SAUKVILLE, Wis. — The Wisconsin Humane Society’s Ozaukee Campus is back open for pet adoptions. 

It comes after staffing shortages forced them to pause adoptions back in September. While the shelter itself remained open, the public could not come adopt pets. 

Kathy Shillinglaw with the Wisconsin Humane Society said during that time, adoptable pets were transferred to other Wisconsin Humane Society campuses where they could be adopted. It allowed staff in Saukville to focus on animal care. 

“Our first mission is care of the animals,” Shillinglaw said. “Bringing in the animals from the community, the strays. [It’s] really important to focus first on care and hiring new people and getting them trained.”

In September, staff was down about 50%. In the months since, Shillinglaw said they have been able to hire five new employees. The new staff makes in person adoption possible once again. 

“It just feels great, the staff is really energized by this, to get animals out in the community and support our community and have them come adopt,” said Shillinglaw.

Adoptions resumed at 1 p.m. on Friday. By 1:30 p.m., Liz Kaune had already adopted two cats. Kaune, who made the drive up from Milwaukee, was pleased to see the shelter was once again welcoming visitors. 

“I think it is wonderful, so glad Ozaukee County has got their humane society back,” she said. “It’s a good service for the animals as well.”

 Currently, the Wisconsin Humane Society’s Ozaukee Campus will only be open for adoptions on Friday and Saturday. To learn more, visit https://www.wihumane.org/contact/ozaukee-campus.