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.
How many animals do you adopt out each year?
On average, we adopt 1,500 animals out yearly.
Can I adopt a stray that I found?
If the animal is deemed healthy and sits the mandatory 4 day stray hold, yes!
Can I foster animals if I have other animals in my home?
Yes! Our foster coordinator will work with you to find the best fit for your home.
Why did my application get denied?
Typically an application is denied because we do not think the animal is a good fit for your home. You can speak to our adoption coordinators about your application at 715-839-4747 ext. 21
Why aren’t you open to view animals all the time?
We found that the animals experience less stress and less illness when we are not open all the time. This also gives the staff more opportunity to spend time with the animals and get to know them to ensure we are adopting them to the perfect family!
Do all animals in the shelter have behavior issues?
Definitely not! While some animals may have their quirks, a majority of our animals were surrendered due to no fault of their own.
Why do animals get surrendered to the shelter?
The number one reason people surrender their animals is due to moving or major life changes.
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.
How many Barn Cats can I adopt at once?
While there isn’t really a limit, we do have a minimum. Unsocialized cats do not take to companionship from humans so it is essential that they have a cat friend to bond with. Cats relocated in pairs are also more likely to stay after release, and they keep each other warm during inclement weather.
What do I do when I bring a Barn Cat home?
When you bring the new cats home, they will need to be confined to an escape-proof room or enclosure like a tack room, garage, coop, or XXL dog crate for at least 2 weeks while they acclimate to their new surroundings. A 4 week confinement period usually yields better results. You will feed/water and clean the litter pan daily during the confinement period. After this period of confinement, the cats will usually accept their new home and may be released.
Do you have Barn Kittens?
The youngest cats in the Barn Cat program are approximately six months. ECCHA will not adopt out younger kittens as barn cats, as they don’t yet have the knowledge, size, or skills to remain safe outdoors. Most cats in the barn cat program are young adults between one and five years of age, though we may have younger and older cats available occasionally.
Can I look at or select my Barn Cats?
For safety reasons, the barn cats ECCHA have available are not accessible to visitors. When you are scheduled to adopt, ECCHA will select barn cats for you based on which cats are the most eager to enter a cat carrier for us.
Do you accept open bags of food?
Yes! As long as it is not expired.
Do you accept gently used items? Toys, dishes, etc.
Yes! We only ask that it is items we can easily sanitize.
There is a stray animal on my property. Can you come catch it?
We do not come to your property to catch animals, but you can contact Animal Control (city of Eau Claire) and they are able to pick them up!
There is a [wildlife animal] on my property. Can I bring it to you?
We only take in animals that are considered domesticated. Our friends at Chippewa Valley Wildlife take care of our wild friends!
Is my animal going to be safe with you?
ECCHA is committed to providing a safe haven for all animals that come through our doors. They will receive the absolute best care possible given by our staff. While we know the decision to surrender was very difficult, know that they are in loving hands with us.
What happens if it takes a long time for an animal to be adopted?
There is no limit on time for an animal to be adopted. In some cases, we will transfer animals to other area partners if we think that area could be a better fit for adoptability.
Can I bring an animal to surrender at any time?
We book surrenders in advance to ensure we have the kennel space.
Why does an animal have to go to foster?
There are many reasons why animals go to foster. The main reasons are: medical, they need socialization or work on their manners, or they generally do not do well in the shelter as it is a very stressful environment.
Why do you euthanize animals?
“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.
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.
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.”
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 get to choose what animal I foster?
Not all animals are good foster candidates, but our foster coordinator will take your preferences into consideration when finding the perfect temporary pet!
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!
Why is it taking so long to surrender my animal?
The shelter is experiencing a very high volume of surrenders and strays. We try our very best to accommodate for as quick as our schedule allows – but we must adopt animals out to move more in!
Do you have friendly Barn Cats?
The cats in the Barn Cat program are generally not social or friendly and would make unsuitable “pets”. They have no desire to be “lap cats” and cannot be touched, or may take a very long time (if ever) to trust enough to allow a person to pet them.
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!
