The Best Madison, WI Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

Fetch Wisconsin Rescue

Fetch Wisconsin Rescue is an entirely volunteer run organization dedicated to finding homes for dogs in need. We spend time getting to know each dog to make the best possible match for their forever home. Since the group's founding in April 2013, we have rescued more than 3,500 dogs. We aim to help our dogs become happy and balanced, and for our volunteers to be confident pack leaders.

Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin

Underdog Pet Rescue is an all-breed companion animal rescue based out of Dane County, Wisconsin. Our mission is to find permanent homes for animals in need, and to enrich lives by strengthening the connection between animals and people through community services and outreach. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Brown Paws Rescue

Brown Paws is a foster-based rescue and is 100% volunteer-run. We do not have a facility. Our dogs are located in foster homes throughout Madison, WI and the surrounding area.

Shelter From The Storm

Shelter From the Storm Animal Rescue was formed in 2005 by Allison Davies in response to the overwhelming amount of animals being euthanized in local shelters. SFTS is an all-breed dog and cat rescue that focuses on alleviating overcrowding in shelters and helping adoptable/treatable animals. Since its inception, we've helped The Humane Society of The United States during Hurricane Katrina by transporting over 100 animals to safety in Wisconsin where they were vetted, placed in foster care, and ultimately found their forever homes. We also worked with them to deal with a major hoarding/neglect situation at the Thyme and Sage Ranch which was operating as an animal rescue/animal control agency but was housing in excess of 300 animals.

Iowa County Humane Society

The Iowa County Humane Society (ICHS) was formed in 1998 by a group of concerned citizens. We became an incorporated business in 2000 and 501c(3) non-profit, tax exempt organization in 2001. In our years of service to the communities in Iowa County and surrounding areas, ICHS has found homes for nearly 10,000 animals. Each year, around 400 animals find their way through our doors. ICHS was founded on the principle of maintaining a "no-kill" philosophy towards animal sheltering. We are dedicated to making our communities more humane places for all animals by providing shelter and care to animals in need, helping our communities discover and nurture the human-animal bond through education, being a voice for those who have none through animal welfare advocacy and working towards a world where every animal has a loving home through progressive and innovative programs. We believe that all animals deserve a chance for a loving home for life. In our efforts to find a loving forever home for all the adoptable animals who come to us, ICHS incurs a number of the costs for medical treatment (including vaccinations, medication, surgeries, spay/neuters, etc.), the costs for food, bedding, training, socialization and daily care for all animals at the shelter. It is thanks to our donors that we exist.

Friends of Noah-WI

Friends of Noah-WI is a foster-based Wisconsin dog and cat rescue organization. We invest in our community on many different levels. Not only do we rescue animals in critical need, but we also help change the conditions that contribute to homeless pets in the first place. Friends of Noah-WI is a volunteer-based animal rescue organization that was founded by Lois and Mert Corwin after they moved to the area in 2009. Since its inception, Friends of Noah has grown to over one hundred volunteers who work tirelessly to fulfill its missions.

A Promise of Love

Be My FurEvers

We are a foster-based dog rescue in southern Wisconsin, working with a partner shelter in Oklahoma, where dogs don't have as great of a chance at a cozy family life as they do in Wisconsin. We strive for FurEvers the first time, so we focus on matching you with the best dog for your family, lifestyle, and living arrangements.

Winston's Wishes

Wisconsin Bound Dog Rescue

Wisconsin Bound Dog Rescue is an all-breed dog rescue that specializes in rescuing abused, neglected or unwanted animals at high risk of euthanasia and providing temporary foster homes and necessary medical care until a permanent home can be found. WBDR is an all volunteer-based rescue. We strive to educate the public on the importance of spaying and neutering of animals to prevent pet overpopulation and prevent animal cruelty. WBDR is committed to finding each family and abandoned dog their perfect match and to make each rescue rewarding and permanent. We pride ourselves in being a no-kill rescue and helping not only the easy to place babies, but the babies that need a little extra time or medical attention before they are ready for their forever homes. Dog License Number 515375

Little Orphans Animal Rescue

Northwoods Humane Society

Albert's Dog Lounge

Our founders' lives changed forever when a little senior dachshund named Albert arrived in Wisconsin in 2016 and found himself homeless. Inadvertently put on a transport with no secure foster destination, Albert had nowhere to go. It was quickly decided that this tiny guy, who was suffering from congestive heart failure and years of neglect, absolutely had to find a home and a loving family....and find one he did. Not only did he find himself a home, but by charming the pants off everyone he met and stealing hearts with his Facebook shenanigans, he inspired Mandy and Darren to help hundreds of other old dogs find homes as well. Over the first seven months in his new home, Albert's spirit and little antics won him a plethora of Facebook followers. When Mandy and Darren initiated a fundraiser to expand their footprint in rescue, Albert's story inspired many to help. The dream was to convert a two-car garage into a retreat for dogs needing space and time to decompress and adjust to new lives. It would be called Albert's Dog Lounge. Unfortunately, shortly after the fundraiser kicked off, Albert passed suddenly. Devastated, Mandy and Darren's mission became clear: In Albert's memory, they would do even more to help senior and hospice dogs like the little one who had so greatly enriched their lives. In late 2017, Albert's Dog Lounge went from being a foster space in a converted garage to a 501c(3) non-profit rescue. This small team began rescuing seniors with the goal of helping fifty (50) seniors, special needs, and hospice dogs in their first year. At the end of 2018, the lives of 139 very special canines (and countless humans) were impacted thanks to the support received from Albert's friends, family and followers. In 2020, 586 lives were impacted. Albert's Dog Lounge has grown from a couple of friends with a mutual passion to a group of more than 150 dedicated volunteers and foster families. Featured on a news segment on several stations in Wisconsin, in several papers, and on a local radio station, we have been able to share and grow our mission and goals. We were able to purchase a transport van to rescue seniors and special needs dogs from Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas, with our list of rescue partnerships growing daily. Because of one little dog's inspiring spirit, we have been able to accomplish far more than we ever hoped and, in his honor, we will continue to show that old dogs really do make great new friends!

Watertown Humane Society

The Watertown Humane Society provides care to those greatest in need including animals of Watertown and the surrounding communities. We contract with the following municipalities: City of Watertown, Town of Watertown, City of Waterloo, Town of Milford, Town of Ixonia, Town of Concord, Village of Clyman (dogs only), and Village of Lowell (dogs only). We give new beginnings to over 800 dogs, cats and small animals a year. Our shelter helps all animals in need regardless of age, health or background. We believe every pet deserves a home and take great pride in the exceptional care that is given to each and every pet while they wait for their new family. Because of this, we save over ninety percent of all animals that come into our shelter.

Humane Society of Jefferson County, Inc.

On September 11, 1922 the State of Wisconsin granted the original charter for the creation of the Humane Society of Jefferson County. After the Depression the shelter occupied a Quonset hut just north of the city of Jefferson with caretakers Fred and Helen Lehman residing in a small house on the property. They were paid $100 a month with an additional $3 for each stray dog they took in. In 1965 Don Meske was appointed as the humane officer and took on the job of caring for the shelter and its animals until 1975. He and his family shared the animal care duties and Don is quoted as saying, “It kept the kids busy and helped them grow up into good human beings.” In the 1970’s the organization saw a tremendous increase in the number of animals needing assistance. The society re-examined its mission, ultimately deciding to focus on the quality of animal care, rebuilding or remodeling the shelter, and educating the public on the importance of spaying and neutering their pets. Fifteen years later, the number of litters of puppies in the area had decreased because more owners had begun to spay and neuter their dogs. However, the number of unwanted cats and kittens continued to rise. In 1978 the shelter moved to a facility on Kiesling Road in Jefferson. Originally built as a privately owned dog kennel, the shelter was remodeled to accommodate dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and the occasional farm animal. Over the years this building became increasingly outdated and inadequate, and the HSJC moved into its modern and spacious new facility in the spring of 2015.

Wisconsin German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue, Inc.

Wisconsin German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue is an all volunteer organization dedicated to the rescue and re-homing of adoptable German Shorthaired Pointers. WGSPR is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization covering the state of Wisconsin and upper peninsula of Michigan. We save GSPs from shelters, humane societies and owner surrenders. Our rescued dogs are placed into foster homes to be loved, nurtured, trained and in some cases nursed back to health while we find the perfect permanent home and loving family for them.

Waupun Area Animal Shelter

The Waupun Area Animal Shelter, Inc. was established to serve the City of Waupun and the surrounding areas through responsible, legal and humane handling of strays and unwanted pets and to raise the consciousness in the Waupun area in order to promote responsible pet ownership. The Shelter will provide humane care and treatment for cats and dogs needing protection in our area. We will seek to return lost cats and dogs to their owners, seek suitable homes for cats and dogs without owners, and attempt to assist with care and placement of unmentioned species. We do not support the movement by some national humane groups to abolish the raising of animals for food or clothing, etc., or the raising of companion animals to serve or accompany man. Nor do we support any movement to abolish the responsible hunting of un-endangered species of wild game animals. But rather we feel that because domestic animals do serve man in a variety of ways, they are entitled to humane and responsible lifetime care from their human friends. HISTORY The Waupun Area Animal Shelter was incorporated on May 23, 2005. THE PLAN The Waupun Area Animal Shelter, Inc. is contracted with the City of Waupun to care for stray cats and dogs. Surrenders are accepted on a case-by-case basis. This care will include but not be limited to, veterinary care, food, shelter, training, emotional support, humane euthanasia. This care will continue until the animal can be placed with a loving family or until euthanasia is deemed necessary. We will set in place educational opportunities for caring for animals. This activity will begin as soon as a building is either purchased or constructed that can be used to shelter homeless animals. The founding members of the Shelter, and any and all volunteers will be responsible for the care of the animals. The Waupun Area Animal Shelter, Inc. will rely solely on donations and volunteers.

Dane County Humane Shelter

DCHS is a donor-supported, private non-profit. We are not affiliated with any government agency or national animal welfare organization. We receive the majority of our funding from the generosity of people in our community. We are an open admission shelter accepting all animals that need assistance regardless of age, health status, or temperament. DCHS has an adoption guarantee, meaning all healthy or treatable animals can stay at DCHS as long as it takes to find a loving home.

Ma, Paws, & Me, Pet Rescue

Ma, Paws, & Me, Pet Rescue, Inc. is a family run pet rescue. Our mission is to the commitment of rescuing while reducing the number of homeless animals in need, regardless of breed, age, or disability, and responsibly placing them in permanent and loving homes. Ma, Paws, & Me Pet Rescue, Inc. will partner with our in state shelters needing assistance. We will also help the highly over pet populated states throughout the U.S. and when possible aid in re-homing pets so they don't have to be surrendered to a shelter.

R&R Animal Sanctuary

A Little R&R Animal Sanctuary Inc is happy to join the animal-loving community to help make a difference in the lives of pets both locally and internationally. R&R Sanctuary is currently operating as a small foster-based rescue with the ability to pull from several high-kill shelters, provide licensed foster homes, and adopt to verified individuals. We are a 501(c)3 NONPROFIT. OUR STORY Renee first started A Little R&R Animal Sanctuary while attending medical school on a Caribbean island with poor animal welfare. Having been an avid animal lover prior to this experience and on the journey back to Chicago, she rescued numerous dogs, cats, and even goats! Renee officially opened A Little R&R Animal Sanctuary in April 2014. From there we were able to build our small board - full of people who love animals and share our passion to save as many as we can. We have become partners with several high-kill shelters throughout the states, enabling us to pull pets - and transport teams to help us. We have a growing foster network and have hit over 1,000 intakes in 2022. That is over 1,000 lives saved! We rely on your donations to keep us running and to continue to rescue more pets.

Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin

The Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin (formerly the Rock County Humane Society) is a private nonprofit 501c3 organization whose mission is to provide shelter and humane care to lost and homeless pets, reunite lost pets with their families, promote positive pet adoptions and educate our community in order to inspire compassion and responsible pet guardianship. Our History Started in 1910, the Rock County Humane Society (RCHS), as it was named, has been saving the lives of animals in need for more than 100 years. Just like then, the new Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin is an independent community shelter with 35-40% of its annual budget coming in from private donations and fundraising, with the remainder coming from adoption fees, contract services, and inkind gifts that save us in expenses. In 1959, RCHS secured land to build a shelter and broke ground on our previous site at 222 S. Arch Street, Janesville, in 1962. After many years in our Arch Street building, we were quickly running out of room. In 2017, we decided it was time to make a change and started planning for a new building . We were fortunate to receive a generous estate donation that allowed us to purchase a beautiful 44-acre parcel land located centrally between Janesville and Beloit on County Road G. We broke ground, began building our new facility in 2021 and move in June of 2022. While a lot has changed since 1910, including our building and enhancing services to be broader in care, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to securing safe and loving homes for every adoptable animal and humane treatment for all.

Puppers To Love Rescue

Puppers To Love Rescue, Inc is a 501(c)3 nonprofit foster-based dog rescue located in southern Wisconsin. Please note, we do not have a shelter or other facility open to the public. All dogs are in foster homes.

Diamond Dogs Rescue

Diamond Dogs Rescue is a local dog rescue and nonprofit organization based out of Madison, Wisconsin. Established in early 2017, we are a 100% foster and volunteer based Wisconsin rescue, and we receive all of our funding through local community support, including business sponsorships and personal donations. We do not have a physical location or shelter. All of our dogs are placed in foster homes where they are loved and cared for until they find their forever homes. At Diamond Dogs Rescue, we help dogs connect with the family that they were meant to be a part of. We also are here for those who need us most during a difficult time. When someone can no longer care for dogs they so deeply love, they can trust us to take them in, place them in a foster home and care for them until they’re ready to go to a forever home.

NorthStar Wisconsin Dog Rescue & Advocacy

NorthStar WI, based in Madison, WI is a 501c(3) non-profit charity and follows the guidelines of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health. As we no longer foster more than 25 dogs per year, we no longer maintain a state license. NorthStar WI was founded in 2013 by a few good dog rescue friends in Madison, WI bringing together several years of experience, particularly with German Shepherd Dogs. With NorthStar WI, we wanted to broaden our range to include dogs of all mixes and sizes. Over the past 10 years, we’ve helped over 150 dogs find their new homes. Since we started our small rescue over ten years ago, there has been great growth in local rescue and foster groups.. To be honest, our little group is sometimes overwhelmed with recruiting and maintaining active fosters in a much more “competitive” field. Recognizing these challenges, in 2022, NorthStar WI decided to shift its focus from fostering to advocacy, this is the place we find the most joy and impact. Advocacy Efforts NorthStar WI’s advocacy efforts encompass a range of community support activities: • Rehoming Assistance: Helping community members rehome dogs that need new homes through no fault of their own. • Temporary Care: Providing temporary foster care for dogs like Booker, an elderly lab, whose owner needed time to recover from a broken elbow. • Transport and Coordination: Facilitating the transport of dogs, such as helping a Doodle from Coulee Humane Society get to her new owner in Michigan, in collaboration with Michigan Standard Poodle Rescue. • Donations: Contributing leashes and collars to shelters such as the one in Puerto Vallarta and the Dane County Humane Society. • Emergency Medical Funding: Providing financial support for emergency surgeries and other critical medical needs for community dogs. NorthStar WI continually seeks new ways to serve dogs and their owners. They encourage community members to reach out for assistance, promising to do their best to help with various situations. NorthStar WI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, operating under the guidelines of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health. NorthStar WI continually seeks new ways to serve dogs and their owners. We encourage community members to reach out for assistance, promising to do our best to help with various situations.

Ma, Paws, & Me Pet Rescue

Ma, Paws, & Me, Pet Rescue, Inc. is a family run pet rescue. Our mission is to the commitment of rescuing while reducing the number of homeless animals in need, regardless of breed, age, or disability, and responsibly placing them in permanent and loving homes. Ma, Paws, & Me Pet Rescue, Inc. will partner with our in state shelters needing assistance. We will also help the highly over pet populated states throughout the U.S. and when possible aid in re-homing pets so they don’t have to be surrendered to a shelter.