About the Humane Society

The Oneida County Humane Society began advocating for humane treatment of animals and children in 1913 when it was officially recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a non-profit organization. Many local newspaper articles on Humane Society activity report their involvement in anti-cruelty cases, especially regarding horses, and including some cases involving children. Some newspaper reports show that a Rhinelander Humane Society existed for a time. During the early years, a "dog pound" was located in downtown Rhinelander, providing confinement solely for stray dogs, and only for a limited amount of time. Eventually, the City of Rhinelander built an "animal shelter" on Stevens Street. The Rhinelander Animal Shelter currently provides services to all of Oneida County animals.

Over the years, members of the Oneida County Humane Society actively provided funds for area animal shelters and humane societies. Last year, a small group of area animal lovers came together with the hope of expanding the Society's activities to include education to the public and greater assistance to the Rhinelander Animal Shelter. At this time, the new Board of Directors of the Oneida County Humane Society expects to assume responsibility for the Animal Shelter on July 1, 2012. We believe this will be a positive step for the taxpayers of the City of Rhinelander, and for all animals in Oneida County.

Join the OCHS Board Of Directors.

if you are interested in joining the OCHS Board of Directors, please read the OCHS By-Laws and Board Member Expectation Statement before completing the Application for Board Membership. Completed applications should be mailed to: OCHS, 1852 N Stevens St, Rhinelander, WI 54501.