The Washington County Humane Society

What The Washington County Humane Society does

The Washington County Humane Society (WCHS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter headquartered at 3650 State Road 60, Slinger, Wisconsin, serving Washington County. Founded in 1960 and operating under Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) License #266935-DS, WCHS runs a single physical shelter staffed by 23 employees and governed by a 12-member Board of Directors led by President Jeff Schloemer, with Kay Amland serving as Executive Director. The organization delivers pet adoption (cats, dogs, small animals, working cats via the Home To Home transfer program), foster care coordination, lost and found pet reunification, pet licensing, dog training, an outdoor cat clinic, microchip scanning, wildlife rehabilitation, surrender counseling, and humane education programs that reach approximately 1,500 school-age children annually through school visits, day care presentations, and scout tours led by a dedicated Humane Educator.

WCHS funds operations through a diversified nonprofit revenue mix. Primary streams include individual and legacy donations, annual corporate sponsorships from local businesses (UEMSI-HTV, Guinn's, NEBT, Enviro-Safe, Lemke, Tews, GOR, Delta Defense, Pampered Pup Groom, Pooch Palace, A1 Health & Fitness, Celtic Knot Massage), event fundraising, and modest program fees. Signature events include Festival of Trees (over $750,000 raised across a 25-year run), MEGA Rummage Sale ($606,843 for the Emergency Animal Medical Fund across 16 years), Oktoberfest (over $350,000 across 14 years since 2011), Bag + Bourbon BINGO, and the inaugural Barks & Brews launched in 2024. Program revenue lines include ROMP Kids Summer Camp ($250/child), Birthday Party Pawty packages ($250/event, including a 45-minute Humane Educator presentation and a 2.5-hour facility rental), pet licensing at $8–$15, and undisclosed adoption fees. A volunteer-run eBay store (washingtoncoun0) provides ancillary year-round merchandise sales. The organization holds the Candid/GuideStar Gold Seal of Transparency as a public credibility signal.

WCHS operates on standard nonprofit SaaS rather than proprietary technology: VicNet for volunteer management, Constant Contact for email marketing, a WordPress-based website (wchspets.org), Facebook as the primary social channel, and an eBay storefront. Service distribution is anchored at the Slinger shelter during defined adoption and donation hours, supplemented by off-site adoption events at Fleet Farm (West Bend, Germantown), The Vault Pet Supplies (Germantown), Washington County Fair Park's Ziegler Family Expo Center, Sandy Knoll County Park, Homestead Hollow County Park, and Holy Hill Art Farm. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: customer acquisition flows through word-of-mouth, school-based outreach to ~1,500 children annually, and recurring major events, with no paid acquisition, sales team, or app distribution in evidence.

Name

The Washington County Humane Society

Legal name

Washington County Humane Society

Website

https://wchspets.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Washington County Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter in Slinger, Wisconsin, operating since 1960 to serve Washington County with pet adoption, foster care, licensing, education, and wildlife rehabilitation, funded via donations, sponsorships, and signature annual fundraising events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Welfare Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Veterinary Services (54194)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Animal Shelters & Rescue Operations (AFAEALAB), Foster & Volunteer Network Programs (BPAGAIAF), Veterinary Charity Clinics & Medical Aid (BPAGAIAD), Education & Community Outreach (Responsible Pet Ownership) (BPAGAIAK)

Keywords

• Animal shelter services
• Pet adoption programs
• Humane education
• Animal welfare nonprofit
• Pet licensing services

Headquarters

HQ city

Slinger

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual donors contribute through the website donation portal, annual sponsorships, legacy giving programs, and general fund donations. This is the primary source of revenue supporting shelter operations.
2. Adoption Fees: Revenue generated from pet adoptions. All dogs are licensed at time of adoption. Adoption counseling is provided by volunteers to match animals with suitable homes.
3. Event Fundraising: Major annual events including Oktoberfest (14-year history, $350,000+ raised), MEGA Rummage Sale (16th annual, $606,843 raised for Emergency Animal Medical Fund), Festival of Trees (25-year history, $750,000+ raised), and Bag + Bourbon BINGO generate significant fundraising revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, raffles, and vendor fees.
4. Program and Service Fees: Revenue from ROMP Kids Summer Camp ($250/child), Birthday Parties ($250 package), and pet licensing services ($8-15 typically).
5. Sponsorships: Annual sponsors and event-specific sponsors provide financial support at various tiers, with sponsors recognized on the website and at events. Notable annual sponsors include UEMSI-HTV, Guinn's, NEBT, Enviro-Safe, Lemke, Tews, GOR, Delta Defense, and others.
6. eBay Sales: Year-round online merchandise sales through a volunteer-run eBay seller account, providing ongoing small-scale fundraising outside of major events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Washington County Humane Society is a nonprofit animal shelter providing pet adoption services for cats, dogs, small animals, and working cats; foster care; dog training; an outdoor cat clinic; lost and found pet reunification; pet surrender counseling; pet licensing; microchip scanning; wildlife rehabilitation; and humane education programs. The organization supports these services through volunteer programs, sponsorships, and major annual fundraising events (Festival of Trees, MEGA Rummage Sale, Oktoberfest, Bag + Bourbon BINGO, Barks & Brews, ROMP Kids Summer Camp).

Product overview

The Washington County Humane Society operates as a unified nonprofit animal shelter organization providing a comprehensive suite of animal welfare services. Core offerings include pet adoption (cats, dogs, small animals, working cats), foster care, dog training, outdoor cat clinic, lost and found services, pet surrender counseling, pet licensing, microchip scanning, wildlife rehabilitation, and humane education programs. The organization enhances community engagement through volunteer programs, youth education (ROMP summer camp), birthday party hosting, and various annual fundraising events including MEGA Rummage Sale, Oktoberfest, Festival of Trees, Barks & Brews, and Bag + Bourbon BINGO. All programs support the core mission of protecting animals from cruelty and enhancing lives through education, adoption, and compassion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pet Adoption Services Animal adoption program offering cats, dogs, small animals, and working cats for permanent homes, including a Home To Home transfer program for direct pet placement. Open for adoption viewing Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. All dogs are licensed at time of adoption and adoption counseling is provided by volunteers to match animals with suitable homes.
• Foster Care Program Temporary home placement program for animals requiring extra care, providing food, equipment, and medical supplies while foster families provide love and rehabilitation for animals needing medication, recovery from illness, or socialization.
• Dog Training Professional dog training services offered at the shelter facility for behavioral correction and obedience training for shelter dogs and community members' dogs.
• Outdoor Cat Clinic Clinic services providing veterinary care and wellness services for outdoor and community cats in Washington County.
• Lost & Found Pet Services Comprehensive pet reunification services including lost pet reports, found pet listings, and pet reclamation assistance for owners seeking to recover missing animals.
• Pet Surrender Services Program allowing pet owners to surrender animals with counseling and alternative resources, including a Home To Home direct placement option.
• Pet Licensing Annual pet licensing service for dogs and cats, supporting rabies compliance and community safety requirements. Cost is typically $8-15 including a WCHS processing fee. Dog licenses are required annually for dogs over 5 months per Wisconsin state law. Cats may be licensed by request if current on Rabies vaccine.
• Microchip Scan Station Free microchip scanning service to help identify lost pets and reunite them with owners.
• Humane Education Programs Educational outreach including school visits, responsible pet ownership classes, and bite prevention education serving approximately 1,500 school-age children annually. Includes after-school programs, day care center presentations, and scout/church group tours.
• ROMP Kids Summer Camp Four-day summer day camp for children in grades 1-5 held twice yearly at the shelter at $250 per child, featuring animal education, crafts, field trips, animal interactions, snacks, and bus transportation to off-site locations.
• Wildlife Services Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation services for injured or orphaned wild animals in Washington County.
• Birthday Parties Hosted birthday party package at the shelter venue (Sylvia Lutz Training Center) for $250 per event, including 2.5-hour facility rental, educational presentation, shelter tour, and animal meet-and-greet for children aged 6-13.
• Volunteer Programs Comprehensive volunteer opportunities including adult, youth, and group volunteer options covering animal care, adoption counseling, dog walking, cat companionship, and community outreach, managed through the VicNet online portal.
• Donation Services Multiple donation channels including online giving, annual sponsorship, legacy giving, and wish list fulfillment for shelter support.
• MEGA Rummage Sale Annual large-scale fundraiser held at Washington County Fair Park (Ziegler Family Expo Center) featuring over 250 tables of donated items; admission $3 per person (free for children 12 and under). Has raised over $606,843 for the Emergency Animal Medical Fund over 16 years.
• Oktoberfest Annual beer-tasting fundraiser that has raised over $350,000 in 14 years for animal care programs at WCHS. Inaugurated in 2011.
• Festival of Trees Annual holiday fundraiser featuring decorated trees and wreaths, raffles, live music, bake sale, and holiday boutique. Admission $8 general / $6 seniors (65+) and children (4-12). Has raised over $750,000 in 25+ years.
• Bag + Bourbon BINGO Adult-oriented BINGO event featuring upscale bags and bourbon prizes, with cash bar, raffles, and animal viewing. $40 General Admission, $300 Table of 8.
• Barks & Brews Outdoor beer-tasting event held at dog parks featuring local brewery samples, dog-friendly activities, vendors, and raffles. Inaugurally held in 2024 at Sandy Knoll County Park.
• Pet Licensing Processing Service Statutorily required annual dog licensing service processed by WCHS on behalf of Washington County municipalities, with a WCHS processing fee added to the base licensing cost.

Quantifiable outcome

• Festival of Trees has raised over $750,000 in its 25-year history
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• UEMSI-HTVminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual sponsor of Washington County Humane Society. Listed among annual sponsors on the WCHS website homepage alongside other local businesses supporting the organization.
• Guinn'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual sponsor of Washington County Humane Society. Listed among annual sponsors on the WCHS website homepage.
• NEBT (NE Bat)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual sponsor of Washington County Humane Society. Listed among annual sponsors on the WCHS website homepage.
• Enviro-SafeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual sponsor of Washington County Humane Society. Listed among annual sponsors on the WCHS website homepage.
• Steinhardt Family FundminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the inaugural Barks & Brews event in 2024, held at Sandy Knoll County Park in West Bend, WI.
• George & Judy PrescottminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsors of the inaugural Barks & Brews event. Also listed as event partners for Festival of Trees and other WCHS events.
• Pet Supplies PlusminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHost venue partner for the inaugural Barks & Brews event in 2024, co-hosting alongside Jeff's Spirits on Main.
• Jeff's Spirits on MainminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-host of Barks & Brews event and beverage sponsor for Festival of Trees Preview Party. Active community sponsor for multiple WCHS events.
• Holy Hill Art FarmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner host for the Dog Days of Summer event. Holy Hill Art Farm (80-acre, 169-year-old family farm) partners with WCHS to host bluegrass music, wine, dog adoptions, and pet-focused activities. A portion of event proceeds is donated to WCHS.
• Washington County Fair ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for the MEGA Rummage Sale (held at Ziegler Family Expo Center). Also listed as a MEGA Rummage Sale sponsor. The partnership provides the large-scale venue needed for the 250+ table rummage sale event.
• Candid (formerly GuideStar)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerWCHS has earned the Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid, sharing its #NonprofitProfile for public impact updates and donor transparency.
• American Red CrossminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWCHS hosts periodic American Red Cross Blood Drives at its shelter location, providing community service beyond animal welfare.
• Sandy Knoll County ParkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue for the inaugural Barks & Brews event. WCHS was granted private access to fenced dog parks and the organized walk route at the park for the event.
• Just Call Me Mom Jeans VintageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsoring the 'Ugly Sweater' display at Festival of Trees by sourcing and sponsoring thrifted holiday garments available for purchase at the shelter during the event.
• Fleet Farm (West Bend & Germantown)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegular off-site adoption event venues. WCHS holds adoption events at Fleet Farm locations in West Bend and Germantown, providing visibility and adoption access in high-traffic retail locations.
• The Vault Pet SuppliesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner venue for cat adoption events, including Vault Fest V celebrating the 5th anniversary of cat adoption events at the Germantown location.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• ASPCA: One of the largest U.S. animal welfare organizations, operating shelters in select regions while running national advocacy and grant programs. Comparable in mission but materially larger and broader than WCHS.
• Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): National umbrella animal welfare organization providing advocacy, rescue, and policy work; not a direct shelter operator but the most recognized brand in the U.S. animal welfare space and a common peer reference for local humane societies.
• Best Friends Animal Society: National no-kill advocacy and shelter network operator with a strong focus on adoption, foster programs, and community animal welfare initiatives; overlaps with WCHS's adoption and foster mission at greater scale.

Others

• Maddie's Fund: Family foundation funding no-kill shelter initiatives, grants, and community animal welfare programs nationally. Relevant peer as a potential funder/ecosystem participant adjacent to WCHS's operations rather than a direct operator.

Direct peers

• Wisconsin Humane Society: Statewide nonprofit operating shelter locations across Wisconsin, including in the Milwaukee metro area adjacent to WCHS's service territory. Offers a directly comparable mix of adoption, veterinary, and education programs, making it the closest functional peer.
• Elmbrook Humane Society: Wisconsin-based nonprofit animal shelter serving Brookfield and Waukesha County with adoption, surrender, and education services. Closely comparable community-shelter model and geographic proximity to WCHS.
• Ozaukee Humane Society: County-level nonprofit shelter serving neighboring Ozaukee County, WI, with similar adoption, licensing, and community-event fundraising models. Direct competitor for regional donor attention.
• Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS): Waukesha County, WI-based nonprofit animal shelter offering adoption, training, and education services with a comparable operational footprint to WCHS and overlapping donor pool in southeastern Wisconsin.

Emerging players

• Petfinder Foundation: Online adoption-listing platform connecting adopters with shelter animals across thousands of shelters, including WCHS. Comparable in adoption-placement function but operates as a digital intermediary rather than a shelter.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Nonprofit pet adoption search platform that lists animals from shelters and rescues nationally. Provides a digital adoption funnel that competes for the same adopter audience as WCHS's walk-in adoption service.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Washington-County-Humane-Society
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-washington-county-humane-society

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Washington County Humane Society