ABOUT DCHS
Mission
The mission statement of Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) is Helping People Help Animals.
Core Values
In support of the organization mission, the following are core values of DCHS:
- Together we hold central the welfare and care of animals
- Together we are compassionate and empathetic in every decision and interaction
- Together we are fiscally responsible and accountable
- Together we commit to honesty and integrity
- Together we stand behind our work
- Together we embrace constructive change
- Together we lead by example and with excellence.
About DCHS
Dane County Humane Society (DCHS), a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, was incorporated in 1921 and is one of the nation's oldest animal welfare organizations.
On July 20, 2000, DCHS opened the doors to a newly constructed building. Set on 29 acres, the 33,000 square foot building includes a welcoming adoption center and gift shop, a training room, an education center, a modern veterinary clinic, a grooming room, dog kennels, cat kennels, play and “look” rooms, an exotics room, outdoor walking trails, and several outside fenced play yards. In addition to the main facility, there is a barn for livestock and wildlife, a coop for chickens, and a building that houses the ringworm treatment program. In 2009 DCHS enjoyed the successful opening of Adoption Center West, located in the High Pointe Centre shopping mall at the intersection of D'Onofrio and Mineral Point between Pier 1 Imports and Pedro's. DCHS also has a wonderful partnership with Mounds Pet Food Warehouse where there are Satellite Adoption Centers throughout the community that offer cat and/or critter adoption.
Dane County Humane Society is an open admission shelter. We accept all animals that need assistance. Approximately 7,000 animals pass through our doors every year including companion animals, exotic species, farm animals, small mammals, and orphaned or injured wildlife. We serve as the stray animal holding facility for Dane County, and we reunite over 1,000 lost pets with their families each year. DCHS is a recognized leader in providing many services including low cost spay/neuter, humane education, adoption services, and wildlife rehabilitation.
From 1921 to the present, DCHS has continued to change and grow in response to the changing needs of animals and people in the community. In recent years, that has included assisting Dane County and City of Madison authorities when they pursue animal seizures due to suspected abuse and neglect. DCHS is private, non-profit organization and has no legal authority to investigate animal abuse or seize animals. The shelter maintains a contractual relationship with Dane County to serve solely as the statutory holding facility for all stray and impounded animals in the county, including those seized by local authorities pursuant to Chapter 173 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Decisions on whether to seize an animal or to keep a seized animal at DCHS are made by law enforcement, statutorily-authorized humane officers, and representatives of Dane County Animal Control, in conjunction with local prosecutors and the courts.
Position Statements
Position statements have been approved by the Board of Directors of DCHS. These statements constitute the attitude and position of DCHS regarding animal welfare and protection issues at this particular time in history. DCHS publishes position statements as a barometer by which the shelter expects to be judged in efforts to help make the community a more humane society as a whole.
Board of Directors
DCHS's Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the shelter. The Board is comprised of community members committed to the mission of Helping People Help Animals. Board members volunteer their time.
- Cathy Holmes (President)
- Ellen Markey (Vice President)
- Cris Marsh (Secretary)
- Bridget Bush (Treasurer)
- Cheryl Breuer
- Shirley Crocker
- Gary Godding
- Joseph S. Goode
- Laura Murray
- Amy Overby
Board members are chosen either by appointment from the Board or by election from DCHS members at the annual meeting.
New board members will be chosen at the upcoming board meeting on Wednesday, June 26th! Additionally we will be voting on changes to our by-laws. Click here for more information.
Meetings are open to active DCHS members. The Board of Directors meets monthly on the third Wednesday from 11:00am to 1:00pm in the DCHS training room. Occasionally, meetings are held offsite.
Statistics and Financials
DCHS openly shares shelter animal intake and outcome statistics and financials.Surveys
DCHS appreciates and solicits feedback from adopters, donors, and program participants.
