Wisconsin Pet Lovers Save Hundreds Of Animals During COVID-19 Crisis

The Wisconsin Humane Society is helping some lucky state citizens weather the COVID-19 pandemic with furry new friends by their sides.

On March 15, the organization warned they were in a “tough situation” due to a shortage of staff and volunteers who could help care for over 250 pets housed in five shelters across Wisconsin.

“Animals — and their loving adopters — will be much happier this next stretch if they're home together. We need adopters more than ever before,” WHS staff wrote on Facebook.

Three days later, the Wisconsin Humane Society updated their incredible progress, noting shelters had received so many applications — over 400 — that they temporarily could no longer accept new pet-parenting requests. This is a trend that has been replicated elsewhere in the country, like New York City.

On Mar. 20, WHS thanked everyone for their “incredible support,” which had left workers “near tears.”

“Despite the chaos of a global pandemic, you adopted 159 animals and took home 160 foster animals, all in just 5 days— and while three of our campuses were closed, no less!” the organization wrote on Facebook. “You helped us get ready for the days ahead, in which we’re now better prepared to serve our community’s new and ever-evolving needs.”

The Wisconsin chapter of the Humane Society noted there will be more pets in the very near future who need rescuing, but for now staff “celebrate this tremendous bright spot during an exceedingly difficult time.”

Let's hope that these animals remain healthy and happy, and in their new homes, beyond the pandemic and the financial hardships that it has wrought.

Check out the Humane Society of the United States website to see how you can help animals in your area.