Here's what to do if you find a stray animal:
Be cautious about approaching any stray animal.
If it is a wild animal, leave it alone for at least 24 hours before intervening. Animals that appear injured or abandoned are often only exhibiting defense mechanisms. Check out our wildlife page for more information.
If it is a domesticated animal, check for a license tag or other identification.
If the animal is safe to transport, you may bring it to the shelter during operating hours. Do not drop off animals at the front door or leave them here unattended. It is not safe for the animal!
If it is a wild animal and definitely injured, or it is a domesticated animal and you are not comfortable transporting it yourself, confine the animal. Confining can include putting the animal in your garage, under an inverted laundry basket (if it is very small or injured and will not escape) or in a kennel, crate, or live trap. Animals can only be picked up if they are confined.
Once the animal is confined, call Rock County Humane Society at (608) 752-5622. Please keep in mind that RCHS does not have stray animal control contracts with all municipalities. Some towns, villages, and cities choose to provide their own animal control. We will inform you if we can pick the animal up, if you can drop it off, or if your municipality does not provide for any service.
If you have questions about stray animals running at large or abuse or neglect concerns, contact your local police or sheriff's department. Each township, village, county and city has its own reporting structure and methods of enforcement.