The Ultimate Guide To The Chippewa Humane Association: 7 Ways You Can Help Right Now
As of December 26, 2025, the Chippewa Humane Association (CHA), the primary animal welfare organization serving Chippewa Falls and the surrounding Chippewa County, is at the forefront of local animal rescue efforts, recently managing a high-profile intake of animals from an animal neglect case. The organization, also known as the Howard Gibbs Memorial Animal Shelter, operates with the core mission of relieving the suffering of homeless companion animals through excellence in care and placement. Their work is a non-stop cycle of rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming, making community support absolutely critical for their success.
The shelter is currently focused on a crucial infrastructure project—a major fencing overhaul—while simultaneously handling a large volume of animals, including the 14 dogs recently seized by Chippewa Falls police in an animal neglect investigation on December 1, 2025. This dual challenge highlights the constant need for donations, volunteers, and adoptive families to keep the shelter running efficiently and safely. Every dollar and every hour of service directly impacts the lives of hundreds of animals each year.
Chippewa Humane Association: Biography and Core Mission
The Chippewa Humane Association (CHA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing shelter and care for lost, abandoned, and surrendered pets in the Chippewa Falls area. While commonly searched for as the "Chippewa Falls Humane Society," its official designation is the Chippewa Humane Association, and the facility itself is named the Howard Gibbs Memorial Animal Shelter. This vital organization is run by a dedicated team of staff and a volunteer Board of Directors.
- Official Name: Chippewa Humane Association (CHA)
- Facility Name: Howard Gibbs Memorial Animal Shelter
- Location: 10501 County Highway S, PO Box 562, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
- Mission: To relieve the suffering of homeless companion animals by setting an example of excellence in animal care and placement.
- Annual Impact: The CHA provides care and facilities for hundreds of homeless pets annually, with recent figures indicating care for approximately 650 animals.
- Leadership (Board of Directors):
- Cheryl Halida - President
- Nick Goeman - Vice President
- Angela Docksey - Secretary
- Lori Mueller - Treasurer
- *The Board meets monthly, typically on the second Monday at 6 PM.
The shelter is more than just a temporary holding facility; it is a center for animal welfare, offering comprehensive services including medical care, spay/neuter programs, and behavioral enrichment. Their commitment to the community extends to lost and found resources, helping reunite pets with their owners across Chippewa County.
Urgent Needs: The New Fencing Project and Recent Rescue Efforts
The Chippewa Humane Association is currently navigating a period of high demand, driven both by ongoing operational needs and a critical infrastructure upgrade. The community's response to their calls for support is essential to maintain their high standards of animal care.
The Critical New Fencing Project
One of the CHA's most significant current endeavors is the "New Fencing Project." This initiative is vital for improving the quality of life for the dogs in their care and increasing the shelter's overall capacity. Manager Sam Wojcik noted that this project has been on the shelter's wish list for quite some time.
The goal of the project is to divide the existing outdoor space, allowing for more dogs to safely enjoy outdoor time simultaneously. This is crucial for their physical and mental well-being, providing essential behavioral enrichment. The community has previously rallied around this cause, with Northwestern Bank offering a matching gift opportunity to double donations received during a recent fundraising drive.
Donations for the New Fencing Project remain a top priority, as improved facilities translate directly into better care and higher adoption rates for the shelter's residents.
Responding to Crisis: The December 2025 Animal Rescue
The shelter's capacity was recently tested by a significant local event. On December 1, 2025, Chippewa Falls police seized 14 dogs from a local apartment following an investigation into alleged animal neglect.
The intake of this many animals at once places an immediate strain on resources, including staff time, veterinary supplies, and kennel space. The CHA is responsible for the ongoing care, rehabilitation, and eventual placement of these rescued animals, proving the continuous and often unpredictable nature of their work. This is a powerful reminder that the need for support is always immediate and urgent.
7 Essential Ways You Can Support the Chippewa Humane Association Today
Supporting the Chippewa Humane Association goes beyond simply writing a check. There are numerous ways to contribute, catering to different resources and time commitments. Whether you are local to Chippewa Falls or an animal lover elsewhere, you can make a tangible difference.
1. Adopt a Companion Animal
The most direct way to help is by providing a permanent, loving home. The adoption process at the CHA is thoughtful and thorough to ensure a perfect match. It begins with filling out an adoption application.
For dog adoptions, the shelter requires that any existing dogs in the potential adopter's household meet the dog available for adoption at the Howard Gibbs Memorial Animal Shelter. This ensures compatibility and a smooth transition for the new family member.
2. Donate to the Fencing Campaign
Financial contributions, especially those earmarked for the New Fencing Project, are crucial for long-term infrastructure improvements. Donations can be made online via their website or mailed directly to their PO Box in Chippewa Falls.
3. Fulfill Items on the Detailed Wish List
The shelter's daily operations rely heavily on donated supplies. By purchasing items from their official wish list, you ensure the staff receives exactly what they need. Current, high-priority items often include:
- Soft Dog Treats (LSI: training rewards)
- Kong Dog Toys (LSI: enrichment activities)
- Martingale Collars (LSI: safe walking gear)
- Puppy Chow and Purina Kitten Food (LSI: specialized nutrition)
- Pate Canned Cat Food (LSI: palatable food for sick/picky cats)
- Wood Kitty Litter (LSI: health-conscious cat care)
Donations of these items, often available through online retailers like Walmart, directly reduce the shelter’s operating costs, freeing up funds for medical emergencies and facility maintenance.
4. Become a Dedicated Volunteer
Volunteer opportunities are the lifeblood of the CHA. Volunteers assist with everything from walking dogs and socializing cats to cleaning kennels and helping at special fundraising events, such as the annual "Purr and Paw Murder Mystery Dinner."
5. Participate in Fundraising Events
Keep an eye on the Chippewa Humane Association’s calendar for upcoming events. These community gatherings are not only fun but are essential for raising the necessary funds for operational costs and special projects. Previous successful campaigns have helped raise over $45,000 for safety improvements.
6. Utilize Lost and Found Resources
If you have lost a pet or found a stray animal in Chippewa County, the CHA is the central hub for lost and found resources. Contacting them immediately can significantly increase the chances of a successful reunion.
7. Consider DIY Donations
For those who are crafty or looking for a project, the CHA often accepts "DIY Donations." These can include hand-knitted blankets, fleece tug toys, or other homemade items that provide comfort and enrichment for the animals. Check their website for specific guidelines on acceptable DIY items.
The Chippewa Humane Association continues to be a beacon of hope for homeless pets in Wisconsin. By supporting their current campaigns, like the New Fencing Project, and contributing to their daily needs, the community ensures that the Howard Gibbs Memorial Animal Shelter can continue its vital work of animal care and placement for years to come.
Detail Author:
- Name : Delta Howe
- Username : treinger
- Email : treva.kirlin@becker.com
- Birthdate : 1996-03-05
- Address : 666 Reichel Viaduct Harmonfort, CT 20491
- Phone : 1-425-519-7007
- Company : Mertz, Renner and Halvorson
- Job : Financial Examiner
- Bio : Dolores iste sed repudiandae dolorem. Tempora non odio accusantium laudantium maiores sint enim itaque. Et et eius quo. Ducimus et quod est qui deleniti id.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/eboehm
- username : eboehm
- bio : Consequatur nulla tempore et delectus. Dolorum vitae nisi commodi qui numquam.
- followers : 4067
- following : 2424
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@eldridge_boehm
- username : eldridge_boehm
- bio : Quod adipisci natus veritatis dolorem voluptates. Id odio quod voluptates iure.
- followers : 3065
- following : 1977
