12 Milwaukee Dog Rescue Organizations

ByTim Carlisle

Looking for the top dog rescue organizations in Milwaukee? We’ve got a list of the top 12 dog rescues for you to check out.

Milwaukee’s Top Dog Rescue Organizations

  1. Wisconsin Humane Society After expanding into its modern and spacious new facility a few years back, the Wisconsin Humane Society took on a new aura as the cosmopolitan dog rescue headquarters, one where the adoption program is just as good as the medical care. Their matchmaking services (connecting you with the perfect pooch based on lifestyle and personality) have blown the minds of many first-time adopters. It is, hands down, the best adoption experience in the city and potentially—Wisconsin, too.

Tip: In addition to dogs, WHS has perfected delicious matches with cats, small animals, and even wildlife rehabilitation for those looking to help in other ways.

  1. MADACC (Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission) While not a full-on rescue organization, there are enough adoption opportunities here for a dog lover to feel like they’ve found their new favorite place to find a friend. MADACC takes in strays and surrendered pets from across Milwaukee County. Yup, you’ll find some challenges here with dogs that need extra love, but with a charming facility and a staff that looks like they genuinely love what they do, this is a rescue-friendly spot worthy of your next weekend visit.

Tip: Check their “Furry Friends” featured on local news stations, showered with attention by volunteers before their TV debut.

  1. Brew City Bully Club While many rescues are simple all-breed affairs best suited for casual adopters, Brew City Bully Club immediately feels special. It’s a rescue organization with spot-on education and well-executed programs that are less typical of places that cater to this kind of work. We’re talking about pit bull advocacy, one of the best training resources on the planet, community outreach, and foster families that are so dedicated you’ll want them as your neighbors.

Tip: Their rehabilitation programs sub in training for punishment in mind-blowing ways.

  1. Canine Cupids This offshoot of larger rescue efforts takes the same concept as traditional shelters—finding homes for dogs that will make you even happier that you’re adopting—and gives it a personal twist, like “sleepovers” with potential adoptees and custom matchmaking services.

Tip: Foster-to-adopt options with dedicated volunteers who help you through the adjustment period.

  1. Fetch Wisconsin Rescue Fetch is a lovely spot for a potential adoption, fresh-faced volunteers, or lazy Sunday meet-and-greets in the sleek facility or their charming outdoor play areas with thatched shelters. Yes, they’re selective here about placements, but Fetch is amenable to working with first-time dog parents to accomodate different home situations.

Tip: Weekend adoption events with local breweries featuring adorable adoptables and craft beer.

  1. Milwaukee Pets Alive This local network of foster homes has changed the way Southeast Wisconsin rescues, one heaping bowl of kibble at a time. MPA’s approach is expansive, offering no-kill solutions and innovative programs as well as medical care and behavioral support. For something sweet, look no further than their senior dog adoptions—it’s one of the best feelings in the city, even if “rescue” isn’t part of your vocabulary. Follow it all up with their newsletter updates – with success stories, of course.

Tip: The classic foster program, volunteer opportunities and their filling community education events.

  1. Lucky Dog Rescue Founder/operator Jane Smith claims her Wauwatosa rescue is Milwaukee’s first truly cage-free operation. While we can’t confirm that claim, we can report that her lineup of mixed breeds, purebreds, puppies and pretty much every other kind of dog you can dream up are seriously well-cared for.

Tip: In addition to the adoption services, there’s also a full volunteer program, including transport teams, event helpers, social media support and home visit conductors.

  1. Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue Who said small dogs can’t make big impacts? Bichon and Little Buddies creates second chances for small-breed dogs, so good you might mistake them for designer pups. Yes, there are Bichons and Shih Tzus (rescued from puppy mills or owner surrenders), and you can enjoy meeting them at adoption events. The Maltese and Pomeranian mixes are popular too. But venture out and explore other options, like mixed breeds, senior dogs, and special needs pups.

Tip: Their small dog training resources might just be your new favorite part of adoption, experienced or not.

  1. Woofs & Wags Rescue Events, foster homes, adoption services—the community-based approach at Woofs & Wags has plenty of options for finding a healthy match downtown. Can’t seem to zero in on something you like? Tap in one of the spot’s dog-matching gurus to guide you or follow our lead: Woofs & Wags’ signature foster-first program topped with home visits and reference checks. It’s the true rescue experience of champions.

Tip: An iced coffee at their monthly “Pups & Cups” events.

  1. The Rescue Gang The Rescue Gang is a regular stop for Milwaukee dog lovers. Its foster-based system makes for a quick connection in their event space or a quick application for adoption. The options here are hearty and quite good, like their transportation program bringing dogs from high-kill shelters and their medical fund covering unexpected veterinary costs.

Tip: After the adoption, grab items from their reccomended supplies list to fill out the rest of your pup’s first week.

  1. Underdog Pet Rescue While lots of rescues offer only dog options that are high-energy and oversocialized, Underdog Pet Rescue goes another direction: offering special-needs and senior dogs that are actually perfect for many homes. Grab a shy dog with recovery potential and supportive resources, a special-needs pup with a custom care plan, or the senior companion with roasted chicken as their favorite treat and a soothing personality.

Tip: With locations in Milwaukee, Madison and surrounding areas, it’s probably a quick application away from finding your new best friend.

  1. Second Hand Hounds Located within a rehabbed warehouse in West Allis, this spot near the State Fair grounds has all the feels of an intimate neighborhood rescue with a quaint indoor space and plenty of play areas around the facility. Second Hand Hounds’ diverse program features innovative rescue approaches like foster-to-adopt trials, hospice care for terminally ill dogs, and a handful of training resources that won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Tip: Adopting in the ‘burbs doesn’t often equal convenient, so this is a smart stop after a day of searching elsewhere.