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Animal Shelters & Rescues in Milwaukee, WI

10 of the 36 dog parks, shelters, trainers and boarding kennels we list in Milwaukee are shelter and rescue services.

Organizations vary between open-admission municipal facilities and private, foster-based rescues that do not operate a public viewing kennel. Choosing where to adopt depends on whether you want to walk through on-site kennels or submit an application online before meeting dogs in private homes. Adoption fees, home visit requirements, and hold periods for stray animals differ significantly across locations.

  1. Second Hand Purrs

    4300 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

    Thursdays, 6pm - 9pm, and saturdays, 10am to 3pm

    Call Website Directions

  2. PetU Milwaukee

    6120 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

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  3. Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter

    5349 W Forest Home Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53220

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  4. Wisconsin Humane Society

    4500 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208-3156

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  5. Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission

    3839 W Burnham St, Milwaukee, WI 53215

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  6. New Beginnings Shih Tzu Rescue

    PO Box 652, Milwaukee, WI 53154

    Mon-Sat 9am-5pm

    Website Directions

  7. Almost Home Cat Rescue Mke

    925 E Ogden Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202-2830

    Website Directions

  8. Jack’s Playground

    Milwaukee, WI

    Website Directions

  9. Lucky Mutts Rescue Adoption Center

    9225 W Beloit Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53227-4310

    Website Directions

  10. Rescue Gang

    4525 W Burnham St, Milwaukee, WI 53219-1608

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Check visitor policies early. Municipal facilities usually allow walk-in visits during public hours, but private rescues often require an approved application before scheduling a meet-and-greet.

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Good to know

What is the difference between an animal shelter and a rescue organization?

Shelters typically operate a physical facility that houses stray or surrendered animals directly on site. Rescue organizations are often run by volunteers using network foster homes, meaning animals live in private residences until adoption.

How much does it typically cost to adopt a dog?

Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $350 depending on the organization and the age of the dog. Puppies usually carry higher fees, while standard fees generally include spay or neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, and a microchip.

Can I bring my current dog to meet a potential rescue dog?

Most organizations require or strongly encourage a controlled meet-and-greet between your existing dog and the rescue dog before finalizing an adoption. Staff or foster parents usually facilitate this interaction on neutral ground at the facility or a local park.