About Our Shelter
Humane, First & Foremost
Chequamegon Humane Association is a dedicated animal welfare organization serving Northwestern Wisconsin with a mission to provide care and compassion for animals in need. We offer essential services including pet adoption, animal control facilities, a pet food pantry, and more for lost and found pets.
At Chequamegon Humane Association, there are no time limits on how long animals stay at our shelter—each pet remains available for adoption until they find their loving forever home. If a pet in our care requires medical attention, our team ensures they receive the same high-quality care you’d want for your own furry companion.
Mission:
Provide a nurturing sanctuary for homeless animals in Ashland, Washburn, Bayfield, and surrounding communities, offering compassionate care and lifelong homes as capacity allows.
Vision:
Building a compassionate world where every animal is cherished, united with loving families, and supported by a connected Chequamegon Bay community and beyond.
A Legacy of Compassion
Founded in 1980 as the Chequamegon Animal League, the Chequamegon Humane Association began as a volunteer-driven mission to care for homeless animals in Ashland, Wisconsin. Operating initially from volunteers’ homes, we secured a parcel of land from the city on Old Airport Road to establish its first dedicated shelter, laying the foundation for our enduring commitment to animal welfare.
A Milestone in Care Standards
In 1994, a generous bequest transformed our approach to animal care. We implemented a policy ensuring all animals released for adoption are spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated, significantly reducing the population of unwanted cats and dogs in our community and setting a new standard for responsible pet adoption.
A Modern Home for Our Mission
Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, a successful Capital Campaign, and a major donation, we broke ground on a state-of-the-art facility in 2016. Completed in 2017, our new shelter at 923 Rail Drive, Ashland, WI, allows us to expand services, improve animal care, and better serve our community.
Embracing Sustainability
On July 6, 2023, we launched a 15.2-kilowatt solar power system at our shelter, installed by Jolma Electric with 28 bi-facial panels, saving approximately $2,735 annually in utility costs. Funded by RENEW Wisconsin’s Solar for Good grant, a Focus on Energy rebate, community donations of $17,000, and a planned 2024 Federal Direct Pay tax incentive, this project redirects savings to animal care.
Over 40 years, Chequamegon Humane Association has remained dedicated to improving the lives of homeless pets. Our modern facility at 923 Rail Drive enables us to help nearly 1,000 animals annually and offer vital community programs, including low-cost spay/neuter services for low-income pet owners, a pet food pantry, and affordable adoptions for seniors. With a budget fueled almost entirely by donations and fundraisers, we continue to innovate and maximize resources to ensure every animal receives the care and love they deserve.
How We Are Funded
Chequamegon Humane Association is a not for profit 501-C3 organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. As a non-profit agency we rely on private donations to keep our doors (and kennels) open. We do not receive tax dollars, nor do we receive any portion of dues or donations paid to national animal welfare agencies.
We rely on donations from annual donors who include individuals, companies, and foundations to fund the cost of sheltering lost and homeless animals, our animal medical program, animal care facilities, adoption services, pet training and our pet pantry.
The Chequamegon Humane Association raises vital funds through adoption fees and our Shelter Shop retail store, and our low-cost veterinary services. These resources allow us to offer a safe haven for animals, facilitate adoptions, provide essential medical care, and promote responsible pet ownership.
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