When rural towns in Kewaunee County lack their own animal shelters, a local nonprofit is stepping in. Cause for Paws of Kewaunee County, founded by Suzie Leist and Julie Jacobs, organizes volunteer‑run contracts between each township and the Wisconsin Humane Society. The arrangement means municipalities pay nothing while residents can drop off stray animals directly at the state‑run shelter.
How the program works
Leist, a founding member, explains that the nonprofit covers all costs associated with the contracts. “The township doesn’t have to pay for anything,” she said. Rachel Charles, a board member who has volunteered in animal welfare since 2005, adds that the humane society is not obligated to accept animals from municipalities without such agreements.
Community partners
Since its incorporation in 2025, Cause for Paws has secured partnerships with the cities of Algoma and Kewaunee, the villages of Luxemburg and Casco, and the towns of Ahnapee, Casco, Carlton, Franklin, Lincoln and Pierce. Residents of these communities can now bring unsheltered dogs, cats, rabbits and even guinea pigs to the Wisconsin Humane Society for care, food and adoption services.
Volunteer‑driven success
The organization is entirely volunteer‑run, with only five board members. Fundraising efforts in 2023 and 2024, including food drives and local business cookouts, helped launch the nonprofit and earn its official status. “When we started, we were passionate about the mission, but we had no idea how the community would respond,” Charles recalled. The response has been overwhelmingly supportive, according to both founders.
Challenges and next steps
Despite broad community backing, securing contracts can be difficult. Some residents question the need for a formal agreement, believing stray animals can fend for themselves. Charles cited a recent town board that initially declined to sign a contract, prompting the nonprofit to continue outreach and gather supportive residents to revisit the issue.
After a brief pause in 2025, the group is back in operation and aims to improve its marketing, expand its website and re‑integrate volunteers whose personal lives delayed participation in 2026. The organization invites anyone interested to learn more, donate or volunteer via its website or email address.
How to get involved
Those wishing to support the cause can visit acauseforpawskewauneecounty.com or email [email protected]. The nonprofit continues to rely on local generosity to keep its contracts active and ensure that stray animals receive the care they need.
Original reporting: Wisconsin Watch — read the source article.
