From the Beginning
St. Croix Animal Friends came together in 2005 as a group of concerned citizens who were passionate about getting a much needed animal facility built in St. Croix County. We elected a board of directors and became a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization in 2006. We spent the next few years welcoming membership to the organization, encouraging volunteer participation, hosting various fundraising events and searching for land on which to build a future animal facility.
The Quest for Land
On September 26th, 2010, after receiving approval from the County Board of Adjustment, St. Croix Animal Friends purchased 6.5 acres of land on Highway 65, in Roberts, Wisconsin, for the purpose of building a Humane Society Adoption and Education Center in St. Croix County. This beautiful land is situated at an excellent location for our purposes. St. Croix Animal Friends is grateful for the generous support of the many members, donors, sponsors and volunteers who contributed to make this land purchase possible. The land is owned by St. Croix Animal Friends debt free.
Why Build an Animal Facility
The need for an animal facility is truly urgent as so many homeless, abused, and neglected animals in this county currently have no place to go. Also, as St. Croix County is the fastest growing county in Wisconsin, the need for this type of facility will become even more critical. St. Croix Animal Friends is the only organization in the county committed to addressing this continuing need.
Humane Society Adoption and Education Center
We plan to build a new 6,000- 8,000 square foot facility designed with the capacity for future expansion to house approximately 45 dogs and 75 cats. The cost to build, staff, and maintain the facility is estimated to be several million dollars.
St. Croix Animal Friends Humane Society Adoption and Education Center will be a “limited intake” facility where animals will be surrendered and then adopted out after careful screening for any medical or behavioral problems. As educating the public about all aspects of animal care is a major priority for SCAF, the building will include a room specifically designated for educational activities.
Animal Programs Already Underway
We currently offer several assistance programs for pet owners in St. Croix County. Our Spay/Neuter Program subsidizes owners in need of financial assistance to keep their pet from reproducing. We provide Emergency Medical Assistance on a needs basis. Our Outreach Program offers food for animals whose owners may not have the resources to provide a healthy diet for their pets. An Emergency Foster Program works to place homeless cats and dogs with families on a temporary basis until a forever home can be found for them. This program is directed by a Certified Canine Trainer and Behavior Specialist. A large volunteer base is needed to sustain a successful foster program. Please consider becoming a temporary foster volunteer.
A Capital Campaign
Now that we have acquired a site for the animal facility, St. Croix Animal Friends is moving on to the next phase of their work. We are doing extensive fundraising and preparing for a Capital Campaign. How fast we reach our goal of building a Humane Society Adoption and Education Center depends entirely on how quickly sufficient community and donor support can be garnered. As a non-profit organization, SCAF depends entirely on donations to build the facility and to support its continued operation.
There’s Work to be Done
Getting an animal care facility built is a huge endeavor and SCAF would appreciate help in many different areas including fundraising activities (Animal Walk, dance, brat stands, and casino trip to name a few), marketing and fund research, public relations, and animal foster care as well as adoption. We encourage you to join us in our efforts to promote the health and well-being of dogs and cats, to provide support for their owners, and to finally make an animal care facility a reality.
