Welcome to the Rock County Humane Society !

We encourage all potential adopters to stop in at the shelter and take some time to look at all the different types of animals currently up for adoption.  Anyone can stop in and look at any of our adoptables, but you must have an approved application on file at the shelter to actually take an animal out of its kennel and hold it or play with it.  Having an approved application on file prior to one-on-one contact with an animal is Board policy and is not at the discretion of the RCHS staff.  This policy was put into place to protect both our adoptable animals 'and' our potential adopters, and is the same policy enacted at most shelters throughout the US. 

Please read through the following adoption procedures and print a copy of our adoption application.  Adoption applications can be filled out and faxed to the shelter prior to your visit.  Hope to see you soon!

Please stop in and/or visit our website often as we get new animals in every day. The animals spotlighted on our website are only a small representation of the many animals we currently have up for adoption. 

1) Fill out our adoption application and either fax it to the shelter (608) 752-4201 or return it to the shelter in person. We are open from 1-7:00pm on Mondays and 1-5:00pm Tuesday through Sunday.

• All adopters must be 18 years of age or older. 

• Applications take 24 - 48 hours to be approved. You will be contacted once your application has been approved.

• Once an application has been approved, it will remain on file until a pet has been chosen (or for six months from date of approval). 

2) Once your application has been approved, stop in at the shelter and start your search for the perfect pet.

• You must have an approved application on file to take an animal out of its kennel. This includes holding, playing with, and/or walking the animal. 

• All family members must meet with the new pet at the shelter prior to adoption to insure compatibility.

• Canine members of the family are required to come in and meet a new dog prior to adoption. 

• We do not allow cats to come in and meet a new dog/cat due to feline temperament issues.

• Please remember as you make your selection, not every pet is compatible with every family's lifestyle.

• Our experienced staff will help you with your selection by giving you information about the breed's temperament, personality and behavior. 

3) Place a "Hold for Adoption" on your pet of choice if you need a day or two to make a final decision.

• A hold is good for two full days.  If you do not stop back within these two days, the hold will be removed on the third day and the animal will once again be up for adoption.

• Holds can only be placed in person, and can not be placed via phone, fax or email.

4) If you have made a final decision on which animal to adopt, inform a staff member on which animal it is so the adoption process can begin.


Our goal is to place each of our animals in a happy, healthy and safe environment. At the same time, we want to provide you with an animal that will give you years of pleasure and enjoyment. Our adoption procedures are designed to benefit you and your new pet! Please feel free to ask us to further explain our adoption procedures at any time.