WAUKESHA, Wis. — The Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County, better known as “HAWS,” is offering a special promotion on select dogs at the shelter.
Right now, adoption fees for dogs that are 6 months and older are 50% off. This is part of their “Destination: Home” campaign. Depending on the dog’s age, the prices range from $50 to $150.
The reason prices have been slashed is to entice adopters to help create more space within the shelter. HAWS is taking in more dogs in need from another part of the country. They’re at risk of being euthanized due to severely overcrowded shelters.
“On Tuesday, we have a transport with a partner shelter from down south that has a higher population of dogs, and they still have to humanely euthanize because of space,” said HAWS Assistant Director Andres Garcia. “We don’t have an exact count. It’s hard because we partner with other shelters, so they get split. So, we meet at the airport in Waukesha, and on average, take about 15 to 20 on each transport.”
Mari Phillips of Watertown came to HAWS not knowing about the discount. She said she simply wanted to fill the hole in her heart.
“We had to put our two [dogs] down this summer. So, we’re empty nesters, and it’s just nice to have that companionship with a pet,” said Phillips, who came to HAWS with a dog in mind. “But then we saw Lily.”
Lily is a 2-year-old dog with a lot of love to give.
“I was actually considering an older dog because our dogs were older, and where my heart is, is I don’t know how much time they have left in life, but let’s give them a happy home,” said Phillips.
Brittany Hill and her family traveled all the way from central Illinois to check out one dog at HAWS.
“We found him on a dalmatians needing home website and decided to make an appointment. We pulled the kids from school to come. The meet-and-greet went well with our other dalmatian,” Hill said.
The 50% off adoption sale will continue based on shelter capacity. If you are considering adoption through HAWS, check out the animals available, here.