Humane Animal Welfare Society

In recent years, the costs of owning a pet have risen exponentially: vet bills, food, supplies. Providing services and education to support pet owners and better serve the animals in our community is where the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) shines.

HAWS is an open-admission, no-kill shelter. Over the last decade, it has met or exceeded an adoption rate of higher than 90%.

“We are committed to having programs and procedures and philosophies that look at an animal from a holistic perspective,” says Maggie Tate-Techtmann, HAWS executive director. “We are here to support pets and their people.”

HAWS offers low-cost veterinary services including wellness exams, sick visits, spay and neuter services and vaccines in their SNIP Clinic. “One of our largest goals and focuses is that we want to ensure that pets can stay with their people whenever possible,” Tate-Techtmann says.

The HAWS Safe Keep Program allows individuals in Waukesha County to temporarily house their pets when an unforeseen emergency hits. The program is completely free, and food and supplies can be provided. HAWS also operates a pet food pantry where community members can access food and supplies at no cost.

“We are constantly engaging in education and working on strong partnerships,” Tate-Techtmann says. “We are on the forefront of ensuring the welfare of the animals in our care.”