Humane Animal Welfare Society

The Humane Animal Welfare Society is the only animal shelter in the metro Milwaukee area that is both open admission and no-kill. HAWS welcomes any animal regardless of breed or behavioral issues, and thousands of animals are adopted from HAWS every year.

HAWS also puts on dozens of educational programs each year, teaching children about animal welfare and encouraging adoptions. In 2021, HAWS opened the Schallock Center for Animals in Delafield, an expansive new location where it hosts camps, field trips and classes.

Sara Plautz spends her days working a demanding job as a senior account manager, but in her spare time, she devotes herself to her passion – caring for animals. As one of HAWS’ 13 Emerging Leaders, she is a brand ambassador for the shelter and volunteers at dozens of events. Every December, she hosts a “Pictures with Santa” fundraiser to help raise money for the shelter.

HAWS’ Emerging Leaders help plan events, host the shelter’s mobile adoption team, work with the organization as a whole to fundraise, create volunteering opportunities, and of course, spend plenty of time caring for animals. They also receive professional development from HAWS’ staff to grow their careers as well.

“Our Emerging Leaders are an energetic crew that truly live humane,” says Jennifer Smieja, HAWS’ communications specialist. “‘Live humane’ is HAWS’ rallying cry: Animals continually show compassion and empathy – and we follow their lead!”