Humane Society of Barron County

Humane Society of Barron County The Humane Society of Barron County is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) animal shelter serving Barron County and surrounding areas since 1978.

Wisconsin Dog Seller License #268219 *We are currently open by appointment only for animals!*
An Appointment is required for adoptions, meet & greets, and animal surrenders. Our open hours are for our Pet Pantry and Donation drop off. We also have a donation bin located outside our door for after hours drop offs. The Humane Society of Barron County is a non-profit 501(c)3 animal shelter serving Ba

rron County and surrounding areas. We are dedicated and diligent in finding permanent, loving homes for all companion animals that have found their way to us. We are operated by a small staff and rely heavily on volunteers, as well as funds from donations, memberships, and fundraisers to keep our doors open.

🐾 Found Cat – Rice Lake🐾This cat was found near the Rice Lake Sp*edway and was brought to HSBC today. They are now safe ...
06/16/2026

🐾 Found Cat – Rice Lake🐾

This cat was found near the Rice Lake Sp*edway and was brought to HSBC today. They are now safe in our care, and we are hoping to reunite them with their family as soon as possible.

If you recognize this cat or believe they may be yours, please contact us:
📞 715-537-9063
📧 [email protected]

Please share to help us get this kitty back home! 💕🐱

🎉 Dorothy Update! 🎉Big day for our girl Dorothy! Today she is at the vet being spayed, which means she will officially b...
06/16/2026

🎉 Dorothy Update! 🎉

Big day for our girl Dorothy! Today she is at the vet being spayed, which means she will officially be ready to find her forever home. 💛🐾

And honestly? Dorothy has been absolutely crushing life in foster care.

This sweet girl is house trained, sleeps through the night in her crate (with the door open, thank you very much), rides beautifully in the car, and is learning that life as a beloved family dog is pretty fantastic.

Dorothy loves being around her people and is becoming more affectionate every day. She has the most squishable face in town and is finally starting to understand that cuddles, cheek scratches, and spending time close to people can be pretty wonderful.

She also walks nicely on leash and approaches the world with that classic beagle curiosity, always ready to put her nose to work and investigate whatever interesting scent comes her way.

As much as Dorothy loves people, she absolutely thrives with other dogs. She is most confident when she has a canine friend by her side and will need a home with another confident, playful dog who can continue showing her the ropes and join her in adventures.

Dorothy has met children and did very well. However, because the world is still a little scary and overwhelming at times, we believe she would do best with older children who can understand and respect that she is still learning, building confidence, and may occasionally be nervous or startled by new experiences.

A few weeks ago, Dorothy was afraid of grass and unsure about almost everything. Today she's exploring, learning, trusting, and preparing for the next chapter of her life.

We couldn't be more proud of this girl, and we can't wait to find the lucky family that gets to call her their own. ❤️

🐾📢 Larry here with an important update from foster care.Day 31.That's right. I've officially been searching for a home o...
06/16/2026

🐾📢 Larry here with an important update from foster care.

Day 31.

That's right. I've officially been searching for a home of my own for more than a month now.

Now, don't get me wrong. Foster life is pretty great.

I've discovered couches.

I've discovered routines.

I've discovered that people spend a surprising amount of time just... hanging out in houses. Honestly, I think they might be onto something.

My foster family reports that I am a very good houseguest. I haven't had any #1 accidents at all, and while there have been a couple of #2 incidents, I am working really hard on that whole house-training thing and expect that nonsense to be firmly behind me very soon.

(Please note that I am requesting we never discuss those particular incidents again. It's quite embarrassing.)

I've also learned that when my foster people leave the house, I do just fine hanging out in my crate. No complaints here.

My favorite part, though, is simply being included.

I love following my foster family around, supervising household activities, and being part of whatever is going on. Making coffee? I'll help. Watching TV? I'll supervise. Folding laundry? I have thoughts.

And apparently, I'm pretty smart.

I've been working on learning all sorts of new skills, including Sit, Stay, and this fascinating concept humans call "walking nicely on leash."

It's a good thing I pick things up quickly.

I mean, imagine being this handsome and this intelligent. 🐾😎

So while foster care has been wonderful, I'd really love a home that's mine forever.

A place where I can keep learning, keep being included, and keep proving what a good boy I am.

I think I'm officially ready for that next chapter.

What do you say? 💙

— Larry

🎩🐾 A message from Randolph.Okay.I hear there have been reports that I'm "shy."That I get "nervous meeting new people."Th...
06/15/2026

🎩🐾 A message from Randolph.

Okay.

I hear there have been reports that I'm "shy."

That I get "nervous meeting new people."

That I "need time to warm up."

And while those statements may have been accurate at one point, I'd like to provide an update.

Last week, one of my roommates here at HSBC had a Meet & Treat appointment.

Naturally, I assumed the visitors were there to see me.

There was a family, with a little boy.

And I thought, "Finally. My people have arrived."

So I launched a full-scale charm offensive. (See blurry photo as evidence).

I sniffed.

I rubbed my scent on them.

I purred.

I hung around them.

I presented myself in the most handsome manner possible.

And somehow...

THEY WERE THERE FOR SOMEONE ELSE.

I know.

I was shocked too.

The good news is that the experience taught me something.

I think I'm ready.

Ready to stop being the cat who hangs back.

Ready to stop holding onto the title of Longest Shelter Resident.

Ready to trade it in for a much better title:

Someone's Best Friend. 💙

Don't get me wrong, I'm still a thoughtful guy. I'm still an old soul. I'm not going to bounce off the walls or perform backflips for attention.

But lately I've decided that maybe people aren't so scary after all.

In fact, they're pretty nice.

Especially when they provide pets.

And snacks.

And tell me how handsome I am.

So if you've been waiting for a sign to come meet me, this might be it.

Because after months of watching other cats find homes, I think it's finally my turn.

And I'd really like to know what it feels like to be someone's favorite cat. 💙🐾

— Randolph

🧡🐾 Hey there. Carl here.As you may remember, I filed an official complaint last week regarding the completely unreasonab...
06/15/2026

🧡🐾 Hey there. Carl here.

As you may remember, I filed an official complaint last week regarding the completely unreasonable removal of food services prior to my surgery.

Well I am here with an update...

I have devised a new strategy.

The humans think they are very clever with their "meal schedules" and "appropriate portions." They are not.

Every morning, I begin my carefully orchestrated campaign. Maximum purr volume. Dramatic meowing. Gentle grabs of passing humans. The goal is simple: remind everyone that feeding Carl is the single most important task of the day.

This works beautifully because I have also mastered the art of hiding food under my bed.

You see, the empty bowl and my award-winning hangry performance guarantee an immediate First Breakfast. Only later, when they make my bed, do they discover my carefully stored Secret Second Breakfast.

By then? Too late.

I have already enjoyed First Breakfast, crunched my hidden Second Breakfast, and am mentally preparing for Lunch.

Repeat this process throughout the day and one can almost double one's meals.

Carl: 1
Humans: 0

Please do not tell them. I am very close to unlocking Third Breakfast. 🐾

Over the weekend, Sunny got the opportunity to spend some time hanging out in the office, meeting with staff, reviewing ...
06/15/2026

Over the weekend, Sunny got the opportunity to spend some time hanging out in the office, meeting with staff, reviewing operations, and carefully evaluating the current state of affairs at the shelter.

After what he is calling a "hard days work", he has asked us to share the following official statement on his behalf..

These photographs were taken during what I can only describe as The Difficult Times. It started in the office at 2 pm.

As you can see, my lick plate was empty.

My puzzle feeder was empty.

I had finished my Pupsicle.

And despite making myself fully available for cuddles, the humans were busy doing something called "work."

I handled this the way any well-mannered gentleman would.

A gentle head butt.

A nose tucked under an elbow.

One tiny little "woof." (Indoor voice, I have manners)

A very expressive sigh.

The occasional soulful stare.

I am pleased to report that my polite requests were successful. So please don't be alarmed by the expression on my face. This picture was taken before the situation was resolved. I have made a full recovery and, with courage and determination, I believe I will survive until supper time.

We are very excited to announce that our sweet Rose was the first of our Golden Girl Ridglan Farm Rescue Beagles to go h...
06/13/2026

We are very excited to announce that our sweet Rose was the first of our Golden Girl Ridglan Farm Rescue Beagles to go home yesterday. 💛🐾

Rose had three very successful meet-and-greet sessions with her new family over the past 2 weeks, where they were able to spend time together, build trust, and grow comfortable with one another. These visits helped ensure that Rose was feeling confident, secure, and truly ready for this big next step.

During her time getting to know her adopters, Rose had the opportunity to meet all members of her new family, including her new canine brother, and everything came together beautifully.

We are so incredibly happy for Rose and her new family and wish them all the best as they begin this new chapter together. Watching her take this step is what all of this work is about. 💛

The rest of our Golden Girl Gang is still patiently waiting and continuing their journey toward finding their own happily ever after.

🍽️🐾 As anyone who has pets knows, feeding schedules get a little disrupted before surgery.For the safety of animals unde...
06/13/2026

🍽️🐾 As anyone who has pets knows, feeding schedules get a little disrupted before surgery.

For the safety of animals undergoing anesthesia, food has to be withheld for a period of time beforehand. Most animals are mildly inconvenienced by this arrangement. Some voice a few complaints. Some give us disappointed looks.

And then there's Carl. Carl did not simply complain. Carl had a full blow hangry meltdown.

In fact, Carl has filed what appears to be a formal grievance.

We would like to remind everyone that Carl was, in fact, fed appropriately and that all medical protocols were followed.

Carl would like to remind everyone that this information is irrelevant.

Please see his official statement below. 🧡🐾

I would like to file an official complaint.

Apparently I was not allowed to have 2nd supper and breakfast because of my neuter surgery. I have reviewed this policy and strongly disagree.

Naturally, I spent the morning making my feelings known. I meowed. I purred at maximum volume. I reached out and gently grabbed every passing human to make sure they understood the gravity of the situation. No claws, of course. I am a gentleman.

I even deployed my patented Sad Face (see photos). Nothing. These people are professionals.

The good news is that I have discovered a weakness in their system. If I become sufficiently hangry and dramatically affectionate at the same time, someone usually stops to pet me. And if someone stops to pet me... perhaps they will also remember that I have not eaten in at least four hundred years.

I am a very friendly cat with a very big heart and an even bigger appreciation for snackies. In fact, I have already mastered the art of obtaining Second Breakfast.

My work is not finished.

Sincerely,

Carl, Champion Purrer, Professional Companion, and Full-Time Food Critic 🐾

💜🐾 Meet Gretchen 🐾💜We're sharing Gretchen a little earlier than we normally would.Typically, we'd like to have more info...
06/12/2026

💜🐾 Meet Gretchen 🐾💜

We're sharing Gretchen a little earlier than we normally would.

Typically, we'd like to have more information to share about her medical needs, and a clearer picture of what her future care may look like before introducing Gretchen to the world.

But Gretchen is 18 years old.

And we know that finding the right home for a dog like Gretchen is a big ask.

So we don't want to waste any of her precious time.

Gretchen is an 18-year-old Frenchie/Boston Terrier mix who recently arrived at HSBC after her owner lost their housing. She spent many years as someone's beloved companion, and now we're hoping to help her find a very special home for her last chapter.

Right now, we're exploring all options while learning about Gretchen, and working to better understand what support she may require moving forward. What we do know is that she's reported to be housetrained (with the use of p*e pads), does well with other dogs, enjoys getting outside for walks, and still appreciates all the little things that make life good.

☀️ A sunny spot to nap.
🐾 A leisurely stroll.
💜 A gentle chin scratch.
🛏️ A soft place to rest.
And most importantly, someone who cares.

We know a dog like Gretchen won't be the right fit for every home.

But we also know there are people out there with extraordinary hearts.

People who understand that older dogs still deserve comfort, love, dignity, and a family.

People who see the beauty in giving a senior dog the soft landing they deserve.

Please share Gretchen's story.

The perfect home may not be looking for her yet, but with enough shares, maybe they'll find her.

And that's exactly what this sweet girl deserves. 💜🐾

Address

1571 Guy Avenue
Barron, WI
54812

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 3pm
Tuesday 11am - 3pm
Thursday 11am - 3pm
Friday 11am - 3pm
Saturday 11am - 3pm

Telephone

+17155379063

Website

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