Adopting a dog entails a significant responsibility, and you must thoroughly assess if you’re ready to take one into your home. Determine first if you’ll have enough time to spend with your dog, if you have the right home and environment, and if you have the budget to support your dog’s basic daily needs.
You’ll face challenges along the way, too. Some dogs from rescue centers have been neglected or abused, while others feel let down by their previous owners, who have surrendered them due to their incapability to continue caring for their pets.
Letting in an adopted dog means learning their ways, behavior, and needs. You’ll know their profiles as various dog rescues in Appleton assess each dog they welcome. You’ll find dogs of different or mixed breeds who want nothing but to feel loved again.
7 Best Dog Rescues You Can Find in Appleton
Appleton is a large city in Wisconsin where you can find several dog rescues. Most of them are non-profit organizations, and their work gets oiled primarily by donations and volunteer-based efforts.
They’re all dedicated to saving the lives of many homeless and unwanted dogs, and the help they get from the community, especially the funds, are spent for outreaches, campaigns, programs, and medical services, all for the welfare of all dogs and other animals.
Be the aid they need, so they can continue doing their noble deeds. To adopt, check out the list below of dog rescues you can visit in Appleton.
1. Saving Paws Animal Rescue, Inc.
One of the go-to rescue sites for dogs should you want to adopt is Saving Paws Animal Rescue, Inc. They are all about finding furever homes for their dogs or becoming a lifelong sanctuary for those who are still waiting for their new families.
They also take time to train their dogs so they can become service animals for children, adults, and veterans who are physically or emotionally dependent. This way, they’ll have an even higher chance of becoming needed by certain individuals.
You can find cats and dogs of all kinds on this rescue site. Some are fostered while others stay in the rescue’s main building. It all depends on what the dog’s needs are. Nonetheless, they strive hard to get the animals to become happy and healthy to get them prepared for their future homes.
How to contact them:
Website: Saving Paws Animal Rescue, Inc.
Address: N3141 Meade Street, Appleton, WI 54913
Phone: 920-830-2392
Email: [email protected]
2. Fox Valley Humane Association
The Fox Valley Humane Association was founded on December 26, 1891. They’re hailed as Wisconsin’s second-oldest humane society. It goes without saying that since they started out early, they’ve successfully rescued countless animals, including dogs.
They report that around 4,000 animals are cared for annually. They’re renowned for being one of the leading associations when it comes to animal educational programs in the community.
They welcome all sorts of animals like guinea pigs, llamas, rabbits, dogs, cats, birds, rodents, and other companion animals, so you’ll undoubtedly find what you’re looking for in FVHA.
How to contact them:
Website: Fox Valley Humane Association
Address: N115 Two Mile Road Appleton, WI 54914
Phone: 920-733-1717
Email: [email protected]
3. Woof Lodge and Rescue
The Woof Lodge Rescue is a volunteer-based type with no existing facilities. They temporarily rely on families to open their homes and become foster dog parents until the dog they care for is adopted.
Down the south, no dogs are roaming in the streets thanks to the valuable efforts of Woof Lodge and Rescue. They continue to do such deeds along with other services such as vetting, providing food, toys, treats, and everything essential.
All dogs are also microchipped, up-to-date with vaccinations, and have health certificates.
How to contact them:
Website: Woof Lodge and Rescue
Address: Appleton, WI, United States, Wisconsin
Phone: 920-213-8763
Email: [email protected]
4. Neenah Animal Shelter
The Neenah Animal Shelter’s mission is simple. They want to rescue dogs that are either unwanted, neglected, or impounded without considering euthanasia as an option for some who are considered sickly or to solve the lack of spaces or funding.
Each dog deserves a home, which is the motivation they cling to. This shelter works hard to find their animals, their furever homes, and families. Their web page also sells items like tumblers, caps, and bags. Purchasing a few would help them a lot in continuing their cause.
You can join their events or volunteer as well. All their program details are posted.
How to contact them:
Website: Neenah Animal Shelter
Address: 951 County Rd G, Neenah, WI 54956
Phone: 920-722-9544
Email: [email protected]
You can also contact them on: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
5. Unforgettable Underdogs
Do you know that adopting a dog doesn’t just mean you’re saving one life? It entails several good results, such as giving a new room for another rescue or keeping the whole rescue center going in what they do.
At Unforgettable Underdogs, you’ll find several pups, and one of them might just be what you’re looking for. This is 100% foster-based and a non-profit organization. Dogs that come from high kill shelters or those that don’t strive in such a place are taken in and are placed in the care of foster dog parents temporarily until they get adopted.
Be the match these dogs need. Your love and care can entirely transform a four-legged companion’s life.
How to contact them:
Website: Unforgettable Underdogs
Address: Little Chute, WI
Phone: 920-710-1191
You can also contact them on: Facebook
6. Apple Valley Pit Crew
Pitbull-type dogs have a bad rep, but many fail to consider those bad behaviors boil down to bad ownership. Pitbull-type dogs, when appropriately raised, turn into affectionate, even-tempered, and friendly animals.
The Apple Valley Pit Crew is another rescue center for these types of dogs. They aim to restore the good image of Pitbulls while educating the community that these canines are worth respecting and are highly companionable.
Not only do they allow adoptions, but they also accept volunteer efforts, foster offers, and donations. Attend their events to find out more about AVPC.
How to contact them:
Website: Apple Valley Pit Crew
Address: 1335 S Memorial Dr, Appleton, WI 54915
Email: [email protected]
7. The Hope Highway
The Hope Highway is led by amazing volunteers who want nothing but the best for each dog that doesn’t have a family. They rescue, rehome, and rehabilitate these animals until they become fit for a family.
They also take in owner-surrendered dogs around the Fox Valley area and ultimately across the state. The Hope Highway is a voice of those who can only bark. They believe that vetting, training, and aiding these dogs will help them find their loving homes where they’ll receive unconditional love.
Dogs that are 6 weeks to 8 years cost $350, while senior dogs (8 years and older) are $250.
How to contact them:
Website: Hope Highway
Address: 1109 W Packard St, Appleton, WI 54914
Email: [email protected]
You may also contact them on: Facebook and Instagram
Other Sources of Dog Rescues and Adoption Nearby Appleton
There are also nearby dog rescues and adoption centers outside of Appleton that are worth visiting. With a car, you’d only have to travel a few minutes before you reach the places which are listed below:
1. Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary: Although Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary primarily rescues kitties, they also accept a small number of dogs too. They’re a cage-free sanctuary that lives off through donations alone.
They get their rescues treated and given special attention, especially those that were harmed, mutilated, or abused. They opt for euthanasia only if the animal experiences inevitable pain and suffering. This is located in Greenbay, Wisconsin, at least 36 minutes drive from Appleton.
2. Lucky 7: Lucky 7 offers a lot of services that dogs and the community can benefit from. Their main purpose is to rescue, rehome, and repeat! They take in dogs, rehabilitate them, and ensure they find the right families that can handle their needs and personalities.
In Lucky 7, you’re also given lots of opportunities to give back to your society. They encourage you to volunteer or foster. One way to also help them out is to purchase products from their shop. Every item you put in the cart gives them the help they need.
3. Petfinder: Petfinder is a directory, a searchable database of animals where you can find dogs that are available for adoption near Appleton. The great thing about Petfinder is that you’ll get loads of information about the dogs you find there.
You’ll get to know them through an overview of their personality, needs, and health status. There’s a big chance you’ll see your future furry companion on their list, so take time to check it out.
How Much Would It Cost to Adopt a Dog in Appleton?
Adoption fees in Appleton vary a lot, but the range typically goes from $75 to $449. Highly adoptable dogs are charged more than those that may take a while before a family picks them up. This variation in cost helps a dog rescue center continue to operate.
The amount you pay is used to cover the services each dog needs in the rescue. From spaying or neutering to vaccinations, all these are undergone by the pooches that need it. On top of that, they need food, water, toys, and other essential items to get them physically, emotionally, and mentally happy.
As you noticed, most rescue sites are volunteer-based and need donations from the community. What you pay for each dog will always go to a good cause.
4 Effective Tips for a Stress-Free Adoption
The one thing dog rescues hope for is for you to have a successful adoption and a stress-free one. So, before you move on to your final decision, which is to adopt, know about these 4 effective tips first for a seamless transition in you and your future dog’s lives.
1. Talk to the staff. Let them know what you’re looking for and ask for suggestions concerning which dog might suit you the most. Learn the behavior, mannerism, and needs of your prospective pooch. No one else knows the dogs better than the staff or foster dog parents. They, too, want you to have your best match.
2. Choose your dog’s age. Puppies sure are cute and silly, but they need training and other basic puppy lessons. Meanwhile, adult dogs have plenty of energy in contrast to senior canines, who are slow in movement and don’t have much time left. Assess your lifestyle and find out which dog age is preferable.
3. Determine the breed. Some breeds suit certain owners, while others don’t. It’s a matter of how experienced you are in handling dogs. However, the dog’s breed shouldn’t be the ultimate factor in your decision-making.
4. Visit the rescue dog several times. Don’t adopt right away during your first visit. It’s important that you take it slow and get to know your prospective dog first. Start developing a bond with the pooch, so they get used to you and see as well if they listen to your voice. Familiarity will help in the smooth transition of adoption.
Is It Worth Adopting a Dog Rescue From Appleton?
Rescuing a dog from any of Appleton’s dog rescues means making a huge difference in the life of the dog you’re adopting, including many others that are rehabilitated in the center, so it’s certainly worth it.
While it’s true that the adoption application may take a while to finish, the waiting game will be over anytime soon. You just have to be patient and pour in enough effort to make sure you and the dog become each other’s perfect match.
