There's a special kind of joy that comes with opening your home and heart to an animal in need. If you're considering adding a furry companion to your family, MADACC (Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission) is a wonderful place to start your search. They focus on giving unclaimed stray animals a second chance at a happy life.
Meeting Your Potential Match
One of the most important things to know about adopting from MADACC is that you really need to visit them in person. They don't have the resources to provide detailed information about adoptable animals over the phone, so a trip to the facility is the best way to see who's waiting for you. Their adoption hours are pretty consistent: weekdays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, and weekends from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
A Two-Tiered Adoption Approach
MADACC operates with both an in-house and a foster-based adoption program. This means you might meet an animal right at their building, or they could be in a temporary foster home, eagerly awaiting their forever family.
Special Considerations for Adopters
If you've found a stray animal and are considering adopting it yourself, it's crucial to discuss this with MADACC staff at the time you bring the animal in. You'll need to fill out the necessary paperwork and pay the adoption fee, which would be refunded if the original owner reclaims the pet. However, you only have a 24-hour window from when MADACC takes custody to decide. After that, they'll proceed with other adoption or transfer plans for the animal. It's a good idea to be prepared to pay via credit/debit card when you drop off the animal if you're considering this option.
Pre-Selection for Dogs
For some dogs, MADACC offers a "Pre-Selection" option, making them available for adoption even before their stray hold period officially ends. Not every dog qualifies for this, but if you meet one and it feels like a match, they'll set up an adoption. Of course, if the dog's owner shows up to reclaim them, the dog goes home to their family, and the adoption is voided with a full refund.
The Adopter Profile: Helping You Find the Right Fit
When you arrive at MADACC, you'll be asked to fill out a short, easy "Adopter Profile." This form is designed to help the staff understand your lifestyle and preferences so they can help you find the animal that best suits your home. You can even download and fill it out beforehand if you like!
Ensuring a Safe and Happy Match
Sometimes, especially with dogs, MADACC might ask that any resident dogs in your home meet the dog you're interested in adopting. This is to ensure compatibility, looking at things like play style and significant size differences (over 20 lbs can be a safety concern). It's all about making sure the adoption is a success for everyone involved. MADACC does reserve the right to decline an adoption if they have safety concerns.
Adoption Fees and What to Expect
The adoption fees vary per animal. For cats, it's a bit different: cats 5 months and over have their adoption fee waived entirely, with only a $12 license fee for Milwaukee County residents. Kittens (2-5 months) are $125, and specialty or purebred cats range from $125 to $300. Puppies and dogs have fees ranging from $75 to $500.
Beyond the Building: Foster Animals
If you're interested in a cat or kitten that's currently in a MADACC foster home and has been cleared for adoption, you can fill out the paperwork online. It's another great way to find a wonderful companion.
Joining the Community
Once you've adopted, consider joining the MADACC Alumni Facebook page. It's a fantastic place to share photos of your new family member, connect with other adopters, and celebrate the joy of giving a deserving animal a loving home.
Adopting an animal is a rewarding experience, and MADACC is there to help you navigate the process and find your perfect match.