Compassion in Action
Giving Animals a Second Chance
The Eau Claire Community Humane Association (ECCHA) is dedicated to promoting the well-being and protection of all domestic pets and small agricultural animals. We give animals a voice by educating the public about the need for the humane treatment of all animals and responsible pet ownership. Our goal is to create a better community for both pets and people.
We Believe All Animals Deserve Compassionate Love & Care
The Eau Claire Humane Association provides comfort and hope to many. Oftentimes, animals arrive at our shelter scared and alone, but through our programs they are given warmth, food, safety and the opportunity to find a new home. The results of our work are evident throughout our community; measured by animal lives saved and human lives enriched.
Adopt
Find your forever friend. Save a life, support a good cause and bring a new furry family member into your home through our adoption process.
Learn more Volunteer
There are many ways you can serve. Turn your thoughts into actions by volunteering at the shelter and/or fostering a pet.
Learn more Donate
ECCHA receives no funding from any local, state or national organization. We rely on donations from our generous community and municipality partnerships – people just like you.
Learn more Lost/Found
We understand the panic of realizing your pet is missing and we hope to reunite as many families as possible. If you have found a stray animal, you can report it here.
Learn more Shelter Stats
1,316
Animals Taken into Shelter in 2023
1,060
Animals Adopted in 2023
234
Lost Pets Reunited with their Owners in 2023
353
Spays and Neuters Performed in 2023
94%
Live Release Rate - No Kill Shelter in 2023
5,728
Volunteer Hours in 2023
Featured Animal Spotlight
Felix James
Felix is a handsome man surrendered to ECCHA in November of 2023. Felix was diagnosed and treated for diabetes just before being surrendered to the shelter. Felix's insulin was tapered down and at this time the vet feels he needs one unit every 24 hours with his diet being monitored. Felix is not on a prescription diet and eats the same good quality wet cat food as does his house mates with some kibble as a treat. Felix is a lap cat and enjoys petting and attention between naps. Felix James adoption fee has been waived due to his diabetes.
Pets & People
Support Services
The Eau Claire Community Humane Association offers a variety of services to help support pet owners and our animal population.
Owner Resources
Raising a pet can be difficult and there is so much to learn – that’s why we’ve put together some helpful resources for you and your furry friend.
Buster’s Blog
Testimonials
They care so much about the animals in their care. The employees and volunteers are knowledgeable, friendly, and so easy to work with. We adopted from them and the process was great. They make sure the animals are going to a great forever home.
Jessica S.
I took a stray cat to them to see if she was chipped. Not only did they check that, (she wasn't) but they checked her over for fleas, removed a tick, treated her ear mites and trimmed her claws.
Nicole Y.
Both the employees & the volunteers are super nice. You just know they love & care about the animals in their care! Clean & well staffed. Will answer any questions you could have. Save a life!!! Adopt a companion!!!
Nancy A.
Upcoming Events
3rd Annual Santa Paws Kickoff Event
Nov 22 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Purses for Paws 2025
Feb 7 @ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
FAQs
Check out our list of frequently asked questions. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, please reach out to us.
Why do you have adoption fees/why are your fees so high?
On average, it is $17 per day to board an animal not including if they need additional medical care. Our adoption fees go straight back into our budget to take care of the thousands of animals we see yearly!
What is the adoption process?
Our process is all online! Choose the animal you would like to meet, we will schedule a meet and greet, then you can take your new friend home! If you are not sure who you would like, you can fill out one of our general applications to meet more than one animal.
Do you euthanize or “put down” animals?
“ECCHA is committed to reducing euthanasia. We believe every animal deserves an opportunity. Our goal is to serve animals throughout their lives, and our programs focus on ending homelessness and addressing the needs of animals. We strive to do the greatest good, given limited resources, to help the greatest number of animals. In balancing the welfare of the animals with our responsibility to the public, we recognize not all animals are suitable for adoption.
When the difficult decision is made to end an animal’s life, we believe compassionate euthanasia by injection is the most humane and dignified method. This difficult decision is made ONLY when all other options have been exhausted, including working with other shelters, raising funds to provide for medical care, and utilizing our network of foster homes.”
Are you county funded?
ECCHA is not county funded. We have contracts with municipalities in the area to board animals, but we do not receive money from the county or city.
Are you a no kill shelter?
At the Eau Claire County Humane Association we have an open admission philosophy — we accept every animal regardless of health, age, breed, or temperament. We feel open admission is essential to providing shelter and care to the thousands of animals who otherwise have no safe refuge. Our live release rate is 95% – which puts us in the category of a no-kill shelter.
If I find an animal, can I bring it straight to you?
Please give us a call first as contracts may differ depending on your city or county.
Where do you get your funding?
Close to 70% of our funding comes from donations! The remaining 30% is from contracts with municipalities as well as grants.
Do I have to work with the animals as a volunteer?
No! Volunteers are needed in all areas. Including laundry, dishes, data entry, office work, events and more!
Contact Us
Whether you’re looking to adopt, volunteer or simply want to chat about your love for animals, we’re all ears (and paws). Contact us today!
