On June 1, Safe Harbor Humane Society was officially acquired by the Wisconsin Humane Society and became the WHS Kenosha Campus. For more about the merger, please visit www.wihumane.org/mergerfaqs
faqs
Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have a question not answered here, please contact us.
adoption process
How do I adopt an animal?
Follow the steps found on our Adoption Process page.
How should I prepare for the adoption process?
Please make sure you completely fill out every area of the adoption application so we can fully process it. You will need the names, ages, and birth dates of all the adults in the household. You will also need to answer some questions about how the cat or dog will be kept in your home (training questions, where the will be kept during the day, etc).
If your application is approved and you are the first hold on an animal, you will have 24 hours to decide whether or not you want to adopt the animal. This is a great time to research general animal expenses and what you need to prepare your home for a new pet. Once you are approved we can schedule an adoption! Adoption applications are good for 6 months.
Will my dog or cat be spayed or neutered when I adopt it?
All animals will be spayed/neutered prior to going home. They will also be up to date on all age appropriate vaccines and receive a microchip before going home. Our adoptions also include one free vet visit from any of the veterinarians in Kenosha.
What happens if I adopt an animal from Safe Harbor and it just doesn't work out? Can I return the animal?
If an adoption does not work out, you are able to bring the animal back to us.
Is there a way to expedite the approval process?
We have changed our adoption process in recent years to make it even faster to take your animal home. Please make sure every area of the adoption application is completely filled out, so we are able to fully process it.
Do I need to bring a leash or carrier to take my pet home after I adopt?
Yes, by law, all dogs must leave on a leash. All cats must leave in a carrier. Cardboard carriers and leashes/collars are available for purchase at the shelter.
How long will it take for me to be approved for an adoption?
It usually takes up to 24 hours to process an application. Times may vary based on the volume of applications submitted.
Follow the steps found on our Adoption Process page.
How should I prepare for the adoption process?
Please make sure you completely fill out every area of the adoption application so we can fully process it. You will need the names, ages, and birth dates of all the adults in the household. You will also need to answer some questions about how the cat or dog will be kept in your home (training questions, where the will be kept during the day, etc).
If your application is approved and you are the first hold on an animal, you will have 24 hours to decide whether or not you want to adopt the animal. This is a great time to research general animal expenses and what you need to prepare your home for a new pet. Once you are approved we can schedule an adoption! Adoption applications are good for 6 months.
Will my dog or cat be spayed or neutered when I adopt it?
All animals will be spayed/neutered prior to going home. They will also be up to date on all age appropriate vaccines and receive a microchip before going home. Our adoptions also include one free vet visit from any of the veterinarians in Kenosha.
What happens if I adopt an animal from Safe Harbor and it just doesn't work out? Can I return the animal?
If an adoption does not work out, you are able to bring the animal back to us.
Is there a way to expedite the approval process?
We have changed our adoption process in recent years to make it even faster to take your animal home. Please make sure every area of the adoption application is completely filled out, so we are able to fully process it.
Do I need to bring a leash or carrier to take my pet home after I adopt?
Yes, by law, all dogs must leave on a leash. All cats must leave in a carrier. Cardboard carriers and leashes/collars are available for purchase at the shelter.
How long will it take for me to be approved for an adoption?
It usually takes up to 24 hours to process an application. Times may vary based on the volume of applications submitted.
foster care
What types of animals are available for me to foster?
We typically foster out animals that are sick, babies or mothers. Check out our Foster page for more information. Animals in foster care are generally sick, too young to be in the shelter, or currently nursing.
Do I have to apply to be a foster parent?
Yes. The foster application is available at our shelter. Check out our Foster page for more information.
What are the requirements for fostering an animal?
Please see our Foster page for more information.
We typically foster out animals that are sick, babies or mothers. Check out our Foster page for more information. Animals in foster care are generally sick, too young to be in the shelter, or currently nursing.
Do I have to apply to be a foster parent?
Yes. The foster application is available at our shelter. Check out our Foster page for more information.
What are the requirements for fostering an animal?
Please see our Foster page for more information.
hours of operation
When can I come see the animals?
We are closed to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Monday: 1pm-6pm
Tuesday: 1pm-6pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 1pm-6pm
Saturday: 12pm-5 pm
Sunday: Closed
All interactions with animals end will end 15 minutes before closing so we can administer their night time medications and food. You can still look at the animals, just not take them out.
We are closed to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Monday: 1pm-6pm
Tuesday: 1pm-6pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 1pm-6pm
Saturday: 12pm-5 pm
Sunday: Closed
All interactions with animals end will end 15 minutes before closing so we can administer their night time medications and food. You can still look at the animals, just not take them out.
payments
How much does it cost to surrender an animal?
$100.00 (tax included) per animal. If the animal is surrendered for behavioral or health issues that fee is $100. This helps us to care for the animals basic needs while they are in the shelter. Check out our Surrender/Reclaim page for more information.
How much does it cost to reclaim an animal?*
$39.00 (tax included). A $19.00 (+tax) per day boarding fee is charged after the first day. Reclaim fees must be paid by cash, debit or credit card. The $39 fee doubles the second time an animals comes in ($78) and triples the third time ($117) and so on..
*AN UP-TO-DATE RABIES VACCINATION WITH PROOF IS REQUIRED BY LAW BEFORE AN ANIMAL IS RELEASED BACK TO THE OWNER*
What forms of payment does Safe Harbor accept?
Safe Harbor accepts cash, debit or credit card. We do not accept checks as a form of payment for services..
Does Safe Harbor provide payment plans for adoption, reclaim, etc.?
No. Appropriate payment at the time of service is required.
How much does it cost to adopt an animal?
It varies depending on the type animal (cat, dog, other) and age of the animal. Check out our Adoption Process page for more information.
Does it cost more to reclaim a pet the second time I reclaim it?
Yes. The $39 fee doubles the second time an animals comes in ($78) and triples the third time ($117).
How much is the boarding fee for reclaiming a pet?
A $19.00 (+tax) per day boarding fee is charged after the first day. Please note that we are not a boarding facility and cannot board personal pets.
$100.00 (tax included) per animal. If the animal is surrendered for behavioral or health issues that fee is $100. This helps us to care for the animals basic needs while they are in the shelter. Check out our Surrender/Reclaim page for more information.
How much does it cost to reclaim an animal?*
$39.00 (tax included). A $19.00 (+tax) per day boarding fee is charged after the first day. Reclaim fees must be paid by cash, debit or credit card. The $39 fee doubles the second time an animals comes in ($78) and triples the third time ($117) and so on..
*AN UP-TO-DATE RABIES VACCINATION WITH PROOF IS REQUIRED BY LAW BEFORE AN ANIMAL IS RELEASED BACK TO THE OWNER*
What forms of payment does Safe Harbor accept?
Safe Harbor accepts cash, debit or credit card. We do not accept checks as a form of payment for services..
Does Safe Harbor provide payment plans for adoption, reclaim, etc.?
No. Appropriate payment at the time of service is required.
How much does it cost to adopt an animal?
It varies depending on the type animal (cat, dog, other) and age of the animal. Check out our Adoption Process page for more information.
Does it cost more to reclaim a pet the second time I reclaim it?
Yes. The $39 fee doubles the second time an animals comes in ($78) and triples the third time ($117).
How much is the boarding fee for reclaiming a pet?
A $19.00 (+tax) per day boarding fee is charged after the first day. Please note that we are not a boarding facility and cannot board personal pets.
volunteering
How can I volunteer? What opportunities are there for me to volunteer?
Please see our Volunteer page for more information.
How old do you have to be to walk dogs / socialize cats?
Anyone interested in walking dogs MUST be 18 years or older. If you would like your child to join you, advanced permission must be given by the volunteer coordinator. For socializing cats, you must be 18 years old, or 16 years old with a parents consent. For insurance purposes, anyone younger than 16 MUST be with a parent the entire time they are volunteering. Please email our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@safeharborhumane.com for any questions on this.
Please see our Volunteer page for more information.
How old do you have to be to walk dogs / socialize cats?
Anyone interested in walking dogs MUST be 18 years or older. If you would like your child to join you, advanced permission must be given by the volunteer coordinator. For socializing cats, you must be 18 years old, or 16 years old with a parents consent. For insurance purposes, anyone younger than 16 MUST be with a parent the entire time they are volunteering. Please email our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@safeharborhumane.com for any questions on this.
stray animals
I found a dog or cat, now what?
If the animal was found in Kenosha County, please bring the animal to our shelter during business hours or contact your local non-emergency police department. If the animal found is an outdoor or feral cat you will be referred to our TNR program, as these cats cannot be placed as part of our adoption program. If you are a Racine County or Lake County resident or if it is after hours, refer to our City & State Services page for the appropriate local animal control service.
Who do I call with wildlife concerns?
Safe Harbor Humane Society is legally unable to care for any type wildlife, or even house them temporarily. Please contact Fellow Mortals Wildlife Rehab in Lake Geneva (262-248-5055), or WI Humane Wildlife Program (414-431-6204) for assistance.
If the animal was found in Kenosha County, please bring the animal to our shelter during business hours or contact your local non-emergency police department. If the animal found is an outdoor or feral cat you will be referred to our TNR program, as these cats cannot be placed as part of our adoption program. If you are a Racine County or Lake County resident or if it is after hours, refer to our City & State Services page for the appropriate local animal control service.
Who do I call with wildlife concerns?
Safe Harbor Humane Society is legally unable to care for any type wildlife, or even house them temporarily. Please contact Fellow Mortals Wildlife Rehab in Lake Geneva (262-248-5055), or WI Humane Wildlife Program (414-431-6204) for assistance.
lost & found
Where can I find my lost pet?
Please see our Found page for a list of the newest animals in our shelter.
How do I report a lost pet?
Please see our Lost page for more information.
Please see our Found page for a list of the newest animals in our shelter.
How do I report a lost pet?
Please see our Lost page for more information.
services
Does Safe Harbor offer a vaccination clinic?
Typically yes, but due veterinary staffing issues, we cannot offer the program consistently. Please see our Vaccination Clinic page for more information. You can find them posted on our homepage, or our Facebook Page.
Does Safe Harbor offer a microchip service?
Yes. We offer microchip services for non-shelter pets. It costs $25 plus tax and takes no time at all! We require that all pets 5 months and older to be previously vaccinated for rabies. You can make an appointment during our normal open hours by calling the front office (262-694-4047.) Check out our Low Cost Vaccination Clinic page for more information on other veterinary services we provide.
Does Safe Harbor offer a euthanasia/cremation service for the general public?
Yes, please see our Euthanasia/Cremation page for more information.
Typically yes, but due veterinary staffing issues, we cannot offer the program consistently. Please see our Vaccination Clinic page for more information. You can find them posted on our homepage, or our Facebook Page.
Does Safe Harbor offer a microchip service?
Yes. We offer microchip services for non-shelter pets. It costs $25 plus tax and takes no time at all! We require that all pets 5 months and older to be previously vaccinated for rabies. You can make an appointment during our normal open hours by calling the front office (262-694-4047.) Check out our Low Cost Vaccination Clinic page for more information on other veterinary services we provide.
Does Safe Harbor offer a euthanasia/cremation service for the general public?
Yes, please see our Euthanasia/Cremation page for more information.
surrender
I'm not a Kenosha County resident. Can I still surrender my animal?
No, we are contracted with most municipalities in Kenosha County and Union Grove (with the exception of Brighton) and therefore accept animals from Kenosha County or Union Grove residents. We will verify this information by taking a copy of a valid state or government issued ID. The only exception is if you originally adopted the animal from Safe Harbor Humane Society.
Do I have to make an appointment to surrender an animal?
Yes. This ensures that we have cage space available and helps us to manage our intake and population. Check out our Surrender/Reclaim page for more information.
No, we are contracted with most municipalities in Kenosha County and Union Grove (with the exception of Brighton) and therefore accept animals from Kenosha County or Union Grove residents. We will verify this information by taking a copy of a valid state or government issued ID. The only exception is if you originally adopted the animal from Safe Harbor Humane Society.
Do I have to make an appointment to surrender an animal?
Yes. This ensures that we have cage space available and helps us to manage our intake and population. Check out our Surrender/Reclaim page for more information.
Veterinary Care
After I adopt a pet, will Safe Harbor give regular exams or see my pet for emergent / urgent care?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide check-ups or see your pet for any medical needs as we are not a full service veterinary clinic. Please, check out our Resources page to contact a local vet as needed.
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide check-ups or see your pet for any medical needs as we are not a full service veterinary clinic. Please, check out our Resources page to contact a local vet as needed.