Northwoods Humane Society-Sawyer County

Northwoods Humane Society-Sawyer County NHS Shelter is open by appointment, for pet tours with an approved pre adoption form on file.
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šŸ¾ā¤ļø So Many Good Dogs, All Waiting for a Chance… Could It Be With You? ā¤ļøšŸ¾Some of our amazing adult dogs have been waiti...
11/01/2025

šŸ¾ā¤ļø So Many Good Dogs, All Waiting for a Chance… Could It Be With You? ā¤ļøšŸ¾
Some of our amazing adult dogs have been waiting nearly a year for their forever homes. They’ve watched puppies come and go, seen friends get adopted, and kept hoping that maybe today would be their day. šŸ’›
If you’ve ever thought about adopting, now is the perfect time to make that dream come true—for both you and one of these incredible souls.
✨ Here’s how to meet your new best friend:
āž”ļø Fill out the adoption form at northwoodshumanesociety.org/dog-adoption-form
Once we receive it, a member of our Canine Team will contact you to set up an appointment to meet the dogs.
šŸ“ž Already have an adoption form on file? Just call our office between 11am and 3pm, Monday through Saturday, and we’ll schedule your visit!
šŸŽ‰ And here’s the best part:
A huge and heartfelt THANK YOU to our friends at Beehive Botanicals for their incredible generosity! Because of their sponsorship, every one of these dogs has their entire adoption fee covered. šŸšŸ’›
That’s right—there’s absolutely no cost to you to adopt.
All you need to bring is your heart, your home, and your love.
These dogs have waited long enough. Let’s make this their happily ever after. šŸ”šŸ¶

🐾 Meet Jane – the Bright, Bouncy, Beautiful Shepherd Mix! 🐾At just 11 months old, Jane is the total package — smart, lov...
11/01/2025

🐾 Meet Jane – the Bright, Bouncy, Beautiful Shepherd Mix! 🐾
At just 11 months old, Jane is the total package — smart, loving, and full of fun! This gorgeous Shepherd mix is house trained, seems great with other dogs, and has energy to spare. She loves to play, explore, and learn new things — and she catches on fast!
Jane’s the kind of dog who will make you laugh every day. She’d love an active family who enjoys walks, hikes, or backyard playtime, and she’ll reward you with tail wags, loyalty, and endless affection. šŸ’•
If you’re ready for a best friend who’s as sharp as she is sweet, Jane’s your girl!
šŸ“ Ready to meet me?
šŸ’» Apply here: [Dog Adoption Form]
šŸ“ž Already applied? Call 715-634-5394 (Mon–Sat, 11am–3pm) and ask to meet Jane!

Bronson has found a great home! Congratulations and thank you to all of our wonderful adopters. 🄰🐾
11/01/2025

Bronson has found a great home! Congratulations and thank you to all of our wonderful adopters. 🄰🐾

Our sweet Toffee has found a great home today! Congrats and thank you for adopting with us! 🄰🐾
11/01/2025

Our sweet Toffee has found a great home today! Congrats and thank you for adopting with us! 🄰🐾

Pebbles is off to her new home! Thank you for adopting and congrats! 🐾
11/01/2025

Pebbles is off to her new home! Thank you for adopting and congrats! 🐾

Every day, our inbox fills with urgent pleas for help. With your support, we can say YES to every single one.Imagine bei...
11/01/2025

Every day, our inbox fills with urgent pleas for help. With your support, we can say YES to every single one.
Imagine being part of a team that saves lives—every single month. By joining Northwoods Humane Society’s monthly giving program, you’re not just making a donation—you’re making a difference.
🌟 Just $25 a month—only 81 cents a day—can help fully fund our annual budget.
That means more rescues, more medical care, more warm beds, more second chances.
Your monthly gift gives us the power to act fast, say yes more often, and ensure that every animal who needs us gets the care and love they deserve.
Let’s turn compassion into action.
🐾 Join our monthly giving program today and be the reason an animal’s life changes forever.
Together, we can make a world of difference.
https://northwoodshumanesociety.org/monthly-donations/

Looks like Mischo has hit the jackpot with an amazing new family!!! What fun!!
11/01/2025

Looks like Mischo has hit the jackpot with an amazing new family!!! What fun!!

Harry found his home today. Thank you for adopting this sweet boy and congratulations to all! 🄰🐾
11/01/2025

Harry found his home today. Thank you for adopting this sweet boy and congratulations to all! 🄰🐾

Socialization Saturday: Gradual Introductions Between Cats and Dogs – Building Peace, Not Paws and ClawsWe’ve all seen t...
11/01/2025

Socialization Saturday: Gradual Introductions Between Cats and Dogs – Building Peace, Not Paws and Claws

We’ve all seen the movies where the cat hisses from the top of the couch while the dog barks excitedly below—but real-life relationships between cats and dogs don’t have to look like that. In fact, with the right approach, cats and dogs can become best friends, respectful roommates, or at least peaceful cohabitants.

This week’s Socialization Saturday focuses on how to gradually introduce cats and dogs so that everyone feels safe, confident, and comfortable. Whether you’re bringing a new dog home to your resident cat, or a cat into a dog-loving household, patience and planning are the keys to a harmonious home.

Why Gradual Introductions Matter

Cats and dogs communicate very differently. Dogs are often social, curious, and sometimes a bit too enthusiastic when meeting new friends. Cats, on the other hand, are territorial and prefer to take things at their own pace.

If introductions happen too quickly, a cat may become frightened and defensive, while a dog might interpret those reactions as an invitation to chase. This can set the stage for lasting tension—or even fear-based aggression on either side.

A gradual introduction allows both animals to adjust slowly. It helps each one associate the other’s presence with positive, calm experiences instead of stress or fear.

Step 1: Prepare the Environment

Before your new pet comes home, create a safe, separate space for your cat. This should include food, water, a litter box, toys, and a comfortable resting place. The area should be off-limits to the dog, at least initially.

If you’re introducing a cat to a dog household, make sure your dog has a space too—perhaps a crate or a separate room—where they can relax and feel secure.

Tip: Baby gates can be extremely helpful during this process. They allow both animals to see and smell each other without direct contact.

Step 2: Scent Swapping – The First ā€œHelloā€

The first introduction should happen through scent, not sight. Smell is the primary way both dogs and cats gather information about the world around them.

Here’s how to do it:

Swap blankets, toys, or bedding between the two animals.

Gently rub a towel over your dog and place it near your cat’s resting spot, and vice versa.

Let each animal investigate these new smells on their own time.

This helps them become familiar with each other before they even meet face-to-face. If either animal reacts calmly or curiously, reward them with treats and praise. If there’s growling or avoidance, give them more time before moving forward.

Step 3: Controlled Visual Introduction

Once both pets seem relaxed about each other’s scent, it’s time for them to see one another—from a safe distance.

Use a baby gate or cracked door to allow them to look at each other without contact.

Keep the dog on a leash to ensure they don’t rush the barrier.

Reward calm behavior on both sides. If the cat stays relaxed, offer a treat or gentle petting. If the dog remains quiet and sits or lies down, praise and reward generously.

Keep these sessions short—just a few minutes at first—and repeat several times a day. Over time, increase the length as they both become more comfortable.

Step 4: Leashed Meet-and-Greet

When both pets can observe each other calmly through a barrier, it’s time to take the next step: a supervised, leashed introduction in the same room.

Keep your dog on a short leash.

Allow the cat to roam freely—never force them closer.

Sit calmly with your dog and encourage relaxed behavior.

Reward both animals for calm, non-confrontational reactions.

If the cat hisses or swats, or the dog lunges or barks, calmly separate them and try again later. The goal isn’t instant friendship—it’s neutral tolerance at first.

Over multiple short sessions, they’ll learn that being in the same space doesn’t have to be stressful.

Step 5: Gradual Increase in Freedom

As both pets relax in each other’s presence, you can slowly allow more freedom:

Drop the dog’s leash while you remain close by to intervene if needed.

Continue rewarding calm interactions and ignoring mild curiosity like sniffing or watching.

Allow the cat to dictate the pace of closeness—cats often approach when they feel safe and in control.

Never leave them unsupervised until you’re completely confident that both animals are comfortable and non-reactive. This could take days, weeks, or even months, depending on personalities. Patience truly pays off.

Step 6: Observe and Adjust

Watch for signs of stress or comfort in both pets:

Signs of Comfort: relaxed body posture, slow blinks from the cat, gentle tail wagging or lying down from the dog.
Signs of Stress: growling, hissing, stiff posture, tail flicking, lip licking, or avoidance.

If tension builds, take a step back in the process and give them more time at the previous stage. Rushing can undo progress.

Extra Tips for Success

Exercise your dog first. A tired dog is calmer and less likely to overwhelm a cat.

Keep cat essentials high or separate. Cats feel safer when they can observe from elevated spots.

Feed them near each other. Gradually move food bowls closer over time to associate each other’s presence with positive experiences.

Use treats strategically. Reward calm and curious behavior—never fear or aggression.

Never punish reactions. Redirect with calm energy instead. Punishment increases anxiety and slows trust-building.

Building a Lifelong Bond

Some cats and dogs will become inseparable playmates, while others will simply learn to coexist peacefully. Both outcomes are a success. The goal isn’t necessarily friendship—it’s mutual respect and safety.

The secret to introducing cats and dogs lies in time, trust, and positive association. By moving slowly and letting them set the pace, you create the conditions for genuine understanding rather than forced tolerance.

In time, you might find your cat and dog sharing sunbeams, chasing toys side by side, or even curling up together on the couch. And that’s the magic of a successful socialization story—the kind built not in a day, but step by gentle step.

🐾 Puppy Alert! 🐾We have a litter of adorable 4-month-old Shepherd mix puppies who are officially ready to graduate from ...
11/01/2025

🐾 Puppy Alert! 🐾

We have a litter of adorable 4-month-old Shepherd mix puppies who are officially ready to graduate from ā€œshelter lifeā€ to ā€œsofa lifeā€! šŸŽ“āž”ļøšŸ›‹ļø

These cuties came to us skinny as noodles šŸ but have since filled out into happy, healthy, playful pups who are full of love (and snacks). They’ve passed their vet checks with flying colors, mastered the art of puppy eyes 🄺, and are ready to move on to their next big adventure — finding their forever families!

If your home could use more tail wags, puppy kisses, and a little bit of happy chaos, these Shepherd pups are your perfect match. šŸ’•

šŸ“ Ready to meet them?
šŸ’» Apply here: [Dog Adoption Form]
šŸ“ž Already applied? Call 715-634-5394 (Mon–Sat, 11am–3pm) and ask to meet the Shepherd puppies!

Hurry — these little fluffballs are growing fast, and so are the hearts they’ll steal. ā¤ļøšŸ¶

Scarlet has found a great home! Congrats to all and thank you for adopting! 🄰
11/01/2025

Scarlet has found a great home! Congrats to all and thank you for adopting! 🄰

11/01/2025

Address

10812 N O Brien Hill Rd
Hayward, WI
54843

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 3pm
Tuesday 11am - 3pm
Wednesday 11am - 3pm
Thursday 11am - 3pm
Friday 11am - 3pm
Saturday 11am - 3pm

Telephone

+17156345394

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Our Mission

For over 30 years the Northwoods Humane Society has been serving the animals and people of Sawyer County and the surrounding areas. NHS began as an unsheltered humane society, completely relying on foster homes to serve the animals in need. In response to the increasing number of animals needing housing, the organization built its shelter building outside of Hayward, Wisconsin opening debt free in 1996.

The mission of Northwoods Humane Society is to provide a sheltered environment for unwanted animals. NHS will work to find appropriate homes for animals, provide medical care as needed, and work to socialize and train animals to increase their success in a home situation.

NHS will actively work to promote responsible pet ownership with an emphasis on the need to spay and neuter pets. NHS will work with all factions of the community to address the needs of the animals in the community.