About OCHS
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. In 2011, 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.
On July 1, 2012, the Oneida County Humane Society assumed operational responsibility for the Animal Shelter, renaming it the Oneida County Humane Society Adoption Center.
Our Services
>> Lost Pets
If you have lost a pet in Oneida County please call us at 715-362-5992 and leave your information of what you lost, where it was last seen and the best contact phone number. Also check our Facebook page for posts of found pets brought into the Center. We also suggest posing picture to our Facebook page to show us for best description of your animal and also contact Lost Dogs of Wisconsin on Facebook.
If you are claiming your pet from OCHS, please bring proof of ownership – Dogs must be current on Rabies per state law to be claimed or have a receipt for prepayment of the rabies vaccine through your vet. We may ask for a picture proof of your pet.
>> Reporting Strays
Oneida county Humane Society is the stray holding facility for Oneida County. OCHS holds stray animals by law for 5 days to give owners time to claim. If you have contained a stray contact us at 715-362-5992. If it is after open hours contact the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department at 715-361-5201 for them to contact an after hours person for pick up.
>> Animal Bites
OCHS provides a fee based quarantine facility for canine and feline pets of Oneida County who have bitten a resident. Please contact us at 715-362-5992 for fees.
>> Abandonment and Animal Cruelty
Oneida County Humane Society is not a law enforcement agency. We cannot enter property for assessment or removal of any animals that have been abandoned or mistreated without the direction and presence of a law enforcement agency. If you suspect abandonment or mistreatment of any animals please report to the Oneida County Sheriff Department at 715-361-5201 and they will contact us for assistance.
>> Live Traps
Oneida County offers Live Traps for rent. If you have a cat or dog in your area and need the use of a live trap to help contain the animal contact OCHS at 715-362-5992 for more information on the use of our live traps
>> Microchipping
The Oneida County Humane Society offers Microchipping services for community members with animals that were not adopted from us as well. The cost is $15.00 and performed by appointment only. We are able to microchip dogs, cats, and some rabbits. Please call 715-362-5992 to discuss with staff and schedule an appointment.
Our Board Members
- Maggie Hogan, Lake Tomahawk
- Karla Ortman, Pine Lake
- Sue Otis, Minocqua
- Pat Winger, Hazelhurst
- Karen Matchulat, Sugar Camp
- Claire Kelk, Hazelhurst
- Katie Thoresen, Newbold
- Luke Drummond, Rhinelander
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 North Stevens Street, Rhinelander, WI 54501.
