menu close open event RSVP required ticketed event
Toggle Search

WHS Racine Campus Opens Today

Significant changes made to existing facility

RACINE — The Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus will open for animal adoptions on Monday, January 7, just one week after acquiring the former Countryside Humane Society in Racine. 

“After seven days of intense work and preparation, we are so excited to open to the public,” said Alison Fotsch Kleibor, Director of the Racine Campus. “The Wisconsin Humane Society is bringing 135 years of experience to the Racine community, along with resources that make it possible for us to make the commitment to find every animal in our adoption program a home, no matter how long it takes.”

The past seven days have been very busy for WHS staff as they prepared for opening day, focusing on three key areas: 

Building upgrades

The building has undergone significant renovation in the past week, including a cleaning operation on New Year’s Day that enlisted the help of 20 volunteers. Every surface was scrubbed and disinfected, walls were given fresh paint, new doors were installed, spaces were repurposed and remodeled, and the HVAC system is being upgraded.

Animal care improvements

Cat dens were introduced to the feline population. These simple plastic dens provide a quiet escape for cats, reducing their stress and thereby reducing disease transmission. In addition, all the dogs got Kuranda beds, which are raised beds designed for shelter use. These comfy beds also brought the dogs off the concrete floor. Both the beds and cat dens were made possible by the generosity of private donors in the community. 

Staff training under new leadership

Most of CHS’s staff accepted positions with the WHS Racine Campus, and they have worked closely with the new leadership to make the transition as successful as possible. Staff members have gone through comprehensive training on adoption processes, animal care, customer service, and shelter maintenance.


The public is invited to stop by any time to see the upgraded facility and view adoptable animals.

The shelter hours are: Monday - Friday: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday: closed. The WHS Racine Campus is located at 2706 Chicory Road in Racine, WI. The new website is www.wihumane.org.


  • Monday, January 7, 2013
  • For Immediate Release
  • Media Contact: Angela Speed
  • (414) 431-6104
  • aspeed@wihumane.org