South Wood County Humane Society expands and improves their shelter

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WFHR / WIRI) – After years of functioning in a space not originally intended for it, the South Wood County Humane Society is getting an upgrade and expansion. The full redesign is almost ready to be unveiled.

History

The South Wood County Humane Society (SWCHS) has a long history in the area. The organization began in the early 1970s as a boarding facility only. After 40 years on Pepper Street, it moved in 2010 to its current location — on the edge of Biron, off Highway 54.

The pole building that once housed an auto body shop has had some necessary changes and upgrades over the last 15 years. The covered outdoor dog run was added around 2018, and two years ago the septic system failed and had to be replaced.

Expanding and improving

SWCHS contracted with Altmann Construction Company Inc. to do the work on improvements and expand the building. SWCHS Board President Mike Graper said the project was only possible because of donations.

 “So the funding for the whole remodel came from the Legacy Foundation and other donors that stepped forward with specific parts of the interior,” says Graper.

The addition gives staff more storage for food and other donations.

They now have a dedicated laundry room with industrial washers and dryers and hot water on demand.

They have a kennel area with outside access for surrendered or stray dogs that need to be separate from the other dogs in the shelter.

An addition on the entrance now includes a reception area, office space, and a dedicated, private room for surrenders.

During the VIP open house last week, Graper says there are a few more tasks to complete before the public open house in the spring. However, the facility is fully up and running for the animals and the people who work and volunteer there.

Employees and volunteers

Director of Operations Denese Mace says just three full-time employees staff the shelter from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily — other employees are part-time, and the shelter has many volunteers. They’re open to the public from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Saturday, they’re open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“There are 18 staff here and all of them are young, most of them are young,” says Mace. “We have some amazing volunteers that help us out everyday. We couldn’t do it without them.”

Mace says someone is always on call when the facility is closed at night. They’ll stop by to do check-ins as needed. The police always have access to drop off strays at all hours. The shelter operates 365 days a year — even on holidays.

“Holidays we have families that come diligently like every Christmas is their family thing to help with dog room or cat room,” Mace shared. “It’s amazing. We are just. This community takes such good care of us, it’s a joy to be here, it really is.”

Contracts with municipalities

Last year, the Wisconsin Rapids City Council questioned the cost of the contract with SWCHS, but eventually signed it. Graper said they contract with many communities in the South Wood County Area and don’t try to recoup all of their costs through the contracts.

“We are really fulfilling an obligation that municipalities have that is dictated by state statutes in terms of what to do with abandoned and stray animals,” explains Graper. “So, they can do it themselves as long as they do it the way it needs to be done.”

The Finance and Property Committee approved the contract last month on a 2-1 vote. It still needs to be approved by the city council during their final budget hearing. Graper says he’s prepared to come before the council if they have questions.

“When municipalities, you know, they’re stretched for budgets just like everybody else, so I never feel put out to have to come and say this is why we’re doing what we’re doing,” says Graper. “This is what we’re doing. If you want us to do this, this is what it’s going to take.”

The public hearing on the 2026 budget is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. at City Hall.