Our History

Most of our daily activities are centered on caring for animals. These activities include:  the intake of stray and surrendered pets;  the medical care of injured and sick animals; the feeding, cleaning and tender care of the animals at our facility; attempts to locate the owners of lost pets so they can be reunited; and the search for adopters who are looking for forever pets.

Our history is in the animals we have served.

The birth of the Humane Society of Portage County was the result of many hard working and caring people who wanted better care for dogs and desired a change from a government dog pound.

At the fifty year mark we are celebrating  a live release rate of 98%.  Reaching this level took years of combined efforts of staff, volunteers and donors to achieve.

Important Dates

February 6, 1969 – an Open Letter discusses the need for a Humane Society in Portage County

October 15, 1969 – An Open Letter signed by 44 promient citizens proposes the formation of a Humane Society

January 13, 1970 – An organizational meeting is held at the Sentry Auditorium on Strongs Avenue

February 17. 1970 – The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions establishes the Portage County Humane Society as a non-stock corporation

December 9, 1970  – The United States Internal Revenue Service grants 501(c)(3) tax exempt charity status

June 12, 1971 – The Wisconsin Department of Revenue issues a tax exempt certificate

May 14, 2003 – Our name is changed from Portage County Humane Society to Humane Society of Portage County

February 10, 2008 – Grand opening of the shelter at 3200 Iber Lane in Plover