Rock County Humane Society

Our Pet List

History Of Who We Are

Although the organized humane treatment of animals in Rock County began as early as the mid 1930's, the Rock veterinarian from Milton and concerned citizens from across the county joined forces and resources to purchase land on Arch street in Janesville to house unwanted and homeless pets. This property, located almost at the center of the county, had good usable farm buildings that served as shelter for the increasing numbers of needy animals until 1976 when fund raising efforts allowed the construction of a real shelter. During the late 1980's, this non-profit organization was approached by a number of municipalities to act as their stray holding facility. This increased the need for a larger facility and in the early 1990's the 20 member Board of Directors addressed the need to modernize the existing shelter and add more kennel space for the 3,000 animals seen yearly. In 1996, the building renovations and additions were completed, which included an education room, two adoption rooms, a new heating and cooling fresh air system, better drainage and more kennel space. The shelter can now hold approximately 175 animals comfortably. Education and prevention of stray animals are the focus now for this organization. Rock County Humane Society averages about 100 adoptions each month, but the supply of adoptable animals exceeds demand, so efforts and resources are directed at better care for the animals we have and prevention of future unwanted births. This Humane Society, like most, is dependent upon the generous and continuous support of people who love animals. By the virtue of their time and financial support, this shelter continues to serve Rock County's homeless and abused pets.

Adoption Procedure

Please visit Petfinder and the RCHS website often as we get new animals in every day. The animals shown here are only a few of the many currently available for adoption. Please read through the following adoption procedures and print a copy of our adoption application.

1) Go to our website www.rockcountyhumanesociety.com to fill out our adoption application. Once printed and completed, you can either fax it to the shelter (608) 752-4201 or return it to the shelter in person. We are open from 1-5:00pm Tuesday through Sunday and from 1-7:00pm on Mondays.

All adopters must be 18 years of age or older.

Applications take 24 - 48 hours to be approved. You will be contacted once your application has been approved.

Once an application has been approved, it will remain on file until a pet has been chosen (or for six months).

2) Once your application has been approved, stop in at the shelter and start your search for the perfect pet!

You must have an approved application on file to take an animal out of its kennel. This includes holding, playing with, and/or walking the animal.

All family members must meet with the new pet at the shelter prior to adoption to insure compatibility.

Adult canine members of the family are 'required' to come in and meet a new dog prior to adoption. We do not allow cats to come in and meet a new cat due to issues that have come up in the past.

Please remember as you make your selection, not every pet is compatible with every family's lifestyle. Our experienced staff will help you with your selection by giving you information about the pet's temperament, personality and behavior.

3) Place a "Hold for Adoption" on your pet of choice if you need a day or two to make a final decision. A hold is good for two days, after which time the hold will be removed and the animals will once again be up for adoption. Holds can only be placed in person, and can not be placed via phone, fax or email.

4) If you have made a final decision on which animal to adopt, inform a staff member on which animal it is so the adoption process can begin.

Adoption Fees: Please see our website www.rockcountyhumanesociety.com for a current listing of our adoption fees. All adoption fees include spay or neuter, distemper shot, worming (if cat), and microchip.

Adopted dogs must leave the shelter on a leash. You may bring your own leash or purchase one from the shelter. Adopted cats must leave the shelter in a travel carrier. You may bring your own carrier or purchase one for $5 from the shelter.

Our goal is to place each animal in a happy, healthy and safe environment. At the same time, we want to provide you with an animal that will give you years of pleasure and enjoyment. Our adoption procedures are designed to benefit you and your new pet! Please feel free to ask us about our adoption procedures at any time.

Come Visit Us!

We are located at 222 S. Arch Street, Janesville, WI. We are 45 minutes from Madison and 1 1/2 hours from Milwaukee.

From the South: Take I43 South to the I90 West Exit (towards Madison). Take I90 to Avalon Road Exit. Left on Avalon Road to Hwy. 51. Right on Hwy. 51 to Rockport Road. Left on Rockport Road to Arch Street. Right on Arch Street to the shelter (left side of road).
From the North: Take I-90 East to Exit #175A exit (you will merge onto Racine Street). Take Racine street to Center Avenue. Take a right on Center Avenue to Court Street (car wash and Walgreens on right - railroad tracks on left). Left onto Court Street about 1 mile until you come to Arch Street (Pizza Hut on left corner). Left onto Arch Street and shelter is 2 blocks up on right-hand side of Street.

Rock County Humane Society
222 S. Arch Street
Janesville, WI 53545
Hours: 1-7:00pm Mondays and 1-5:00pm Tuesday-Sunday

Phone: (608)752-5622 / Fax (608) 752-4201
Email: rchs@inwave.com
Click here for a list of pets at this shelter

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