The Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County leads the community in animal welfare and assures sanctuary for animals in need.
- Mission Statement

Each year HAWS assists over 6,000 animals and welcomes more than 31,000 visitors to our shelter at 701 Northview Road in the city of Waukesha. Our shelter promotes the humane care and treatment of all animals and supports cooperative humane efforts throughout the state of Wisconsin. We are not affiliated with any other local or national humane society.

Our kennel is open for public visiting hours every day from 1-5 p.m., and on Wednesdays from 1-7 p.m. We are open 7 days a week, only closing to the public on major holidays. HAWS opens to receive strays and surrendered animals at 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and at 1 p.m. on Sundays.

HAWS is an “open admissions” shelter and accepts all animals, regardless of age, temperament or health. We have contracts with 29 municipalities in Waukesha County to handle their stray impounding services. Our experienced staff of Adoption Counselors is ready to assist you in finding your lost pet, choosing your new best friend, and successfully managing life with your companion animal.

Our Animal Caregivers are a dedicated group of animal enthusiasts with many years of animal handling experience. Starting early each morning they clean over 100 animal housing areas, and, with the help of our wonderful volunteers, bathe, feed, exercise and ready the various pets for viewing and adoption.

Our Humane Education department coordinates seminars, classes, shelter tours, speaking engagements, and our very popular Kids ‘N Critters day camps, all geared toward teaching empathy and respect for life. New activities are constantly being added to our Events Calendar, including puppy and dog training classes, cat behavior seminars, book signings and lectures. Periodic special interest classes are also offered for things such as equine and small animal or “pocket pet” care.

Would you like us to visit you? HAWS’ Mobile Adoptions center makes stops at various businesses throughout our area to promote pet adoption and responsible pet ownership - we'll even bring along adoptable pets! We are available 7 days a week for appearances at both pet-related and non-pet businesses. Sponsor a visit and increase foot traffic for your company!

The Spay-Neuter Initiative Program at HAWS spays and neuters our shelter animals as well as assisting other animal rescue groups and low income individuals through our on-site surgical clinic. Through our free Outdoor Cat Program we are able to lend a hand to rural Waukesha area residents trying to control barn or feral cat populations.

Please feel free to contact us to inquire about any of the programs and services HAWS provides. Just call our shelter main number, 262-542-8851, and we will be happy to connect you with a staff person “in-the-know.”

Adopt - Learn - Volunteer - Join - Donate!

HAWS Staff
Lynn Olenik, Executive Director
Mark Hess, Field Service/Facilities Manager
Kelly Telderer, Shelter Manager
Khris Erickson, Humane Education
Kim Kalczynski, Volunteer Coordinator
Jennifer Smieja, Development Coordinator
Jessica Pinkos, Administrative Assistant
Jaime Merkel, Kennel Lead
Dr. Ken Wolterman, Veterinarian
Cassie Gugin, SNIP Clinic Manager
Jenni Steinbrecher, SNIP Veterinary Technician
Sara Falk & Lisa Fischer, Lead Adoption Counselors
Cassie Gugin, Mobile Adoptions Coordinator