Wisconsin Humane Society Issues Urgent Plea for Volunteer Foster Parents

Highest need is for cats and kittens to alleviate overcrowding

WISCONSIN (August 7, 2025) – The Wisconsin Humane Society is asking for the public’s help in wake of unprecedented intake of animals, especially surrendered cats in recent days. On Tuesday alone, 100 cats and kittens came in as surrenders or strays across their locations. WHS is currently caring for 1500 animals, including nearly 1100 felines. This represents about 250 more cats in-care on a daily basis compared to 2024.

“Kennel space has become so tight, we’ve had to set up temporary accommodations in unconventional spaces at some of our campuses,” said Angela Speed, vice president of marketing and communications. “As novel as it is to have cats in office spaces, these kitties would greatly appreciate a vacation in your spare room or even bathroom.”

To become a WHS foster home, simply watch the online orientation video, fill out the application, and WHS will get back to you as soon as possible with next steps – and access to the full list of animals in need of foster support. Go to: https://www.wihumane.org/foster/apply 

To answer some of the most common questions about fostering:

•                 Animals may need foster care to recuperate from an illness or injury in a home environment, are too young for adoption, or to open up another space at the shelter for the next animal in need. Foster for space is the highest need right now.

•                 No, you don’t need a lot of space in your home.

•                 Yes, you can definitely foster if you have children.

•                 Yes, you get to select which animal to bring home from our list of those in need of foster care.

•                 And yes, you can become a foster parent if you already have pets!

•                 No experience necessary; WHS will provide supplies, instructions, and buckets of gratitude!

“In addition to our plea for foster parents, we are also running several adoption promotions for both cats and dogs to help encourage more adopters,”

said Speed. “From $75 adoption fees for adult dogs to 50% off all kitten fees and entirely waived fees for adult cats, we’re hoping to find homes for hundreds of animals in August.”

Please visit www.wihumane.org for more information.