Redeeming Your Lost Pet

Pet Redemption Policy & Procedure

Coulee Region Humane Society serves as the official stray-holding facility for La Crosse County. If you suspect that your pet may be here as a stray, please review our redemption policy and procedures outlined below to make the process as smooth for you as possible. While CRHS desires all pets be reunited with their owners, Wisconsin law only requires pet owners be given four days from the date the pet enters our care to come forward and reclaim their pet. After four days, CRHS gains legal ownership of the pet and, due to limited space and resources, we'll move forward with evaluating and preparing them for placement.

To reclaim your animal, you will need the following items:

  • A valid state-issued ID.

    • The legal owner of the animal is required to perform the redemption. If necessary, the legal owner can give permission over the phone or in writing for someone else to redeem his or her pet.

    • You must be 18 years or older to redeem an animal to our shelter.

  • A current rabies certificate or proof of a pre-paid rabies appointment.

    • Proof of rabies is required to redeem your pet. 

    • A rabies or license tag is not sufficient proof. A tag alone does not ensure that it is linked back to the pet you are reclaiming.

    • If you do not have a current rabies vaccination, you will be required to pre-pay for one at your vet clinic and schedule an appointment to have it administered within 10 days of reclaiming you pet.

    • CRHS may also be able to offer the rabies vaccine in-house prior to redemption, but this is dependent on veterinarian availability.

Howard the Beagle at Coulee Region Humane Society in Onalaska, Wisconsin.
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  •  Current pet license or proof of a pre-paid pet license (as required by your local municipality).

    • All dogs in the state of Wisconsin are required by law to be licensed for the current year, cats vary on municipality.

    •  If applicable, you will be required to either show proof of a current pet license, a prepaid license or license at CRHS at time of redemption.

  • Redemption Fees. 

    • Total fees are determined by multiple factors including: number of days the pet has been in our care, whether or not the pet has a current rabies vaccine, if the pet requires licensing, number of previous redemptions within the past five years, and potential medical services provided to the pet prior to redemption (including but not limited to: rabies and exam, emergency veterinary care provided while the pet is on stray hold, and care provided to the pet once the stray hold ends.)

    • Total fees must be collected at time of redemption via cash/card. We do not accept checks.

Animal Control may issue a compliance or citation for reasons including but not limited to: failure to keep pet properly contained/controlled, failure to vaccinate for rabies or license, and concerns regarding the pet's health and/or condition.

Please call the Coulee Region Humane Society at 608-781-4014. Staff members are available throughout the week to go over the redemption process with you in detail. Your animal can be redeemed during our business hours as follows:

  • Weekdays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

  • *Please note that holidays may affect these hours*

State and local statutes and ordinances: Wisconsin State Statute 173  |  La Crosse County Animal Regulations 11.31 | City of La Crosse Ordinance Animals Chapter 6