Educator, staff dog trainer, Mobile Adoptions Coordinator, veterinarians, experienced Adoption Counselors and Kennel Caregivers, marketing and administrative staff.

Our present-day facility accommodates over 6,000 animals each year and welcomes more than 31,000 human visitors. Building on this strong foundation, HAWS hopes to break ground on our latest expansion in late spring/early summer of this year.

We are extremely proud of our humble beginnings and our service to Waukesha County over the past 40+ years of HAWS’ existence in the community. We look forward to the future!